Shaping The Future of Plastic Surgery

The Ponytail Academy is the only place that you can learn the Ponytail Lift™ Technique from it’s creator,
world-renowned plastic surgeon, Dr. Chia Chi Kao.

Dr. Chia Chi Kao demonstrating the Ponytail Lift technique to students at his Ponytail Academy

About
The Ponytail Academy

World-renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Chia Chi Kao founded Ponytail Academy to teach his Ponytail Lift™ technique, an innovative, minimally invasive procedure offering discreet, natural results. The academy provides hands-on training under Dr. Kao's mentorship, focusing on advanced techniques in facial contouring, fat grafting, and lifting methods. This program equips surgeons to deliver exceptional, personalized enhancements.

Ponytail Academy Classroom

Sign-Up
For Our Next Session

Ready to master the transformative Ponytail Lift™ technique?

Take the first step toward offering your patients remarkable, natural-looking results by applying to the exclusive Ponytail Academy. Through hands-on training, you’ll learn Dr. Kao’s signature Ponytail Lift™ technique, including advanced contouring, lifting, and fat grafting methods—all directly from Dr. Kao himself. Elevate your expertise with this unique opportunity to learn one of today’s most sought-after surgical techniques.

Dr. Chia Chia Kao surrounded by students at Ponytail Academy

What Is The
Ponytail Lift™ Technique?

The Ponytail Lift™ technique is a minimally invasive procedure performed endoscopically through four small incisions hidden within the hairline. This approach lifts the cheeks, brow, and jawline for a natural, youthful look without visible scars. By using specialized techniques, including fat injections and non-excisional lifts, the procedure rejuvenates the face with minimal downtime. Ideal for patients seeking subtle enhancements, it combines efficiency with the precision needed to create soft, refined contours

Portrait of a Dr. Chia Chi Kao in a navy suit with a light blue shirt and patterned tie, smiling, against a black background.

Important
Message From Dr. Kao

Have you ever wondered about the vision and driving purpose behind the Ponytail Academy?

In a new message, our founder, Dr. Kao, shares the personal journey and core philosophies that inspired him to create this unique institution. He reflects on the moments that defined his career
and his unwavering belief in empowering fellow surgeons through shared knowledge.

We invite you to read his important message to discover the passion and principles
the Ponytail Academy was built upon.

Upcoming Courses

  • Black and white aerial photo of a city skyline with tall buildings, bridges over a river, and hills in the background.

    SOLD OUT - The Ponytail Academy - IFATS 2025

    Pittsburgh, PA
    Thursday, September 25th, 2025

    Join The Waitlist
  • A black and white photo of a pier extending over the ocean with a large Ferris wheel and amusement park rides on the right side. The sky has scattered clouds, and a few people are walking on the beach.

    The Ponytail Academy

    Santa Monica, CA
    Date(s) - TBD

    Wait List
  • Black and white photo of a city skyline with tall skyscrapers reflected in water.

    The Ponytail Academy

    Location TBD
    Information Coming Soon

    Wait List
Cover page of the 2025 International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science (IFATS) 22nd Annual Meeting program, featuring a city skyline at sunset reflected in water.

22nd Annual IFATS Meeting

  • Full day Aesthetic Anatomy Lab (preconference) on Thursday, September 25th Featuring Chia Chi Kao and Advanced Endoscipic Facelifting with Fat Grafting

  • Latest Innovations in Aesthetic Fat Grafting

  • Current Advances in Reconstructive Fat Grafting

  • State of the Art for Adipose in Regenerative Therapies