James Thornton, M.D.

Specialist in Reconstructive Surgery after Skin Cancer

James Thornton, M.D., is an expert in Mohs reconstruction and works closely with dermatologists who surgically remove common skin cancers, such as melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.

“My surgical specialty is soft tissue facial reconstruction,” Dr. Thornton says. “I believe that by focusing on one specific area of plastic surgery, I am able to perfect surgical techniques that can restore normal appearance after skin and soft tissue resection from facial cancer and trauma.”

"At UT Southwestern, we use an integrated approach to surgery. I work in close conjunction with the Mohs surgeons, so the patient is not just moving from one specialty to another. We are embracing a patient’s skin cancer care, from the beginning to the end.”

Dr. Thornton uses the most advanced, up-to-date techniques available today for soft tissue reconstruction. He has performed thousands of operative cases on a wide variety of soft tissue facial defects and remains actively involved in publishing the results of his latest techniques as well as teaching residents.

He is passionate about patient care, and his own three-pronged approach. First, Dr. Thornton is committed to treating patients like they are members of his family. He recommends care just as he would for his own family.

“Second, I believe in ready access to a physician. I do not believe in putting up obstacles between the patient and the physician. Every patient receives my cell phone number and is welcome to call me at any time during their postoperative care,” he says.

Finally, Dr. Thornton is firmly committed to working with patients, as long as they need his expertise. He says he supports patients until a mutually satisfactory result is achieved, no matter how difficult the reconstruction.