What Is a Ponytail Facelift?
If you’re starting to notice early sagging in your cheeks, around your eyes, or along your jawline, a ponytail facelift can restore a subtly lifted, refreshed look without the downtime of a full facelift. This minimally invasive procedure, also called an endoscopic midface lift, gently elevates and repositions your facial tissues, recreating the uplift you see when your hair is pulled into a high ponytail. Double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Sam Rizk offers the technique to patients seeking an elegant, early intervention that keeps you ahead of facial aging while preserving your natural appearance.
A Quick Look At Ponytail Facelifts With Dr. Rizk
Discover the Benefits of a Scar-Hiding Ponytail Facelift
Opting for a ponytail facelift with Dr Rizk addresses the first signs of aging in your 30s or early 40s, and hides tiny incisions entirely within the hairline. Below, discover the key advantages that make this approach stand out.
Subtle Yet Significant Changes
The beauty of the ponytail facelift lies in its ability to create noticeable improvements that don’t scream “surgery.” This procedure smooths and elevates the midface, softening early jowls and restoring youthful contours to the cheeks. The changes are refined and focused on enhancing your natural features for a rested and revitalized look.
Minimal Scarring, Faster Recovery
A key advantage of the ponytail facelift is its discreet incisions, which are strategically hidden entirely within the hairline. This meticulous approach avoids visible scarring, particularly in front of the ear, which is common with traditional techniques. The minimally invasive nature of the New York ponytail facelift typically translates to a significantly shorter and more discreet recovery period.
Focused on Lower Face and Neck:
The ponytail facelift primarily targets the midface, including the cheeks and the area around the eyes. It can also provide a subtle lift to the jawline. This procedure is designed for early signs of aging and is not a replacement for a deep-plane vertical facelift, which addresses more significant laxity in the lower face and neck.
A Specialized Technique for Natural, Refined Outcomes:
Performed through tiny, endoscope-guided incisions concealed entirely within your hairline, the ponytail facelift demands exacting skill to elevate deep tissues and restore youthful contours, never a stretched or “done” appearance. Dr. Rizk’s precise method leaves almost no visible scars and gives you smooth, natural results.
Experience Matters: Dr. Rizk’s Signature Ponytail Facelift Expertise
Dr. Sam Rizk’s board-certified expertise in advanced facial plastic surgery, particularly the nuanced ponytail facelift and endoscopic midface lift techniques, makes him a leading choice in New York City. His deep understanding of facial anatomy and commitment to natural-looking results ensure an outcome that is both rejuvenating and discreet.
Preview Real Results: Explore Our Before and After Gallery
Explore the transformative, natural-looking results achieved with the ponytail facelift by Dr. Rizk. View our Before and After Gallery
History 55 yo female only 1 week after deep plane facelift / temporal browlift / rhinoplasty : chin implant revision and anterior jawline fat transfer. My goal is to not only turn back the clock but to create facial balance which is the essence of beauty.
*Results may vary.
History 54 yo RHONH cast member underwent extended deep plane facelift / rhinoplasty shown 3 days post surgery . Will update more pictures as she continues on her healing journey but note incredible jawline definition.
*Results may vary.
62 yo patient is shown 2 weeks after deep plane facelift. You could see jawline definition and a cleaner jowl area even with the swelling.
*Results may vary.
45 year old female patient who underwent deep plane vertical facelift and is shown 1 year after surgery . Note hidden incisions behind ear tragus cartilage enables patient to pull hair back with minimal hidden scars . Note jawline definition .
*Results may vary.
45 year old female who is shown one day after revision facelift/neck lift done with deep plane vertical approach.
*Results may vary.
Patient is 1 week after deep plane facelift / necklift and we show this with sutures around ears because patients often ask us how will we look at 1 week. Note jawline definition and sutures hidden in ear and hairline to allow ponytail without visible scar.
*Results may vary.
*Results may vary.
See more patient photosHow Is a Ponytail Facelift Performed?
This advanced facial rejuvenation technique is typically performed in-office, as an outpatient, using local anesthesia to ensure you are comfortable at all times. The process begins with a discreet incision placed behind the ear, carefully concealed to minimize any visible signs of surgery.
Once the entry point is made, Dr. Rizk gently lifts and refines the underlying facial structures. By repositioning and smoothing the tissues, the procedure enhances natural contours and delivers a more vibrant, youthful look. After any surplus skin is removed, the area is meticulously closed.
Designed to be both subtle and effective, the ponytail lift is a quick, low-impact procedure that usually takes about an hour and requires minimal recovery time.
Place Your Trust in Dr. Rizk’s Advanced Ponytail Facelift Approach
Choosing Dr. Sam Rizk for your Ponytail Facelift means entrusting your care to a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon renowned for his surgical skill and artistic finesse. Dr. Rizk possesses a deep understanding of the underlying facial structures, allowing him to adapt each Ponytail Facelift with exceptional precision. Patients specifically seek out Dr. Rizk’s New York practice for his advanced techniques that ensure minimal scarring, often hidden discreetly, and promote a significantly shorter downtime compared to traditional methods.
- Dr. Rizk is double board-certified, a testament to his rigorous training and expertise specifically in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, including advanced endoscopic techniques essential for the ponytail facelift.
- Consistently recognized among New York’s top surgeons, Dr. Rizk is a respected authority and innovator in facial aesthetics, sought after for his refined techniques and contributions to the field.
