Located in the heart of downtown Toronto, just steps from the boutiques and restaurants of Yorkville, FACE Cosmetic Surgery is dedicated to providing surgical and non-surgical facial aesthetic solutions for both men and women.
251 Davenport Rd. Toronto, ON M5R 1J9
The Ponytail Lift with Dr. Rui Han Liu — FACE Toronto
An endoscopic facelift — also known as a Ponytail Lift — is a minimally invasive approach to facial rejuvenation. Through small incisions placed within the hairline, the brow, cheeks, and midface are lifted along a natural vertical line — the same line you see when hair is gathered into a high ponytail.
At FACE Toronto, this technique is performed by Dr. Rui Han Liu, who completed her medical education at Johns Hopkins, her surgical residency at Harvard Medical School, and her facial plastic surgery fellowship here under Dr. Asaria's mentorship. She honed her deep knowledge of facelift surgery through participation in hundreds of facelifts. In addition to this, Dr. Liu completed the advanced course in the Ponytail ® Lift pioneered by Dr. Chia Chi Kao and she now brings this approach to our clinic. The aim, as with any procedure at this practice, is a result that looks like rest rather than alteration.
Dr. Liu joins FACE Toronto, the Yorkville practice founded by Dr. Jamil Asaria, where balance, facial harmony, and a natural outcome are prioritized in every consultation.
Dr. Liu offers the endoscopic facelift to patients across Toronto seeking meaningful rejuvenation — without the longer incisions or extended downtime of a traditional facelift.
An endoscopic facelift lifts sagging facial tissue in a vertical direction — much like the effect you see when hair is pulled back into a high ponytail. Rather than tightening the skin alone, the technique repositions the deeper structures of the face. The retaining ligaments are released and the fat pads are elevated, addressing the descent that comes with age.
The procedure addresses:
Because the incisions sit within the hairline, this approach leaves no visible scarring around the ears. The endoscopic approach allows for a combined browlift with an excellent midface lift. More advanced surgery can allow for improvement in the jawline and jowls.
Dr. Liu performs the Ponytail Lift using an endoscope — a fine surgical camera that guides the procedure through small incisions placed within the scalp. This is careful, deliberate work, often taking more time than a traditional facelift: small surgical tunnels are created to allow the tissue to be mobilized, elevated, and supported with precision. This technique has been described as a scarless facelift as it avoids the traditional incision that is located in front of the ear. While this incision typically heals beautifully in most patients, the endoscopic technique avoids this incision line and the scars are hidden in the hairline.
The endoscopic lift is best suited to patients with early to moderate facial aging, good skin elasticity, and concerns centred on the brow, cheeks, and midface. Patients with more pronounced sagging in the lower face and neck may be better served by a traditional facelift. Dr. Liu reviews your anatomy and goals during a consultation to confirm the right approach for you.
The endoscopic facelift is an approach to facial aging that has been refined and popularized by surgeons including Dr. Chia Chi Kao. For patients who wish to avoid the incisions in front of the ear associated with a traditional facelift, this technique can offer an alternative — meaningful elevation and mobilization, without visible scarring.
Dr. Liu trained directly alongside Dr. Asaria for a year before bringing this technique to FACE Toronto, and approaches it with the same care and attention to natural results as the rest of the practice.
Curious whether the Ponytail Lift is right for you? A consultation with Dr. Liu is a private, unhurried conversation about your goals and your anatomy — and the right approach for you specifically.
Consultations with Dr. Liu are currently complimentary.
Contact our Yorkville office to arrange your visit.
Because the technique repositions the deeper structures of the face rather than tightening skin alone, results are long-lasting. Your face continues to age naturally afterward, and the effect softens gradually over the years that follow.
Endoscopic facelifts are typically performed under general anesthesia in an accredited surgical setting, though the approach depends on the extent of your procedure. Dr. Liu confirms the right option for you during your consultation.
Usually two to five hours, depending on the areas treated and whether it is paired with another procedure. Dr. Liu reviews the expected timeline with you once your surgical plan is set.
You will not feel pain during surgery, as the procedure is performed under anesthesia. Most patients describe mild to moderate tightness or discomfort afterward, which medication and rest help manage.
As with any surgery, possible risks include swelling, bruising, temporary numbness, and — less commonly — infection or nerve weakness. The endoscopic approach is designed to minimize visible scarring and reduce the amount of skin elevation, and Dr. Liu reviews every consideration with you beforehand.
Light walking is fine in the first few days, but strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should wait several weeks. Dr. Liu clears you for your full routine at a follow-up visit based on your healing.
Yes — many patients pair the Ponytail Lift with eyelid surgery, fat grafting, or injectable treatments for a more complete result. Dr. Liu can map out a combined plan during your consultation to match your goals.
The incisions are small and placed within the scalp and hairline, so they remain concealed as your hair grows. Dr. Liu positions them with care to preserve your natural hairline and keep healing discreet.
Practice Policy Update Regarding COVID-19
Dear Patients:
At FACE Toronto we are committed to protecting the safety of our patients, staff, and the general public while maintaining our high standard of quality care. As a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we have made changes to our patient care practices in accordance with all provincial and Public Health recommendations. Our team has been working diligently on enhancing our safety protocols to protect the well-being of our patients, team members, and families. We would like to highlight how we are providing a safe environment for you and our team:
We are so excited to welcome you back and look forward to continuing to help our patients look and feel their best! We encourage you to reach out to our office now to schedule your appointment. Please feel free to contact our team by phone at 416-479-4244 or email at [email protected].
