Endoscopic Facelift Zurich. The Ponytail Facelift
Scarless, Hidden Incision Facelift.
The endoscopic facelift, also known as the ponytail lift, is the latest minimally invasive scarless facelift technique for treating facial ageing. Dr. Tim J. Janssen follows an anatomically oriented approach with a focus on the vertical repositioning of tissues along their natural vectors.
In modern facelift surgery, the technique is individually tailored to the specific findings. Dr. Tim J. Janssen offers three variations of the endoscopic facelift for this purpose, which are designed for different stages of facial and neck ageing.
The choice of the appropriate technique is made based on individual anatomy. The goal is a precise, natural-looking result without any visible signs of surgery.
What is an endoscopic facelift?
An endoscopic facelift uses a high-resolution camera system to lift the deep tissue layers (deep plane) through incisions completely hidden in the hairline. The goal is to harmoniously mobilise deeper anatomical layers as a unit to minimise tissue trauma.
In contrast to traditional facelift techniques, including the deep plane facelift, this method is characterised by:
- A more vertical tissue repositioning instead of a lateral pull
- Complete preservation of the superficial vascular and lymphatic channels
- No facelift scars in front of the ear or at the hairline due to minimally invasive access
- A reduction in soft tissue trauma and a shorter recovery period
Dr. Janssen applies the endoscopic technique in three clearly defined facelift procedures, which are selected based on facial anatomy and ageing patterns. Patients often compare this approach to a Deep Plane Facelift or other conventional facelift operations. Although the indications for these techniques may overlap, they differ significantly in terms of scar placement, vector of lift, and tissue trauma. A detailed explanation can be found in our article Endoscopic vs. Deep Plane Facelift.
Overview of endoscopic "scarless" facelift procedures
Dr. Janssen performs three different endoscopic facelift techniques, each targeting different anatomical regions of the face and neck. Choosing the correct method is crucial for balanced and long-lasting results.
1. The HI Lift™
Hidden Incision Endoscopic Deep Plane Face and Brow Lift (Ponytail Lift)
The HI Lift™, often referred to as a Ponytail Lift, is an endoscopic deep plane face and brow lift designed to rejuvenate the face through incisions concealed within the hairline, avoiding visible facelift scars.
It is particularly effective for lifting and restoring the brow, upper face, and midface while maintaining a natural, refreshed appearance.
Key features:
- Endoscopic lifting of the face as well as the temporal region and forehead in the deep layers (deep plane)
- Lifting in the vertical vector to restore natural proportions
- Hidden scars in the hairline
- No incisions around the ears and therefore no facelift scars
This procedure is ideal for patients who desire natural rejuvenation without treating advanced signs of ageing in the lower face or neck.
2. HI Lift™ Face and Necklift
Hidden Incision Deep Plane Face and Necklift
The Endoscopic HI Face and Neck Lift combines the scarless Face and Brow lift (Ponytail lift) with a Hidden Incision Neck Lift, addressing both facial descent and neck laxity for comprehensive, undetectable face and neck rejuvenation.
Treated areas:
- Eyebrows and temporal region
- Lower eyelids
- Midface and cheeks
- Corners of the mouth (downturned)
- Mild to moderate jowls
- Neck and submental region (area under the chin)
Key features:
- Endoscopic lifting of the face as well as the temporal region and forehead in the deep layers (deep plane)
- Additionally, the neck is tightened via hidden incisions in the posterior ear crease
- Lifting in the vertical vector to restore natural proportions
- Hidden scars in the hairline
- No incisions around the ears
Who is this best for?
Best suited for:
- Moderate ageing (35 to 60)
- Brow, face and neck descent
- Filler associated facial heaviness
3. The Hybrid HI Lift™
Scarless Endoscopic Facelift with Lower Deep Plane Face and Necklift
The hybrid face and neck lift is the most comprehensive endoscopic facelift procedure in our practice. It treats advanced signs of ageing in the entire face and neck area, including pronounced jowls. The scars are significantly more discreet than in comparable deep plane facelift procedures.
Treated areas:
- Eyebrows and temporal region
- Lower eyelids, midface, and cheeks
- Corners of the mouth (downturned)
- Advanced signs of ageing in the lower third of the face, jowls
- Neck and submental region (area under the chin)
Key features:
- Endoscopic lifting of the face as well as the temporal region and forehead in the deep layers (deep plane)
- Neck tightening via hidden incisions in the posterior ear crease
- Additional open deep plane facelift for the lower third of the face and neck area
- Lifting in the vertical vector to restore natural proportions
- Hidden scars in the hairline
- No incisions around the ears in the upper third of the face and therefore no facelift scars
Who is this best for?
Best suited for:
- Moderate to advanced ageing
- Patients with advanced lower face laxity
- Filler associated facial heaviness
This technique is ideal for patients with more advanced facial ageing who wish to avoid the scars around the ear and hairline distortion associated with traditional facelift surgery.
