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.