Richard Kao, M.D.
Double Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
Charlotte, NC,– Huntersville & Southpark
Dr. Kao is a Double Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon.
He is board-certified in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery through the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. He is also board-certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery.
Dr. Kao specializes exclusively in cosmetic surgery of the face and neck. His most common procedures performed are facial rejuvenation and rhinoplasty surgeries.
Facial rejuvenation surgery often addresses aging changes within the face and neck, including deep plane facelifts and necklifts as well as surgeries of the eyelids, brows, and lips. He frequently performs facial contouring and balancing, using liposuction, fat transfer, and buccal fat removal.
Dr. Kao has extensive training in rhinoplasty and revision rhinoplasty, with rigorous experience in cosmetic and functional rhinoplasty in residency and fellowship. As a facial specialist, he is often consulted for complex revision cases within the face and neck.
Trust Your Face to a Facial Plastic Surgeon
It is truly a privilege to perform procedures on a person’s face. It is an honor I do not take lightly. Being able to really listen to and understand the patient’s goals, and to deliver a great experience and exceptional result – this is the most rewarding outcome. When patients come to see me, they know that I aspire to help them put their best face forward, and to become a more confident and beautiful version of themselves.
Dr. Richard Kao is a Double-Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree at Princeton University in Princeton, New Jersey. He attended Medical School at Wake Forest School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, graduating with surgical research honors. He completed his residency in Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at Indiana University in Indianapolis, Indiana, and was appointed Chief Resident his final year.
Dr. Kao completed a highly prestigious facial plastic surgery fellowship accredited by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, training under Dr. Dean Toriumi in Chicago, Illinois. He served as a Clinical Instructor in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at Rush University Medical Center. He has authored 11 peer-reviewed journal articles, as well as three textbook chapters.
Dr. Kao is dedicated to providing long-term aesthetic and functional outcomes in all facial plastic surgery procedures. He has exceptional attention to detail, and completely performs his own surgery without a surgical fellow or physician assistant. Dr. Kao regularly limits his surgical schedule to ensure optimal outcomes for his patients. He is highly skilled in non-surgical approaches, and is always seeking to deliver the best results for patients using innovative technology.
An Inteview With Dr. Kao
- Princeton University – Undergrad
- Wake Forest University – Medical School
- Indiana University – Residency: Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
- Rush University – Fellowship: Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery accredited by the AAFPRS
I perform only cosmetic facial plastic surgery, including facelifts, rhinoplasties, eyelid surgery, and more! I do not perform breast or body surgery. Facial surgery is my only scope of practice.
I empower my patients to look and feel their best. I enjoy listening to my patients and developing plans to achieve their aesthetic goals. It is a unique privilege to perform procedures and surgeries on people’s faces. We love natural results that last.
The arts and sciences were my greatest strengths as a child. I especially enjoyed sculpture and am a classically trained violinist. During medical school, I fell in love with facial anatomy and surgery. During residency training, I was drawn to the intricate nature of facial plastic surgery and its ability to truly change lives for the better.
I cherish my patients and enjoy being an integral part of their journey from pre to post-operative care, alongside the incredible support of our clinic staff. Seeing their happiness with the results of their surgery and ensuring they have a stellar experience with our team, both in the clinic and in the operating rooms, fills me with joy.
Hard work. My parents instilled in me the discipline and drive needed to reach this point in my career. I am always learning from each of my patients, and I am always seeking to improve outcomes with new techniques and technologies.
Spend time with my orthopedic surgeon wife and two children. Golf. Music. Exercise. Cook. Travel. Watch Liverpool Football Club.
I discovered in medical school that cosmetic facial plastic surgery was the perfect interplay between my artistic eye, love of facial anatomy, respect for surgical principles, and technical ability.
Dr. Dean Toriumi was my fellowship director in Chicago. He is a giant in the field of facial plastic surgery, and I am fortunate to have trained under him.
Attending to my patients’ aspirations and objectives is paramount to nurturing a fulfilling surgeon-patient bond. The majority of my patients opt for my proficiency in facial plastic surgery. My specialization lies solely in cosmetic facial procedures, encompassing facelifts, rhinoplasties, eyelid surgeries, and various others.