About Dr. Kao

Evidence-based, results-driven™
-
KAO AESTHETICS

Dr. Chia Chi Kao established
KAO Aesthetics to bring a more
thoughtful, medically grounded approach to cosmetic wellness in Santa Monica and the greater Los Angeles area. Every
treatment offered at the practice is personally evaluated by Dr. Kao and selected for its safety, scientific
integrity, and ability to produce natural-looking, long-lasting results. Patients who visit the clinic often do so
because they want an advanced, physician-led MedSpa experience supported by real clinical expertise rather than trends
or shortcuts.

At KAO Aesthetics, the team focuses on helping patients
look refreshed, balanced, and confident at every age. Providers are trained directly under Dr. Kao to ensure
consistency in technique, treatment planning, and aesthetic philosophy. This allows the practice to offer a full
spectrum of medical-grade services—from
nonsurgical aesthetic treatments
and
injectables
to
lasers
and
advanced skin rejuvenation procedures—all
designed to improve skin quality, restore facial harmony, and maintain long-term results.

Patients often seek out KAO Aesthetics when looking for a trusted, high-end MedSpa experience in Santa Monica or Los
Angeles because they value a practice that blends medical precision with an artistic eye. Whether someone is beginning
their aesthetic journey or refining specific features, the goal is always the same: create results that look natural,
elegant, and entirely personal to the patient.

The practice follows current clinical standards and references trusted medical resources such as the

American Society of Plastic Surgeons

to guide treatment options and patient education. Dr. Kao’s work—including his internationally recognized
Ponytail Lift®—has been featured extensively in media and academic publications, further highlighting
the practice’s role as a leader in modern, nonsurgical and minimally invasive facial rejuvenation throughout Southern
California.

The Founder of KAO Aesthetics

Dr. Chia Chi Kao is known worldwide as a pioneer and leader in aesthetic medicine. As a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon with nearly two decades of experience, Dr. Kao’s breakthrough techniques have changed the landscape of plastic surgery and cosmetic therapies alike.
Dr. Chia Chi Kao

Innovations

Dr. Kao’s passion for discovering new ways to serve his patients effectively led him to create the scientific innovations he is known for today. These include the development of modern surgical techniques like the Ponytail Lift™ Technique, Ponytail Facelift™ Technique, and Alexandra Breast Lift™.
However, his dedication to treating patients with greater effectiveness didn’t stop at the surgical level. Dr. Kao has also developed effective non-surgical methods for treating patients, including the KAO Shot™, TriFecta™, and the VitaImmune O2 Protocol to address unwanted fat, signs of aging, and overall wellness.

Professional Society and Global Affiliations

As a lecturer and educator, Dr. Kao has spoken at several organizations, such as the American-Brazilian Aesthetic Meeting®, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), and the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS).
Dr. Kao continues to lecture at national and international forums across the cosmetic industry. As the author of several research publications, Dr. Kao also appears in prestigious medical journals recognized for their scientific achievements.
Additionally, Dr. Kao has a distinguished position as a Staff Plastic Surgeon at Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica and is certified by the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
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