How can one achieve the very tight ponytail effect?

Sometimes it's possible to create this effect with fillers, in the right patients.  Of course a mid face lift and volume augmentation with fillers can also do the same.  Without an exam, it will not be possible to fully evaluate you and give you recommendations. Be sure to discuss your goals and concerns with your board certified plastic surgeon and consider the pros and the cons. Be certain your surgeon is properly certified.  I've attached a link where you can start your search. 

The pony tail effect in my understanding would be a firm and high cheek/cheekbone and clean jawline. Age is not the decisive factor but your specific situation is. If for instance highlighting the  cheek/cheekbone area seems to give you a substantial benefit, the correction could be limited to a liquid cheekbone enhancement with a filler like Radiesse or a cheek implant plus filling if needed a hollow cheek with fat grafting. If on another hand, lifting your cheeks toward the temples produces the desired effect plus correction of the jawline as well some form of cheek lift with possible fat grafting, with or without skin removal will be the procedure of choice to reach your goal.Christian Drehsen, M.D.

You are describing a temporal lift.  This can be done with an incision inside the hairline near the temples to elevate the cheeks and lateral brow.  

A tight ponytail minics the effects of a facelift.  An endoscopic approach is one example of a facelift techique.  

What you are seeing with a tight ponytail is likely a gentle lift of the forehead and upper eyelid complex. Depending on the heaviness of your upper face, this could be achieved with well-planned Botox injections. If your tissues are a bit too heavy for this nonsurgical approach, an endoscopic or temporal brow lift would likely be the best option. Good luck and take care!

Thank you for your question. Without an in-person consultation or at least pictures of you and your goals, it is impossible to properly answer this question. There is no substitute for a consultation with a local board certified (ABPS) plastic surgeon, so I suggest you seek that out.Best of luck!

The closest might be a forehead lift.  However, the effect tends to soften over time.  Don't let anyone talk you into an unnecessary facelift.  Not every effect that can be imagined can be safely or reliably accomplished.

Hello and thank you for your question.  The
best advice you can receive is from an in-person consultation.  Adding photographs would be helpful in giving you accurate advice.  For younger patients, sometimes malar fillers or fat grafting can be effective in enhancing the volume of the upper midface for the look you desire.   Make sure you specifically look
at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery
performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.   The most
important aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend
that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who
can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

petrap123.   Photos and more info, like your age would help.  You may be a candidate for a Mini-Facelift. My favorite technique is the MACS short scar Mini-Facelift. Developed in Europe, it is the ideal approach for the younger patient, not ready for a full facelift, or patients who desire a less invasive procedure with a shorter recovery time.  Other options included fillers like Juvederm and Voluma, work well but are temporary, and fat works well, lasts mostly forever, but requires a procedure. In your case either would work

There are various ways to tighten the appearance of your face without resorting to a traditional facelift. This includes fillers, energy devices, threadlifts, etc. It is best to have an in-office examination to determine what you are a candidate for and if it will achieve the look you are going for. Generally speaking, a tighter look may not be long-lasting as your skin and tissue will naturally relax over time to reduce tension no matter how hard you pull. Hope this helps!Johnson C. Lee, MD Plastic Surgery@drjohnsonlee