- Dr. Rizk prioritizes hidden incisions and techniques that support a swift, discreet recovery, essential for patients seeking subtle yet impactful facial enhancement with a mini ponytail facelift
Read Our Ponytail Facelift Patient Testimonials
Discover what our patients are saying about their ponytail facelift experience with Dr. Rizk.
Video Testimonials
Find Out if the Ponytail Facelift Matches Your Aesthetic Goals
The ponytail facelift is ideal for those seeking early, subtle facial rejuvenation and enhancement. Dr. Rizk carefully selects candidates for this procedure.
This technique is best suited for:
- Individuals in their 30s to early 40s.
- Those with early signs of facial aging.
- Patients with good skin elasticity.
- People with minimal neck laxity.
- Those desiring discreet, hairline incisions.
- Individuals seeking an endoscopic midface lift.
When performed on the right patient, the ponytail facelift can be a subtly powerful tool for early facial rejuvenation. However, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s important to note that this technique is not a replacement for a deep-plane vertical facelift, which remains the gold standard for treating deeper laxity, jowls, and aging in the lower face and neck.
Recovery Journey: What Happens After Your Ponytail Facelift
Recovery from a Ponytail Facelift is generally quicker and more comfortable than from traditional facelift surgery. Most patients experience some mild swelling, bruising, and tenderness in the treated areas, particularly around the temples and cheeks. Dr. Rizk will provide detailed post-operative instructions to manage discomfort and promote healing. Typically, patients can expect to return to work and light social activities within one to two weeks, though strenuous exercise should be avoided for about three to four weeks. The discreet incision placement within the hairline means any signs of surgery are well-concealed, allowing for a private and swift return to your routine after your New York Ponytail Facelift.
Understanding the Potential Risks of Ponytail Facelift
While the ponytail facelift is a safe procedure when performed by an expert like Dr. Rizk, all surgeries carry some inherent risks. These are generally minimal and will be thoroughly discussed during your consultation.
Potential risks include:
- Temporary swelling or bruising.
- Numbness around incision sites.
- Asymmetry (rare with skilled surgeons).
- Infection or bleeding (uncommon).
- Hair loss at incision sites (usually temporary).
Book Now: Schedule Your Private Ponytail Facelift Consultation
Ready to explore if the mini ponytail facelift is right for you? Schedule a private consultation with Dr. Sam Rizk in NYC to discuss your aesthetic goals.
Dr Rizk In The Media
Dr. Rizk was voted by his peers as a Top Doctor in 2025 – For the 21th consecutive year!
Connolly Best Doctor
Dr. Rizk featured in Town & Country Magazine as one of the masters of the subtle lift and tweak that will turn back time
Voted by peers to New York Magazine’s 2013 Top Doctors
New Advances in Facelifting Techniques by Dr. Sam Rizk
The Role Of The Hidden Platysma Muscle In Neck And Facial Aging
The Use Of Fibrin Sealant In Short Scar Facelift
Short Scar Face-Lift Text by Dr.Rizk
Dr. Rizk believes:
“Dr. Rizk had developed his own techniques and published his methods for customizing procedures to the patient’s facial structure and degree of aging, as opposed to a one size fits all approach. As more and more younger patients, including men, are requesting cosmetic facial procedures, Dr. Rizk believes that his newer techniques are better tailored to them. To that end, Dr.. Rizk authored some landmark articles on facelift, rhinoplasty, and blepharoplasty surgery, describing new techniques to be applied differently to younger versus older patients.”
Awards & Certifications
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What surgical technique is used?
The ponytail facelift is an endoscopic midface lift, which targets the key areas of early aging: cheeks, jawline, and the skin around the eyes.
What makes this approach unique?
With no visible scarring in front of the ear and no need for surgical drains, Dr. Rizk’s approach prioritizes both the aesthetic outcome and patient comfort.
Why do patients choose Dr. Rizk for this procedure?
Patients value Dr. Rizk’s innovative, drain-free approach, which prioritizes a rapid recovery and delivers incredibly natural-looking results.
Popular Facelift Treatments
Necklift
As we age, muscles become loose and drop underneath the skin. Dr. Rizk’s Lift differs it addresses the deeper tissue by going under the muscle. Once the deeper tissue is lifted, the excess skin is trimmed. Scars heal better because there is no tension on superficial layers and skin This lift results in a natural, softer look and creates definition.
Blepharoplasty
Blepharoplasty can be performed on the upper eyelids, the lower eyelids, or both at the same time. The procedure helps to restore puffy, sagging, or tired-looking eyes by removing excess fat, skin, and muscle from the upper and lower eyelids. Your facial plastic surgeon will choose from a variety of techniques based on the area being treated.
Browlift
A browlift can enhance the youthful appearance of the eyes and revitalize drooping or lined foreheads Dr. Rizk uses traditional or minimally invasive methods, to alter the muscles above the eyes, smooth lines, and raise the eyebrows for a more youthful appearance.
Otoplasty
The ears are among the most noticeable areas of the face and head as a whole. Unfortunately, when ears do not have the appropriate proportions, or if they site at an awkward angle, or have an unconventional shape, it is common to experience low self-esteem and /or ridicule.
By Dr. Sam S. Rizk, M.D., FACS.
Dr. Rizk is a double-board-certified facial plastic surgeon who specializes in rhinoplasty surgery and is a recognized expert on the latest advances in facial plastic surgery techniques. He performs a range of facial plastic surgeries at his New York practice.