Ponytail Academy Faculty
Dr. Chia Chi Kao
Dr. Kao, founder of the KAO Institute in Santa Monica, California, is a world-renowned plastic surgeon with over 25 years of experience. Recognized by Vogue for “revolutionizing the future of facelifts,” he pioneered the innovative Ponytail Facelift™ and has been a leader in integrating stem cell therapy into anti-aging medicine for over a decade. His research on regenerative cell therapy has significantly advanced aesthetic medicine.
A graduate of the University of Washington Medical School, Dr. Kao completed a 5-year General Surgery program and became Board Certified in 1997. He later specialized in plastic surgery at USC, focusing on minimally invasive techniques like endoscopic browlifts, mid-facelifts, and limited-incision neck lifts, as well as comprehensive cosmetic and reconstructive procedures.
Dr. Kao has published extensively in professional journals, lectures globally at prestigious conferences, and teaches his techniques in ASAPS Master Class series. His work has been featured in Vogue, Elle, W, and on media like Extra and Oprah Winfrey’s “Aging Gracefully” episode.
Dr. Francisco G. Bravo
Dr. Gómez Bravo is currently serving as the esteemed president of the Spanish Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (AECEP) and is also a distinguished member of the prestigious Spanish Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (SECPRE). Notably, he stands out as one of the select few European surgeons who are recognized as active members of the two most significant American societies in this specialty: The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) and The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). These organizations uphold exceptionally rigorous professional criteria when it comes to admitting international members, highlighting the high regard in which Dr. Bravo is held. In addition to his remarkable achievements, he has also been honored with the award for the best scientific work from the British Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (BAAPS), further validating his contributions to the field.
Dr. Dominik Duscher
Dr. Dominik Duscher is a highly regarded specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery, a distinguished scientist, a best-selling author, a knowledgeable consultant, and a successful entrepreneur. He currently directs the innovative applied regenerative medicine program at Tübingen University and is the proud owner of the Longevity Center Munich, which is recognized as Europe’s first facility dedicated to the principles of longevity medicine. After completing his studies at the prestigious Medical University of Vienna, University College London, and Harvard Medical School, Dr. Duscher pursued postdoctoral research in the field of stem cell biology at Stanford University. Between 2017 and 2020, he made significant contributions while leading the plastic surgery research department at Munich Technical University, during which time he successfully completed his habilitation in applied regenerative medicine. Throughout his illustrious career, he has been awarded multiple patents and has authored more than 140 scientific papers. His pioneering work in the areas of skin and hair regeneration was instrumental in the founding of the biotech company Tomorrowlabs GmbH, where he currently serves as managing partner.
Dr. Raphael Wenny
Dr. Raphael Wenny is a highly regarded specialist in the fields of plastic, reconstructive, and aesthetic surgery. He completed his extensive medical studies in the beautiful city of Vienna, during which he also undertook various educational and practical experiences abroad in diverse locations such as Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Bologna, Italy; Paris, France; and Boston, USA. After finishing his studies, he embarked on a rigorous practical training program as a specialist at the prestigious University Hospital of Basel in Switzerland, which he continued at Kepler University Hospital in Linz under the esteemed guidance of Professor Georg Huemer. Throughout his advanced training, he developed a particular focus on aesthetic surgery, which ultimately led him to pursue additional specialized training opportunities in both Europe and the United States. His enduring passion and special interest lie in performing aesthetic treatments and surgical procedures specifically targeted at enhancing the facial features and improving overall appearances.
Dr. Nicanor G. Isse
Dr. Nicanor G. Isse is a highly respected Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and the esteemed founder of the Isse Institute of Cosmetic Surgery. He is widely recognized for his innovative work in the specialized field of Endoscopic Facial Plastic Surgery and has made significant contributions to the literature through his published writings, as well as through teaching informative seminars on the subject. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Isse serves as an Assistant Clinical Professor at UCLA, where he notably created an advanced Endoscopic laboratory designed specifically for the Plastic Resident's Program. Furthermore, he imparts his knowledge and expertise at UC Irvine's School of Medicine and has previously collaborated with surgical residents at USC, enhancing their education and training. Dr. Isse is also an esteemed international consultant and has played a crucial role in the development of advanced medical devices that contribute to the field of cosmetic surgery.