What To Know About Plastic Surgery's Newest Fad - The Ponytail Facelift

Amidst the domination of social media, it seems like everyone is putting in the effort to make sure their appearance is on point. For some, this means using photo filters to hide unsightly blemishes and pores. Those with a larger budget, however, may have the luxury of considering plastic surgery. This is where new fads like the ponytail lift come into play.

Dr. Chia Chi Kao, a board-certified aesthetic plastic and reconstructive surgeon, is responsible for trademarking the ponytail lift, according to Kao Plastic Surgery's official website. This type of plastic surgery is categorized as an endoscopic procedure (via RealSelf). According to MedicalNewsToday, this means it is a minimally invasive procedure. Ponytail lifts, in particular, require small incisions to take a detailed look at underlying tissue. The surgeon is also able to reach connective tissue without needing to make a larger cut into the skin, reducing the risk of scarring. Now, here is what you need to know about the trendy ponytail facelift, as well as why more people are opting for this form of plastic surgery.

More than 4 million plastic surgery procedures were conducted in 2020, according to The International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Hyaluronic acid fillers accounted for more than 3.5 million of the nonsurgical procedures recorded, while Botox topped the list at 5.3 million procedures.

Because of the brief recovery time associated with fillers, they have exploded in popularity, per Vice. Celebrity usage of fillers has also brought them into the mainstream, particularly through social media. However, not all fillers are created equally, and the long-term effects of them often go undiscussed. This is partly because of the lack of scientific research available on the side effects.

"Fillers can cause different types of swelling and changes in the face long term," Dr. Ben Talei, a California-based plastic surgeon, told Vice. For this reason, Dr. Chia Chi Kao told Glamour that he expects types of plastic surgery like the ponytail facelift to become more common as people experience "filler burnout."

Dr. Chia Chi Kao, who trademarked the popular ponytail facelift, notes on his practice's website that the procedure focuses on enhancing the shape of your face, rather than tightening the skin. Because skin and fat layers are also kept intact during the surgery, they remain healthy. This is compared to traditional facelifts on Dr. Kao's website, which may disrupt blood vessels within the skin.

You can also expect to experience less pain than with a traditional facelift, as cosmetic and reconstructive treatment specialist Dr. Melissa Doft explains to Mane Addicts. Pain medication is usually taken by patients for a couple of days after the surgery, and bruising can last up to a week.

Cost-wise, there tends to be a broad range, according to Mane Addicts. However, you should be prepared to spend at least a few thousand dollars, and the price will likely be dependent on where you have the surgery. Consider speaking to your doctor before electing for this surgery to assess the risks and understand how your health may play a role in your recovery.