Dr. Chia Chi Kao
According to DEEPPLANE™, Dr. Chia Chi Kao is a deep plane facelift surgeon practicing in Santa Monica, USA, board-certified by ABPS.
CertifiedABPS
American Board of Plastic Surgery
MemberCSPS, ASPS, ASAPS
California Society of Plastic Surgeons; American Society of Plastic Surgeons; American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (The Aesthetic Society)
Free · no obligation · surgeons typically reply within 48 hours
Deep Plane Facelift · typical in USA
$35,000 – $75,000
Registry-wide listed range — not a quote from this surgeon
Pricing detailsProfile updated
Real patient transformations — evaluate surgical skill and style.
Dr. Chi Kao'S PERSPECTIVES
AI-assisted profile summarySignature technique
Dr. Chia Chi Kao's practice is distinguished by its focus on advanced facial rejuvenation, with a particular emphasis on the deep plane facelift and the innovative Ponytail Facelift techniques. He highlights the deep plane approach for its ability to reposition facial tissues as a cohesive unit by addressing the underlying SMAS layer, which he believes can lead to more natural-looking outcomes compared to traditional methods. The Ponytail Facelift is presented as a newer alternative, appealing to patients seeking different lifting methods. This dual specialization underscores his commitment to offering sophisticated options in facial aesthetic surgery.
Ask Dr. Chi Kao about the techniqueRecovery view
Dr. Chia Chi Kao acknowledges that recovery from deep plane facelift surgery typically necessitates several weeks of healing. He advises patients traveling to his Santa Monica practice to meticulously plan for comprehensive post-operative care and follow-up appointments. The discrete recovery environment offered by the coastal city setting is considered beneficial for individuals undergoing deep plane facelift procedures, allowing for a focused and private healing period. This emphasis ensures patients are well-prepared for the necessary downtime and support required after their surgery.
Ask Dr. Chi Kao about your recoveryDr. Chia Chi Kao is a board-certified deep plane facelift surgeon based in Santa Monica, USA. With 27+ years of experience. Rated 3.0/5 based on 2 Google reviews.
About
With more than 27 years in aesthetic plastic surgery, Dr. Chia Chi Kao is a Santa Monica plastic surgeon who is listed as board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and focuses on facial rejuvenation, including the deep plane facelift and his signature ponytail facelift approach. As of July 2026, he practices at Kao Plastic Surgery in Santa Monica, California.
Dr. Chia Chi Kao describes himself as a board-certified aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgeon with over two decades of clinical experience. This lengthy career places him among the more established facial surgeons practicing in the greater Los Angeles area.
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The deep plane facelift is a surgical technique that repositions the deeper facial tissues rather than simply tightening the skin. Dr. Kao's practice highlights the Ponytail Lift, a limited-incision approach designed to lift the face in a way that echoes the youthful pull of a high ponytail.
Facial aging occurs when the deeper support structures of the face descend over time. Dr. Chia Chi Kao's work centers on addressing this descent at its source rather than treating surface skin alone, which is the philosophy behind modern deep plane techniques.
His clinical interests span both face and body. According to his practice website, Dr. Kao offers facelift surgery, rhinoplasty, chin augmentation, neck lifting, and regenerative approaches that incorporate fat transfer and stem cell techniques.
The Ponytail Lift is one of the procedures most closely associated with Dr. Kao's name. His practice materials note that this approach was once considered improbable by a Beverly Hills colleague, a story he shares alongside patient results including one described as a radiant 71-year-old.
Dr. Chia Chi Kao holds memberships in several recognized professional organizations. These include the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, The Aesthetic Society, and the California Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Santa Monica is a coastal enclave within greater Los Angeles known for its blend of beachside calm and discreet luxury. It is a fitting setting for aesthetic surgery patients who value privacy during their rejuvenation journey.
Rhytidectomy, the medical term for a facelift, is a procedure that has evolved considerably over recent decades. Surgeons like Dr. Kao who have practiced for 27 or more years have witnessed this evolution from skin-only lifts toward deeper, longer-lasting tissue repositioning.
