35, 5'1 115lbs 410 / 445 SRM Natrelle Inspira

Treatment Provider

Provider Review

• 22 Mar 2015

I did more than six months of research, appointments, interviews and reading before making my final decision to go with Dr. Tholen. He was my first appointment because I suspected he would likely be the surgeon I would select after following his profile for several months on Real Self. I did interview three other reputable and popular surgeons in the Twin Cities, but I knew that Dr. Tholen was the right choice based on his years of experience, bedside manner and professionalism. I should preface this review by saying that my husband was adamantly opposed to augmentation and loved me just the way I was. He joined me during the appointment with Dr. Tholen, and I could tell that Dr. Tholen's sense of humor, candor and surgical expertise softened my husband's attitude and set a benchmark for appointments going forward. Dr. Tholen explained to both of us how nursing had changed my tissues and said that I was bordering on needing a lift, but he believe he could give me a could result without one if a sizable implant was chosen. He did warn me about the possibility of how a "borderline" case like my own might go, but said that if I were his family member, he wouldn't do it initially. I appreciated that he didn't scare me into an extra surgery at an additional cost, but at the same time was candid about the reality. Most importantly, Dr. Tholen was reassuring about my feelings and the emotional desire for the surgery and that he would work with me to achieve my goals. The staff was friendly and professional and took their time to walk me through all the appropriate information, but also were respectful of my time and were on time in the fitting appointments prior to the surgery date. On the day of the surgery everything was running on time, possibly ahead of schedule. I met with the nurse, anesthetist and was photographed. All were kind and did a great job of explaining the process to me and my husband. I once again met with Dr. Tholen and he was every bit as friendly, funny and informative as the first time we spoke, and we both easily agreed on the size, and then the next thing I knew I was waking up from surgery. The size appears to be everything I hoped for, and they are taking shape very nicely. At my follow-up appointment I arrived early, and they squeezed me in right away. I had some stomach issues from the meds in the days following, and my calls were immediately taken and addressed by the staff, and I could hear Dr. Tholen's voice providing instruction -- I feel like they have been the most accessible medical team I've ever had, and it is so reassuring, and it was helpful for my family who cared for me the days following. If you're trying to decide on a plastic surgeon in the Twin Cities, here are some things to consider: Expertise: You will find only a couple of surgeons who have as much experience as Dr. Tholen in the Twin Cities. Daily/weekly practice of surgical techniques counts for a lot, and this isn't like getting your hair colored, you don't want to roll the dice with someone who doesn't have a lot of patients. Information Sharing: Read Dr. Tholen's 3,000+ answers to people on Real Self, it will give you a good sense of how much he loves plastic surgery and wants to help educate patients. His answers are scientific with real-world context and can be understood in layman's terms. Professionalism: He respects the feelings and wishes of his patients and listens to their needs. Some doctors are happy to tell you what would look good on you. Dr. Tholen asked what my goals were and helped me understand if they were realistic. I also think it should be noted that Dr. Tholen works with transgender patients. While I might not be transgendered, I want a surgeon who treats every community with dignity and I think this is a good sign of being open-minded. Thank you Dr. Tholen!