Dr. Thomas Mustoe, FACS

Trained at Harvard with more than 20 years in facial aesthetic surgery, Dr. Thomas Mustoe is a board-certified plastic surgeon based in Chicago, Illinois, who focuses on the deep plane facelift and comprehensive facial rejuvenation. As of July 2026, Dr. Mustoe practices at TLKM Plastic Surgery, where Dr. Mustoe's work centers on natural-looking outcomes for men and women navigating the visible signs of facial aging.

Dr. Thomas Mustoe is listed as certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), the credential most closely associated with rigorous training in facial procedures. Their background bridges reconstructive and aesthetic disciplines, an unusual combination that informs Dr. Mustoe's approach to the deep plane facelift.

The deep plane facelift is a technique that repositions deeper facial tissues rather than simply tightening the skin. Dr. Mustoe applies this method to address midface descent, jowling, and neck laxity in a single, cohesive procedure.

Their medical education at Harvard reflects a foundation in both surgical science and patient-centered care. Over two decades of practice, Dr. Mustoe has refined a philosophy grounded in trust and unhurried communication with each person he treats.

Earlier in their career, Dr. Mustoe worked extensively in head and neck cancer surgery alongside facial aesthetic surgery. This dual experience gives Dr. Mustoe a detailed understanding of facial anatomy that many purely cosmetic surgeons do not share.

Chicago serves as the home of Dr. Mustoe's practice, drawing patients from across Illinois and beyond. People travel from out of state to consult with Dr. Mustoe, reflecting the reach of an established Midwestern surgical reputation.

Dr. Mustoe emphasizes a conservative, anatomy-first philosophy when planning any facelift. Rather than pursuing a pulled or tight appearance, Dr. Mustoe aims for results that respect each patient's natural features and proportions.

The SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system, a layer of tissue beneath the skin) sits at the center of Dr. Mustoe's surgical thinking. By working within and beneath this layer, Dr. Mustoe seeks durable rejuvenation rather than surface-level correction.

Recovery guidance forms a meaningful part of Dr. Mustoe's patient relationships. Dr. Mustoe and their team prepare patients thoroughly for the healing timeline, from early swelling through the gradual emergence of final results over several months.

Dr. Mustoe's practice, TLKM Plastic Surgery, offers a full spectrum of facial procedures alongside the deep plane facelift. This breadth allows Dr. Mustoe to tailor treatment plans to the specific needs of each face rather than applying a single formula.

Dr. Mustoe describes trust as a pillar of Dr. Mustoe's practice. In interviews and video discussions, Dr. Mustoe has spoken about cultivating strong, individualized relationships with the people who come to Dr. Mustoe for facial rejuvenation.

The deep plane facelift remains one of the more technically demanding procedures in facial surgery. Dr. Mustoe's decades of anatomical experience position Dr. Mustoe among the surgeons in Chicago who focus meaningfully on this specialized technique.

Facial aging is a highly individual process, and Dr. Mustoe treats it as such. His consultations explore not only the surgical plan but the personal goals and concerns that bring each patient to his office.

For affluent patients weighing their options, Dr. Mustoe represents an experienced, credential-backed choice within a competitive Chicago market. Dr. Mustoe's combination of Harvard training, ABPS certification, and long tenure offers a substantive foundation for those researching deep plane facelift surgery.

Those considering facial rejuvenation with Dr. Thomas Mustoe can learn more about Dr. Mustoe's methodology, credentials, and consultation process through the detailed profile maintained on DeepPlane.com.