Dr Joseph R. Barnthouse, MD, FACS
- Board-certified plastic surgeon with 40+ years’ experience
- Specializes in aesthetic and reconstructive breast, body, and facial surgery
- Aesthetic Fellowship–trained + Breast Surgery Fellowship
- Voted “Top Doc in Cosmetic Plastic Surgery” by Kansas City peers
About Dr. Barnthouse
Dr. Joseph Barnthouse is a Kansas City–based plastic surgeon known for his skill in cosmetic and breast procedures, especially when it comes to challenging or revision cases. He’s recognized for his thoughtful approach — taking time to counsel patients, set expectations, and deliver precise results.
Credentials & Training
Dr. Barnthouse earned his M.D. from the University of Kansas School of Medicine, and his B.A. from the University of Kansas. He completed a General Surgery residency at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, then Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery at University of Missouri–Kansas City. He performed aesthetic surgery fellowship training at Mt. Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach and a breast surgery fellowship at St. Joseph’s Hospital / Emory University. He is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
Expertise & Philosophy
While Dr. Barnthouse is skilled across face, body, and breast procedures, his reputation is especially strong in breast surgery (augmentation, lifts, revisions) and in handling “difficult/complex” cases that other surgeons may avoid. He combines technical expertise with a calm, patient-centered style, ensuring patients feel informed and supported.
Recognition & Community Role
Dr. Barnthouse has been recognized by his peers as one of Kansas City’s Top Docs in Cosmetic Plastic Surgery. He is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, as well as local medical societies. He also served as President of the Kansas City Plastic Surgery Society (2004–2005).
Because of his extensive surgical training, Dr. Barnthouse is uniquely qualified as a specialist in Plastic Surgery. He is one of the elite few physicians with additional training specializing in cosmetic and breast surgery, and is known for his talented surgical ability and expertise in handling difficult cases. Dedicated to patient counseling and education, Dr. Barnthouse has a warm “bedside manner” and takes the time to fully explain your options and procedures.
Dr. Barnthouse is Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
Dr. Barnthouse completed his Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery residency at the University of Missouri – Kansas City after his General Surgery residency at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara, California. He completed his fellowship in Aesthetic (Cosmetic) Surgery at Mt. Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach, Florida. He also completed a fellowship in Breast Surgery at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia.
He received his MD from the University of Kansas School of Medicine, and his BA from the University of Kansas.
Dr. Barnthouse is a member of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Medical Society, the Kansas Medical Society and the Missouri Medical Society. He was President of the Kansas City Plastic Surgery Society for 2004-2005.
