Dr. Konstantin in GLAMOUR: The Ponytail Lift – A Revolutionary Facelift Technique?

GLAMOUR’s article about the controversial, yet highly coveted “Ponytail Facelift” technique trademarked by Dr. Chia Chi Kao, explores the compelling reasons this trendy facelift is gaining momentum for those desiring an aesthetically pleasing instant result. With minimal downtime, no visible scarring this procedure claims to put an end to spending thousands of dollars on keeping up with injectables.  The ponytail lift seems like the perfect option for patients of all ages, even as young as 17, looking for a quick,

convenient and long-lasting facial rejuvenation. Yet, does this phenomenon truly deliver the incredible results it promises as compared to more traditional gold standard SMAS and deep plane lifts?

Dr. Kao uses a miniature fiber-optic endoscopic camera inserted in a small opening in the skin, allowing a magnified view of the remote parts of the surgical site, so that short, nearly invisible incisions can be made behind the ears and in the hairline. For the sought-after result, Dr. Kao completes the procedure with an eye, brow and a cheek lift. Fat transfer is often used as a final touch to add more volume to the face.

While there are great benefits of performing a facelift endoscopically, it should be noted that other types of facelifts such as SMAS and deep plane lifts can be done endoscopically-assisted as well.  The use of the endoscope often times can allow for a shorter incision.  However, a shorter incision is not always a good thing.  “Everybody tries to make incisions shorter, but at some point when you start making them too short, shorter than necessary for this particular patient, you’re going to start compromising results,” Dr. Konstantin says.

Although the ponytail lift presents a seemingly ideal solution for those concerned with a long recovery, bruising and scarring associated with traditional facelift surgeries, one should keep in mind that those shortcuts can result in less than optimal outcome.

You can read the full article in GLAMOUR. If you are interested in facial rejuvenation for yourself, please call our Manhattan-based practice. We will be happy to help you set up a consultation with New York’s top facial plastic surgeon and facelift expert, Konstantin Vasyukevich, MD.