World-Renowned, Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Thomas Mustoe

Dr. Thomas Mustoe is a double-board certified plastic surgeon, innovator, author, and international speaker recognized for his authoritative research and expertise on conscious sedation, scarring, and wound healing. Widely regarded as one of the best plastic surgeons in Chicago, Dr. Mustoe has performed over 10,000 surgeries and is considered a pioneer in deep-plane facelifts, reconstructive methods, and other advanced surgical techniques.

Learn more about why Dr. Mustoe is considered one of the most highly accomplished and respected plastic surgeons in Chicago and worldwide by reviewing his background, credentials, and philosophy below. When you’re ready to trust Dr. Mustoe with your comfort and care, request a personalized consultation with Dr. Mustoe online or by calling our practice at (312) 788-2560.

Meet Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Thomas Mustoe

Surgical Innovation & Procedural Expertise

While Dr. Mustoe has extensive experience pioneering and performing a range of aesthetic procedures, some of his plastic surgery specialties include:

• Facelift
• Rhinoplasty
• Revision Rhinoplasty
• Brow Lift
• Breast Augmentation
• Tummy Tuck

Dr. Mustoe’s groundbreaking research and innovative techniques in facial and breast reconstruction, aesthetic surgery, anesthesia, and wound healing are the subjects of numerous articles, books, abstracts, courses, and plastic surgery conferences worldwide. Having participated in 150 speaking engagements and contributed more than 240 articles and book chapters, he continues to advance the science and art of plastic surgery. With a wealth of proven experience and results and more than 1,000 positive patient reviews, it’s clear why Dr. Mustoe is considered a top plastic surgeon in Chicago and internationally.

A Distinguished Plastic Surgery Career

Dr. Mustoe began his career at Washington University, rising to associate professor after 4 years, and later joining Northwestern University as professor and chief of the Division of Plastic Surgery in 1991. At that time, he was the youngest surgeon in the nation to be appointed to a position of this elite status. During his tenure, the clinical volume in plastic surgery at Northwestern University Hospital tripled. The plastic surgery residency program is considered one of the most competitive programs in the country. 

Since founding TLKM Plastic Surgery in 2014, Dr. Mustoe and Dr. Sammy Sinno have grown the practice into one of the premiere destinations for aesthetic services nationwide. A leading Chicago plastic surgeon, Dr. Mustoe has been named annually to multiple “Best Doctors” lists locally and nationally for the past 16-plus years. He is also a renowned inventor, teacher, and mentor. You can also review Dr. Mustoe’s full CV to learn more about his training, experience, activities, and publications.

Groundbreaking Research & International Contributions

Having spent the past 30-plus years teaching and practicing plastic surgery, Dr. Mustoe has amassed an impressive and authoritative collection of novel research that continues to advance the field of plastic surgery. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has funded his research in wound healing since 1989, and he is the recipient of 93 grants totaling more than $6 million. Dr. Mustoe has also held advisory positions with the U.S. Food & Drug Administration and major corporations. 

In addition to publishing a wealth of medical work, Dr. Mustoe has held seats on the editorial boards of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Archives of Surgery, Journal of the American College of Surgeons, Wound Repair and Regeneration, Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and Journal of Surgical Research, among many others.

International Speaking Engagements & Visiting Professorships

• Dr. Mustoe is an internationally sought-after visiting professor and lecturer who is regularly invited to speak at plastic surgery conferences worldwide. He has been a featured presenter on deep-plane facelift techniques in the U.S., Argentina, Brazil, Korea, England, and Canada. Other highlights include:
• Regular presenter and panelist at the American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ annual meeting (facial surgery, wound healing, and conscious sedation)
• Featured presenter and panelist at the International Confederation for Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery (facelift and approaches to scarring)
• Delivered live rhinoplasty surgery and lectures in Wenzhou and Hangzhou, China
• Delivered scar management lectures in the U.S., Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia, China, Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Dubai, Denmark, France, and Italy
• Speaker at American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (rhinoplasty, rhinoplasty revision, breast reconstruction, conscious sedation)
• Plenary Speaker at the European Facial Aesthetic Symposium
• Visiting professor at Duke University Medical School, Georgetown University Department of Surgery, University of Virginia, Washington University, University of Wisconsin Medical School, University of Manitoba (Winnipeg), and other institutions

Dr. Mustoe also pioneers the field of plastic surgery as an inventor with 4 U.S. patents, including 2 patents pending for scar management, and he is the co-creator of wound-healing agents and scar therapies.

Dr. Mustoe’s Awards & Honors

As a respected authority on plastic surgery in Chicago and internationally, Dr. Mustoe has earned widespread recognition for his contributions to the fields of aesthetics, wound healing, and sedation. Notable honors and awards include:

• Board of Directors, American Board of Plastic Surgery
• American Institute of Plastic Surgeons: 10 Best Plastic Surgeon Patient Satisfaction (2022)
• RealSelf 100: Top Social Influencers in Cosmetic Medicine 2015
• Chicago Magazine Top Doctors: 1998, 2001, 2004, 2006-2015
• U.S. News & World Report Top Doctors: 2011-2012
• Castle Connolly America’s Top Doctors: 16 years in a row
• Consumers’ Research Council of America Guide to America’s Top Physicians: 2003-2014
• BestDoctors.com Best Doctors in America® List: 1992-2014
• Wound Healing Society President and recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award

Patient Care & Satisfaction

In addition to his extraordinary credentials, patients trust Dr. Mustoe with their plastic surgery needs because he takes the time to listen intently and truly understand what they hope to achieve for their appearance and self-confidence. He uses a highly customized approach that yields natural-looking results while safely accomplishing your aesthetic objectives.

Dr. Mustoe also genuinely understands that cosmetic surgery is a physical and emotional journey for patients. He is compassionate, sincere, honest, and committed to your comfort and satisfaction during each step of your cosmetic journey. You can read what our patients say about their positive experiences with Dr. Mustoe in independent patient reviews.

National Media Recognition

Dr. Mustoe has been a trusted featured plastic surgery expert in national media outlets, including the Oprah Winfrey Show, The Wall Street Journal, and The New York Times. He has been recognized as a top plastic surgeon by U.S. News & World Report, RealSelf.com, and Bestdoctors.com.

A Family Legacy

Dr. Mustoe’s wife, Kathryn Stallcup, has a Ph.D. in microbiology from Harvard University and served as Northwestern University’s Executive Director of the Chicago Biomedical Consortium. Their son, Anthony, is a biophysicist and assistant professor at Baylor College of Medicine, where he leads a laboratory group of 9 scientists. Their daughter, Lisa, is an attorney specializing in employment law in Chicago.

Arrange your personal consultation with Dr. Mustoe by requesting a consultation online or contacting our practice at (312) 788-2560.