About

Brian P. Thornton, M.D., Ph.D., MBA, is a plastic surgeon with Norton Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. He also serves as director of breast restoration for Norton Healthcare. Dr. Thornton earned his medical degree from the University of Louisville School of Medicine. He completed his residency in plastic and reconstructive surgery and a general surgery internship at the University of Kentucky Medical Center, Lexington. Dr. Thornton also holds a doctorate in microbiology and immunology, and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Louisville. He is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Dr. Thornton has more than two decades of experience specializing in breast reconstruction. He also is a widely published researcher and frequent contributor to peer-reviewed journals, has served on numerous clinical committees, and has held leadership roles in various professional organizations, including vice chair of surgery at Norton Hospital and past president of its medical staff. Dr. Thornton has held adjunct faculty appointments at the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville and is affiliated with several professional societies, including the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and American Society of Maxillofacial Surgeons.

Locations



Expertise

Education

  • University of Louisville School of Medicine

    Medical Education, Doctor of Medicine, 1999

  • University of Kentucky College of Medicine

    Residency, Plastic Surgery, 2005


Age Groups Seen

Age Groups Seen
Adults
Languages
English
Gender
Male

Reviews

5.00 out of 5 5.0 of 5 stars — 80 Ratings, 31 Reviews

The Patient Satisfaction Rating is an average of all responses to the care provider related questions shown below from our survey. Patients that are treated in outpatient or hospital environments may receive different surveys, and the volume of responses will vary by question.

Provider explained things clearly 5.00 out of 5 (5.0)
Provider listened carefully 5.00 out of 5 (5.0)
Provider gave easy to understand instruction 5.00 out of 5 (5.0)
Provider knew important medical history 4.90 out of 5 (4.9)
Provider showed respect for what you said 5.00 out of 5 (5.0)
Provider spent enough time with you 4.90 out of 5 (4.9)
Provider Rating 5.00 out of 5 (5.0)
Provider explained things clearly 5.00 out of 5 (5.0)
Provider showed concern 5.00 out of 5 (5.0)
Provider included you in decisions 5.00 out of 5 (5.0)
Likelihood of recommending this provider 5.00 out of 5 (5.0)
Provider discussed treatment options 5.00 out of 5 (5.0)

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 06/19/2026

Good

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 06/07/2026

I like the honesty of the Dr. And what to expect.

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 05/22/2026

Dr Thornton is excellent!

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 04/26/2026

Dr. Thornton is a "Top Doc" and highly esteemed. Norton is fortunate to have him as a provider.

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 04/05/2026

The Best!!!!..

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 03/04/2026

Dr Thornton is AMAZING

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 02/27/2026

I felt very confident in everyone involved

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 02/27/2026

Dr Thornton is the absolute best. He is always professional and always makes me feel like my care is a priority and wants the best for me.

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 02/25/2026

Dr. Thornton is always caring and professional.

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 02/18/2026

Dr. Brian Thornton is the best. I refer friends to him all the time. He's always been such a compassionate and caring person and always puts me at ease.

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 02/04/2026

I was not a good candidate for surgery. Rather than trying to push surgery, the Dr let me know that and explained why. I truly appreciated the honesty and concern for my health.

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 02/04/2026

Dr Thornton was very caring and explained everything in a way that was very easy to understand. He encouraged me to ask questions all through out the appointment. I would highly recommend him to anyone needing his specialty

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 01/28/2026

Dr Thorton and Allie are great and always enjoy my visit to see them. Both make it a very nice experience going to see doctor. The staff are great as well always quick getting me back and they are all so very nice.

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 12/24/2025

Wonderful team

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 12/17/2025

Doctor thornton always listens to everything.I have to say he's very patient and very caring.He's the best surgeon i've ever had

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 12/05/2025

Everyone was very kind and caring. They listen and show compassion for your situation

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 11/23/2025

Dr. Thornton spent time preparing for the appointment and spent time discussing my medical course, previous frustrations, and plans to help moving forward.

4.93 out of 5 4.9 out of 5

Reviewed on 11/14/2025

Dr.Thornton is always excellent in his education and thorough in his exams for me. He is pleasant to talk to and seems to listen with empathy. He is down to earth and easy to be real with. I always recommend him to people who may need a plastic surgeon post mastectomy.

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 11/14/2025

This is seriously the best doctor, assistant and receptionist I've ever been too. Dr Thornton and Kathy make you feel secure and confident about health issues. They make me actually feel like family!

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 10/31/2025

Friendly and caring staff

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 10/29/2025

Dr. Thornton and the staff were excellent, he explained everything to where I understood, gave options, listened to my concerns and answered all my questions. Would definitely recommend him and his staff , thank you all so much!!!

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 10/26/2025

[...] I could not be more grateful for his expertise and compassionate care. He performed my breast reconstruction with incredible skill and sensitivity, making a difficult journey much more manageable. Dr. Thorton's professionalism, genuine concern, and attention to detail have truly made a positive difference in my recovery and confidence. I highly recommend him to anyone seeking a talented and caring plastic surgeon.

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 10/25/2025

Very efficient, and helpful

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 10/24/2025

Dr. Thornton is an excellent doctor. Explains well and listens.

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 10/17/2025

Dr. Thornton and his nurse were very helpful in explaining my options. They gave me confidence to wait for any procedure, and I was reassured that I could call or come back w/ questions in the future.

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 10/10/2025

Excellent care. Felt my health and surgery outcome was too proprietive.

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 10/03/2025

Every single person I encountered was wonderful!

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 09/30/2025

Very professional, makes you feel at ease.

4.71 out of 5 4.7 out of 5

Reviewed on 09/30/2025

Dr. Thornton was friendly, engaging and thorough. Excellent care as always!

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 09/28/2025

Dr Thornton is amazing!

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 09/13/2025

Dr. Thornton has kept in contact with the surgeon who is in charge of my breast cancer treatment and was thoroughly knowledgeable about where I am in my treatment.


Insurance

  • Aetna
  • Aetna Better Health
  • Aetna Medicare Advantage
  • Ambetter from MHS
  • Ambetter from WellCare of Kentucky
  • Anthem
  • Anthem Kentucky Medicaid
  • Anthem MediBlue HMO/PPO
  • Anthem Pathway
  • Anthem Pathway Transition
  • CareSource Indiana Medicaid
  • CareSource Marketplace Kentucky and Indiana
  • Cigna
  • CorVel
  • Coventry
  • Encore
  • Essence
  • First Health Group Corp. (First Health)
  • UofL Health – Frazier Rehabilitation Institute
  • HealthSmart
  • Hosparus
  • Humana Medicare
  • Humana Medicaid
  • Indiana Medicaid
  • Indiana Medicare
  • Indiana Health Network
  • Kentucky Medicaid
  • Kentucky Medicare
  • MDwise
  • MHS
  • Molina Healthcare
  • MultiPlan
  • Passport Health Plan Kentucky MCO
  • Passport Marketplace
  • Provider Net/OMCA
  • Sagamore
  • Signature Advantage
  • SIHO
  • TRICARE Humana Military
  • United Healthcare
  • United Healthcare Community Plan Indiana and Kentucky
  • United Healthcare Medicare Advantage
  • Veterans Affairs (VA)
  • WellCare
  • WellCare of Kentucky Medicaid (Kentucky MCO)
  • WellCare Medicare
  • Wellpath
  • Workers’ Compensation
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