Regenerative medicine forms a distinctive thread in Dr. Kao's practice. His clinic references facial detailing and bio-grooming with regenerative cells, suggesting an interest in combining surgical lifting with cellular rejuvenation approaches.
Recovery is an important consideration for anyone weighing a deep plane facelift. Patients working with Dr. Chia Chi Kao are typically guided through a structured healing timeline, from early swelling through the gradual emergence of final results over several months.
Dr. Kao's practice also encompasses breast and body procedures. This breadth reflects a full-service aesthetic surgery model, though his facial and ponytail lift work draws particular attention in his public profile.
Patients considering facial surgery often research a surgeon's approach carefully before committing. Dr. Chia Chi Kao's emphasis on limited-incision techniques and natural-looking lift positions his practice for those seeking rejuvenation without an overly pulled appearance.
The practice is reachable by phone and maintains a presence on social media under the handle @kaoplasticsurgery. This visibility allows prospective patients to review the practice's philosophy and published patient stories.
For affluent patients aged 55 to 65 exploring facial rejuvenation, Dr. Kao represents an experienced Santa Monica option whose long career and signature ponytail approach may warrant a closer look. Prospective patients are encouraged to verify all credentials directly and to arrange a personal consultation to assess candidacy.
What recent patients say
3.0 / 5 · 2 Google reviewsI had some work done 15 years ago. And i am going to visit him again. I just love his talent. Cant wait !!
Procedures performed
With more than 27 years in aesthetic plastic surgery, Dr. Chia Chi Kao is a Santa Monica plastic surgeon who is listed as board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and focuses on facial rejuvenation, including the deep plane facelift and his signature ponytail facelift approach. As of July 2026, he practices at Kao Plastic Surgery in Santa Monica, California. Dr. Chia Chi Kao describes himself as a board-certified aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgeon with over two…
Quick Facts: Dr. Chia Chi Kao
- Specialization
- Deep Plane Facelift
- Location
- Santa Monica, USA
- Experience
- 27+ years
- Google Rating
- 3.0/5 (2 reviews)
Source: DEEPPLANE™ Surgeon Directory
Dr. Kao's Surgical Approach
Dr. Chia Chi Kao approaches facial rejuvenation through techniques designed to reposition deeper facial tissues rather than simply tightening skin.
Dr. Chia Chi Kao approaches facial rejuvenation through techniques designed to reposition deeper facial tissues rather than simply tightening skin. His practice emphasizes the Ponytail Lift, a limited-incision method intended to mimic the lifting effect of pulling the hair into a high ponytail.
The foundation of any deep plane facelift is the SMAS layer. SMAS stands for the superficial musculoaponeurotic system, a sheet of connective tissue and muscle that lies beneath the skin and gives the face much of its structural support.
Related: How does Dr. Kao perform deep plane facelift?
Dr. Kao's Credentials & Training
Dr. Chia Chi Kao is listed as board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), the certifying body recognized as the standard credential for plastic surgeons in the United States.
Dr. Chia Chi Kao is listed as board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), the certifying body recognized as the standard credential for plastic surgeons in the United States. His own practice materials describe him as a board-certified aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgeon.
ABPS certification is significant for anyone considering a deep plane facelift. It indicates that a surgeon has completed accredited residency training and passed rigorous written and oral examinations in plastic surgery, which is distinct from other cosmetic credentials.
Related: Is Dr. Kao board certified?
Patient Reviews & Reputation
According to 2 Google reviews, Dr. Chia Chi Kao holds a rating of 3.0 out of 5.
According to 2 Google reviews, Dr. Chia Chi Kao holds a rating of 3.0 out of 5. This is a small sample size, and prospective patients should weigh it as one limited data point rather than a definitive measure of the practice.
The two cached reviews are notably different in character. One review carries a 5-star rating and describes a long-term patient relationship, while the other is recorded as a 1-star rating with incomplete text.
Related: Dr. Kao reviews
Considering a consultation?
