We were lucky to catch up with Dr. Tomi Familusi recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Dr. Tomi thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Setting up an independent practice is a daunting endeavor. Can you talk to us about what it was like for you – what were some of the main steps, challenges, etc.

I’ve always found deep fulfillment in hosting and caring for people, so the idea of curating a plastic surgery practice centered on hospitality felt like a natural extension of that passion. I envisioned a space where achieving excellent surgical results wasn’t the sole focus—rather, I wanted to prioritize the entire experience each patient has throughout their surgical journey.
The biggest challenge was taking the first step: making the decision to step out on faith and bring my vision to life. Once I committed, I laid out a clear plan. I developed a comprehensive 30-page business plan that detailed my mission statement, the practice’s core values, long-term goals, a thorough analysis of the existing market and competition, and a breakdown of financial costs.
For the next six months, I dedicated countless hours each day to executing that plan—meeting with consultants, accountants, vendors, bank representatives, commercial realtors and lawyers. Turning my idea into reality was not easy, but the vision I had in my mind was so clear and specific that I knew I wouldn’t be satisfied until I brought it to life.
My biggest advice is to seek out help and surround yourself with the right people. Assemble a team of advisors, consultants, and mentors. I made it a point to connect with other plastic surgeons who had started their own practices to learn from their experiences—their insights were invaluable.
In my opinion, the most significant mistake would be overestimating how much you know. There’s a reason the saying “you don’t know what you don’t know” exists. Staying humble and being open to learning will save you from costly missteps.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Dr. Tomi Familusi, a board certified, Ivy League and fellowship-trained plastic and reconstructive surgeon specializing in cosmetic and reconstructive procedures of the face, breast, and body. I’m also the founder of Élevé Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, a boutique private practice located in Atlanta, Georgia.
Staying true to our motto, “Elevated hospitality, Unmatched Results”, the Élevé team is dedicated to delivering an exceptional patient experience through genuine connection, personalized care, and meticulous attention to detail.
Our practice offers a wide range of surgical and non-surgical services, including facial rejuvenation (such as Botox, fillers, facelifts, and eyelid lifts), breast and body contouring (breast augmentation, breast lifts, mommy makeovers, and liposuction), as well as reconstructive surgery following breast and skin cancer.
As a surgeon, I’m committed to crafting natural, long-lasting results tailored to each patient’s unique goals. My approach emphasizes compassionate and holistic care, as I firmly believe plastic surgery has the profound ability to create not only remarkable physical transformations but also life-changing psychological benefits.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

The book Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect by Will Guidara made an incredible impact on my management and entrepreneurial philosophy. The story of how Guidara and his team transformed Eleven Madison Park into the best restaurant in the world by fostering genuine connections, exceeding client expectations, and prioritizing team culture resonated deeply with me. It inspired my vision of creating a plastic surgery practice that not only delivers exceptional surgical results but also provides an unforgettable experience for every patient. Guidara’s emphasis on treating employees as a top priority—nurturing, advocating for, and empowering them—also aligns with my belief that a motivated and supported team is key to delivering extraordinary care. This book crystallized my desire to bring the principles of hospitality into medicine, ensuring that patients feel valued, cared for, and supported throughout their journey.

If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?

If I had the opportunity to start over, I would choose to become a plastic surgeon every time. There’s no other profession that allows you to transform lives by restoring form and function, while simultaneously enhancing quality of life, and boosting self-esteem. The journey was long—16 years of rigorous schooling and training—but the joy of seeing happy patients makes every late night and hard-earned skill completely worthwhile.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://eleveplastics.com/
• Instagram: dr.familusi