Dr. Thomas J. Francel, MD, FACS

Expert Publications

• A rational approach to wound difficulties after sternotomy: the problem.
• A rational approach to wound difficulties after sternotomy: reconstruction and long-term results.
• Salvage of the massively traumatized lower extremity.
• A rational approach to sternal wound complications.
• Free nipple graft reduction mammoplasty.
• Local muscle flap in a venous hypertensive environment.
• Injection of illicit drugs into the granulation tissue of chronic ulcers.
• Hand infections in the diabetic and the diabetic renal transplant recipient.
• Cavitron assisted liver resection in a child.
• Improving reemployment rates after limb salvage of acute severe tibial fractures by microvascular soft-tissue reconstruction.
• Breast reconstruction utilizing implants: a local experience and comparison of three techniques.
• Vascular prosthetic complications: success of salvage with muscle-flap reconstruction.
• Treatment of long-standing thoracostoma and bronchopleural fistula without pulmonary resection in high risk patients.
• Enhancing nerve regeneration across a silicone tube conduit by using interposed short-segment nerve grafts.

Media Releases

Get to know Plastic Surgeon Dr. Thomas J. Francel, who serves patients in Saint Louis, Missouri.

Dr. Francel is a distinguished figure in the field of plastic surgery, renowned for his exceptional skills and unwavering dedication to patient care. His surgical expertise spans a wide spectrum, including facial rejuvenation surgery, breast surgery, body contouring surgery, and the intricate reconstruction of deformities caused by cancer.

Before embarking on his professional journey, he earned his undergraduate degree from the prestigious Harvard College in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and his medical degree from the University of Cincinnati in Cincinnati, Ohio. These foundations laid the groundwork for his future accomplishments and his commitment to advancing the art and science of plastic surgery.

His surgical journey took him across the globe, as he completed his surgical training at esteemed institutions such as Harvard Surgical Services in Boston, the Royal Aberdeen Infirmary in the United Kingdom, and Harvard Medical School. His dedication to excellence earned him board certification in general surgery in 1989 and the distinguished title of Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.

Specializing in plastic surgery, Dr. Francel pursued advanced training at renowned institutions like Johns Hopkins Hospital, Raymond Curtis Hand Center, and Maryland Shock Trauma Center. His dedication to excellence earned him board certification in general surgery in 1989 and the distinguished title of Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS).
One testament to his exceptional care and compassion is the scholarship established in his honor at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. This scholarship, created by an anonymous patient, serves as a tribute to his genuine empathy and concern for all his patients and is awarded annually to a student who exhibits remarkable compassion for others.

Beyond the operating room, Dr. Francel has shared his knowledge as an Instructor of Plastic Surgery at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and as an Assistant Professor of Surgery at Washington University School of Medicine. His involvement in medical societies, including the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society of Aesthetic Surgery, reflects his commitment to advancing the field through collaboration and shared insights.

An influential educator, he has contributed extensively to the medical literature, with numerous manuscripts and chapters in notable plastic surgery textbooks. His contributions emphasize critical areas like facial rejuvenation and breast surgery, showcasing his commitment to innovation and the dissemination of knowledge.

Dedicated to patient advocacy, he has served as Chief of Plastic Surgery at various medical institutions, including Mercy Medical Center-St. Louis and the Jewish Hospital St. Louis. His impact extends beyond his surgical expertise; he has appeared on national television and in newspapers to address patient safety issues, underscoring his commitment to safeguarding the well-being of patients.

In the realm of sports, Dr. Francel has been the steadfast plastic surgeon for the St. Louis Blues NHL hockey team since 1992, exemplifying his commitment to the well-being of athletes and their families. His impact extends even further through his work at the John Fitzgerald Kennedy Clinic at Mercy Hospital St. Louis, where he provides surgical solutions to patients who lack access to reconstructive procedures they desperately need.

Plastic surgery is a surgical specialty involving the restoration, reconstruction, or alteration of the human body. It can be divided into two main categories – reconstructive surgery and cosmetic surgery. A plastic surgeon’s primary responsibility is performing surgical and non-surgical procedures, and they use a variety of reparative and reconstructive techniques to get the job done.

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