A large group of people posing for a photo at a conference or event, some wearing PONYTAIL ACADEMY t-shirts, standing in front of a sign that says PONYTAIL ACADEMY.

Ponytail Academy - IFATS 2026

The Ponytail Academy Is Coming to Pittsburgh For “IFATS”

The Ponytail Academy is proud to partner with the International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science (IFATS) to present this highly specialized cadaver dissection course. Designed for surgeons ready to elevate their expertise, this program offers an intensive immersion into the world-renowned Ponytail Lift™ Technique.

During this in-depth course, participants will engage in expert didactic lectures and hands-on practice, focusing on preservation and sculpting rather than conventional excision.

Key areas of focus include:

  • A review of advanced endoscopic facial rejuvenation principles.

  • Detailed instruction on synchronization—transforming technical movements into choreographed muscle memory.

  • Practical application of endoscopic techniques for the Temple, Brows, and Mid-face Dissection.

  • In-depth sessions on Fat Transfer to the Face.

Course Date:

Saturday, October 10, 2026

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
Scaife Hall 3550 Terrace Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Course Schedule

0630 - 0700 - Registration

0700 - 0800 - Didactic lecture:
Forehead Anatomy - Endoscopic Anatomy:
Forehead, Brow, Midface, Brow Fashioning, Non-incisional Upper Blepharoplasty Endo Midface Dissection + Suspension Cables

0800 - 0810 - Q&A

0810 - 0830 - Beginner Pitfalls

0830 - 0845 - Coffee Break

Cadaver Dissection Portion

0845 - 1045 - Endoscopic Dissection: Temple & Brows

1045 - 1100 - Q&A

1100 - 1130 - Lunch

1130 - 1400 - Endo Midface Dissection + Endotine & Suspension Cables

1400 - 1415 - Coffee Break

1415 - 1645
- Fat Transfer to The Face

1645 - 1700 - Q&A

1700 - 1900- Ponytail Facelift Look Live Surgery with Deep Neck and Submandibular Gland Dissection

Meet The Team

A medical team performing surgery, with one surgeon focusing intently on the procedure.

Dr. Chia Chi Kao

Founder
A man with slicked-back hair, wearing a medical gown, engaging with a healthcare worker who is wearing a face mask, safety glasses, and a surgical cap, and appears to be in a healthcare or laboratory setting.

Dr. Dominik Duscher

Instructor
A man in a hospital gown and blue gloves working with medical equipment in a clinical setting.

Dr. Raphael Wenny

Instructor

Dr. Basel Sharaf

Guest Speaker

Dr. Brannon Claytor

Guest Speaker

23rd Annual IFATS Meeting

Save the Date for the 23rd Annual IFATS Meeting in Pittsburgh, PA!

This will be held on October 11th, 2026 at The University Club.

The focus this year will be on an IFATS Special Symposium: Regeneration and Longevity.

Ponytail Academy Testimonials

Disclaimers & Information

By registering for this course, you acknowledge and agree to our terms, conditions, and policies.

For full details regarding course attendance, cancellations, and legal information, please review our Disclaimers.

This course is reserved for board certified plastic surgeons, Facial Plastic Surgeons, Ocular Plastic Surgeons and Dermatologic Surgeons.