Dr. McKay McKinnon, MD

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With international training and groundbreaking work in cleft and craniofacial surgery, Dr. McKinnon remains at the forefront of his field

Chicago, IL – Dr. McKinnon, a distinguished plastic and craniofacial surgeon, has been a leading figure in the field for over four decades. As a former faculty member at the University of Chicago for 24 years, he pioneered the introduction and teaching of craniofacial surgery at the institution. His innovative contributions include the development of new procedures for treating patients with cleft lip, craniofacial anomalies, and tumors, particularly those related to Neurofibromatosis. Since 1984, Dr. McKinnon has focused on cosmetic plastic surgery through a thriving private practice based in Chicago, working across multiple hospitals and surgical centers.

In addition to his Chicago-based work, Dr. McKinnon also practices in Miami, where he operates at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, Baptist Hospital, and South Miami Hospital. His extensive surgical expertise is rooted in elite training at Harvard University, the University of Miami, and under the tutelage of renowned global leaders in plastic and general surgery in Paris, France. His mentors include Nobel Laureate Joseph Murray, cleft surgery pioneer Ralph Millard, craniofacial innovator Paul Tessier, and esteemed general surgeons William McDermott and Neil Sedgwick.

Dr. McKinnon is an active member of numerous prestigious professional organizations, including the American Association of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the International Society of Craniofacial Surgery, and the American Society of Maxillofacial Surgeons. He has served as president of both the Illinois Association of Cleft/Craniofacial Teams and the D. Ralph Millard Society. A respected international speaker, he is a frequent contributor to the European Association of Plastic Surgeons and has consistently earned accolades such as the Castle Connolly Best Doctor Award since 2003.

With a career marked by clinical innovation, academic leadership, and compassionate care, Dr. McKinnon continues to be a trusted expert in both reconstructive and aesthetic plastic surgery. His dedication to excellence ensures that patients in Chicago, Miami, and beyond benefit from world-class surgical outcomes and a personalized, patient-first approach.

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