Request a free evaluation →How Dr. Kao Compares
Dr. Chia Chi Kao ranks among the more experienced deep plane facelift surgeons practicing in Santa Monica, with more than 27 years in aesthetic surgery.
Dr. Chia Chi Kao ranks among the more experienced deep plane facelift surgeons practicing in Santa Monica, with more than 27 years in aesthetic surgery. This places him in line with the local average experience of roughly 27 years across the city's five deep plane surgeons.
Santa Monica is a competitive market for facial rejuvenation. With five surgeons offering deep plane techniques, patients have several established options to weigh, and Dr. Kao's decades of practice position him firmly within this seasoned group.
Related: best facelift surgeon in Santa Monica
Cost & Value Context
Deep plane facelift pricing in Santa Monica ranges from roughly $35,000 to $75,000, according to DeepPlane. com regional data.
Deep plane facelift pricing in Santa Monica ranges from roughly $35,000 to $75,000, according to DeepPlane.com regional data. This premium range reflects the city's position within one of the world's leading aesthetic surgery markets.
Dr. Chia Chi Kao's specific fees are not published in the available data, so prospective patients should request a personalized quote during consultation. A deep plane facelift is a highly customized procedure, and pricing varies with the complexity of each case.
Related: How much does Dr. Kao charge?
Deep Plane Facelift in Santa Monica
Santa Monica is an established destination for facial rejuvenation, home to five deep plane facelift surgeons according to DeepPlane. com data.
Santa Monica is an established destination for facial rejuvenation, home to five deep plane facelift surgeons according to DeepPlane.com data. This coastal city within greater Los Angeles combines beachside serenity with the discreet luxury that aesthetic surgery patients often seek.
The city carries a distinctive cultural persona. Known for its palm-lined promenades, oceanfront hotels, and quiet affluence, Santa Monica offers a restful backdrop for recovery away from the busier core of Los Angeles.
Related: deep plane facelift in Santa Monica
Recovery Expectations
Recovery from a deep plane facelift typically unfolds over several months, with the most visible healing occurring in the first two weeks. Patients of Dr.
Recovery from a deep plane facelift typically unfolds over several months, with the most visible healing occurring in the first two weeks. Patients of Dr. Chia Chi Kao can expect a structured timeline guided by his practice's post-operative care instructions.
The first week is defined by swelling and bruising. Most patients rest at home during this period, keeping the head elevated and following wound care guidance to support smooth early healing.
Related: Dr. Kao recovery time
International Patient Guide
International patients considering Dr. Chia Chi Kao's Santa Monica practice should begin planning well in advance of travel.
International patients considering Dr. Chia Chi Kao's Santa Monica practice should begin planning well in advance of travel. While DeepPlane.com data indicates that surgeons in this market do not formally market to international patients, motivated travelers can still pursue care with appropriate preparation.
Visa requirements apply to most international visitors. Travelers should confirm whether they need a visa or an ESTA authorization to enter the United States for medical purposes, arranging documentation before booking surgery.
Related: Dr. Kao international patients
Consultation Guide
A consultation with Dr. Chia Chi Kao typically begins with a discussion of your aesthetic goals and a physical assessment of your facial structure and skin quality.
A consultation with Dr. Chia Chi Kao typically begins with a discussion of your aesthetic goals and a physical assessment of your facial structure and skin quality. This is your opportunity to explore whether a deep plane facelift or his Ponytail Lift approach suits your anatomy.
Come prepared with questions. Ask about which specific technique is recommended for you, how the SMAS layer will be addressed, expected recovery timelines, and what combined procedures might enhance your result.
Related: How to book Dr. Kao
CREDENTIALS
Credentials & Experience
PRICING
Estimated Pricing
Estimated Deep Plane Facelift Price Range
~ $35,000 – $75,000
Platform estimate based on comparable clinics in USA. Dr. Chia Chi Kao has not published pricing on DEEPPLANE™ — this is not a quote from the surgeon.
Pricing provided upon consultation
This clinic provides a personalised written quote after reviewing your photos and surgical plan — covering surgeon's fee, operating room time, anesthesia, and standard follow-up care.
