The Value of Measuring Patient Satisfaction Posted on June 12, 2014 By Dr. Thomas Mustoe Plastic surgeons in Chicago and across the U.S. rely on patient feedback to hone their approaches. To assist in this process, an associate professor at Cornell University developed the FACE-Q, a tool for documenting patient-related outcomes following surgical and non-surgical facial aesthetic procedures. Similar to the BREAST-Q, a survey I examined in a blog post … Read More
Is Your Face Looking Older? Blame Your Neck Posted on June 3, 2014 By Dr. Thomas Mustoe Many people who are concerned with visible signs of aging are surprised to learn that the right solution is a neck lift. In Chicago, I take a customized approach to creating a smooth, sleek neck contour that complements a patient's natural characteristics. Often, this effective procedure is the only step necessary in rejuvenating a person's … Read More
How Breast Augmentation Improves Quality of Life Posted on April 30, 2014 By Dr. Thomas Mustoe My Chicago-area breast augmentation patients are a diverse group, and they each have their own unique reasons for pursuing plastic surgery. But their increased breast size provides them with something more than enhanced curves — many patients say the surgery improves their personal happiness and well-being, too. A study published in the April edition of … Read More
Know Your Nose: A Rhinoplasty Glossary Posted on April 22, 2014 By Dr. Thomas Mustoe Like any branch of medicine, plastic surgery has its own special language. This different vocabulary can be intimidating for patients interested in getting rhinoplasty, or a "nose job," at my Chicago practice. To help break down the barriers of communication between doctor and patient, I've provided definitions for some of the most common terms associated … Read More
Why I Use Local Anesthesia for Tummy Tuck Posted on March 27, 2014 By Dr. Thomas Mustoe It surprises many patients who are considering a tummy tuck at my Chicago practice when I explain that I prefer to perform the procedure using local anesthesia with sedation, rather than general anesthesia. Their quizzical looks are understandable because the innovative technique isn't used by many plastic surgeons. It is, however, perfectly safe and actually reduces … Read More
Help for Hollows With Blepharoplasty Posted on March 17, 2014 By Dr. Thomas Mustoe One of the first signs of aging is hollowing out under the eyes. Patients often ask about having fillers injected to make the tear troughs appear plumper. Although injectable fillers are a wonderful tool to enhance a patient's appearance for many areas of the face, they don't always yield the best results when used under … Read More
Are Men Changing the Face of Plastic Surgery? Posted on February 26, 2014 By Dr. Thomas Mustoe Think about the cosmetic hoops women have traditionally jumped through. Makeup, shaving their legs, and changing hairstyles are all part of the routine. Men, on the other hand, have had more of a "take-it-or-leave-it" attitude. Judging by the number of men coming in for a face lift or other procedures at my Chicago practice, it … Read More
A Surgeon’s Experience & Your Breast Augmentation Posted on February 18, 2014 By Dr. Thomas Mustoe If a woman is looking for a plastic surgeon to perform breast augmentation in a large city such as Chicago, the choices can seem overwhelming. So what would someone who is starting a search look for when choosing a plastic surgeon? A recent study published in the January issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery®, the … Read More
3 Tips for Judging Facelift Results Posted on February 6, 2014 By Dr. Thomas Mustoe Plastic surgeons often advise potential patients to view before-and-after photos online before they meet with surgeons. It helps patients get an idea of what results are possible for them and what a particular doctor can do. Evaluating these photos can be especially important in delicate surgeries where natural-looking results are crucial, such as with facelift … Read More
A Look Inside the Consultation Process Posted on January 30, 2014 By Dr. Thomas Mustoe Among the plastic surgeons in Chicago, I'm proud to be one who spends a lot of time on the consultation process. This period is a crucial time for me to learn about my patients and for them to learn about me and what they can expect. A patient's first visit to my office in downtown Chicago includes … Read More