Chia Chi Kao, Dr

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5.0

Apr 12, 2025

I came to Dr Kao for surgery one year after a dog attack (I love dogs - this is not a cautionary tale.. I couldn’t live without my dogs!). The dog who attacked me was sick - it wasn’t his fault .. something snapped in his brain. I went to countless surgeons trying to find someone who inspired confidence. I was told I should consider an Abbe Flap… live with my lip “as it was” (missing half of the upper lip)… that it could be “improved” but would never look the same … etc etc…

A dear friend connected me to Dr Kao and I knew instantly that he was the right surgeon. He was compassionate, kind and he had a plan from the first time he saw me.

I am now one week post op and even though I am currently wearing the Good Year Blimp balloon as my lips … I HAVE AN UPPER LIP!!! The swelling will continue to go down over the next year and I’ll post updated photos.

My experience was MAGICAL. Every member of his staff is lovely - it’s like a magic wand was waved over the entire building. Seriously … EVERY nurse and staff member is aligned in compassion, professionalism and kindness.

Dr Kao is an artist … he did what no one else even imagined. Besides being a brilliant surgeon …. he is an astonishing human being. There are not enough stars for me to accurately represent what Dr Kao gave me … he gave me my smile back.

I am from the midwest and for me this was not an easy decision. It seemed like a lot of money to spend in pursuit of getting a lip back. Having now gone through this .. I can honestly tell you it was worth twice as much.

Warning: I’m going to post a photo one week post op (taken in his office.. I was obsessed with his orchids!) and then come back to update the progress!! It of course looks absurdly unnatural but in time the swelling will resolve! I am not including the “before” photos as they might be upsetting for some.

Gabrielle Johnson — google_place

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