Dr Tim Janssen’s Hybrid Endoscopic Facelift Featured on Channel 4
The Channel 4 team followed Joyce from her initial consultation through surgery and recovery for Episode 3 of Surgery Secrets of the Super Rich. With a television crew capturing every stage of the operation, there was no room for error as Dr Tim Janssen performed a Hybrid Endoscopic Face, Brow and Neck Lift, offering viewers an unfiltered insight into the procedure
Follow Joyce’s Hybrid Endoscopic Facelift journey on Channel 4 →
Endoscopic Facelift Before and After Gallery
Below are examples of Dr Tim Janssen’s endoscopic facelift results. Individual outcomes vary depending on anatomy, skin quality, age, previous filler, and whether additional procedures such as neck lift, brow lift, blepharoplasty or CO₂ laser were performed.
Case 1
Hybrid Endoscopic HI Face and Neck Lift™
Age: 54
Procedure: Hybrid Endoscopic Browlift, Face and Necklift including Jowli-lift
Three-quarter view at 14 weeks following endoscopic Facelift surgery for advanced signs of facial ageing.
Case 2
Endoscopic HI Lift™
Age: 43
Procedure: Endoscopic Scarless Face and Browlift (Ponytail Facelift)
Three-quarter view at 12 weeks following an endoscopic facelift performed through 15mm incisions concealed in the hairline.
Case 3
Endoscopic HI Face and Neck Lift™
Age: 43
Procedure: Endoscopic Scarless Browlift, Face and Necklift
Profile-view at 6 months following comprehensive scarless facial rejuvenation surgery.
Case 4
Revision Endoscopic HI Lift™
Age: 51
Procedure: Revision Endoscopic Scarless Face and Browlift (Ponytail Facelift)
Three-quarter view at 12 weeks following a complex revision after a Deep Plane Facelift 3 years ago with a different surgeon.
Case 5
Endoscopic HI Face and Neck Lift™
Age: 50
Procedure: Endoscopic Scarless Browlift, Face and Necklift (Longterm result)
Three-quarter view showing the long term results beyond 1 year following a comprehensive scarless Facelift, Browlift, and Necklift
Case 6
Hybrid Endoscopic HI Face and Neck Lift™
Age: 61
Procedure: Hybrid Endoscopic Browlift, Face and Necklift including Jowli-lift
Front view at 4 months following a Endoscopic deep plane Facelift, Browlift, and Necklift as well as lower facelift.
What makes the HI Lift™ different?
In all three techniques, the Hidden Incision Facelift is distinguished by several fundamental principles.
Hidden incisions
Vertical lifting
Preservation of anatomy
Natural results
Find out more about the endoscopic facelift here.
Suitable candidates – who qualifies?
Patients for an endoscopic facelift typically show:
- Early to advanced signs of ageing
- Volume loss or sagging in the midface area
- Drooping or heavy eyebrows
- Laxity of the neck skin, with or without the presence of jowls
- Good skin quality is beneficial
The endoscopic facelift is particularly suitable for patients who seek a natural restoration of facial structure and do not desire a drastic change. In line with what ELLE magazine has described as the "Undetectable Era," the procedure follows an approach aimed at subtle, unrecognisable results. You can read more about it here.
During a personal consultation, it will be assessed which of the three facelift techniques is suitable for the individual case. Click here to get in touch with a team member.
Surgical details and anaesthesia
All endoscopic facelift procedures are performed under general anaesthesia after a complete preoperative examination.
Typical surgical times:
- Hidden Incision Facelift: 3 to 4 hours
- Hidden Incision Face and Necklift: 4 to 6 hours
- Hybrid endoscopic face and neck lift: 6 to 8 hours
Depending on the extent of the surgery, the procedures can be performed on an outpatient basis or with an overnight stay.
Healing process after an endoscopic facelift
Typical healing process:
- Day 1 to 5: skin-coloured tape for swelling and bruising
- After 2 weeks: usually ready for social activities
- After 6 weeks: swelling has mostly subsided
- After 12 weeks: the preliminary final result is visible
Supporting therapies may include:
Complementary procedures
Depending on the findings, the endoscopic facelift can be combined with additional procedures to achieve a particularly natural overall result. These include:
- Neck lift
- Upper eyelid lift
- Lower eyelid lift
- Lip lift
- CO₂ laser resurfacing
- Autologous fat transfer to the face
The selection of appropriate procedures is made during the consultation and is individually tailored to the anatomical conditions.
You can find out more about our complementary procedures here.
Tissue-sparing technique and long-term results
The advantages include:
- No visible scars
- Preservation of vascular and lymphatic structures
- No deformation of the ear or tragus
- Comparable long-term results to open deep plane facelifts
All risks, including haematoma, infection, sensory changes, and asymmetry, are discussed in detail during the consultation.
The results typically last between 10 to 15 years, depending on genetics, lifestyle, and the ageing process.
Postoperative care and follow-up
All patients receive:
- Regular follow-up appointments
- Direct access to the clinical team, including 24-hour support
- Individual advice on measures that can support the healing process
To schedule a consultation for an endoscopic facelift, you can contact a team member here.
