Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS
Verified
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Post-Pregnancy Procedures
••
A mommy makeover is a unique combination plastic surgical treatment, tailored for women based on the specific body areas to be enhanced. The most common procedures are breast surgery (implants, lift, or reduction) combined with tummy tuck, and perhaps liposuction. These surgeries are done using general anesthesia, and can take between 3 – 7 hours based on the complexity and number of areas operated.
Show more
Breast Surgery
••
Breast enlargement has been the most common procedure at Minneapolis Plastic Surgery for over the last decade, and Dr. Tholen performs hundreds of breast procedures each year. These include not only breast augmentation and breast lifts, but also implant revisions, breast reductions, and transgender mastectomies (top surgery) as well as transgender augmentations.
Show more
Gender Confirmation Surgery
••
Dr. Tholen has been performing M-F transgender breast augmentation and F-M top surgery (chest masculinization) transgender total mastectomies for over three decades. This is specialized surgery not taught in most plastic surgery training programs. Top surgery should not use breast lift or reduction scar patterns (feminine), and should leave as little scarring as possible. Knowing when keyhole mastectomies are possible, and when they are not (leaving wrinkled skin deformities) requires experience and astute judgement.
Show more
MEET Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS
39 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
As an aesthetic plastic surgeon for the majority of my 3+ decades career, I am continually striving to find innovative ways to solve patients' aesthetic concerns, to improve sub-optimal results from other surgeons (as well as a few of my own), and how to best
DR. Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS'S VIDEOS
Location
Before and After Photos
RICHARD H. THOLEN, MD, FACS REVIEWS
RATING DETAILS
START YOUR REVIEW FOR
Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS
Select your rating:
10 Results
He’s awesome and spot on! Although I didn’t want to hear I need an extended tummy tuck or belt lift, he is 100% right and his expertise and knowledge makes me feel comfortable with him as my soon to be doctor for my face only and perhaps breasts someday too. Thank you Dr Tholen.
Hello! After 5 years of following Dr. Tholen and his work on Realself and doing my own research, I've finally made the decision and got my boobs done. Here are a few things about me:
- Surgery: August 2022
- 4'11"
- 120lbs
- 30 years old as of today
- Asian
- Mother of 3
- 345 cc on the left
- 375 cc on the right.
- Now wears mostly size M in bralettes
- 36 C bra (previous size 32B)
The surgery went smooth and fast. I had no pain and recovered quickly even with all the bruising
...read moreDr. Tholen is simply the best plastic surgeon you will find, period. Not just skilled but kind, honest, personable, and professional. Had breasts, arms, belt lipectomy, and thigh lipo, all post weight loss. He is la crême de la crême of plastic surgeons.
Additionally, his staff and his facility are top-notch. I have VERY high standard and am also prone to anxiety. I always feel safe with Dr. Tholen and his whole staff, and know that I'm getting the best treatment and care.
I
...read moreDr. Tholen, is absolutely amazing, honestly one of the best Doctors I've ever had. His thoroughness, detail and descript instructions is exactly what I needed to feel comfortable and confident in my choices and breast augmentation.
hands down, he is the best!As an incentive for posting a review, this reviewer received an entry into RealSelf’s monthly $500 gift card giveaway.
If you are looking for a surgeon for a breast augmentation or reduction, look no further than Dr. Tholen. I could not recommend him more. He is meticulous and thorough and trustworthy and provides a top notch experience from consultation through the multiple follow ups after, ensuring perfection for all his patients. Highly recommend!
I recently (3 days ago) had a breast augmentation done by Dr.Tholen at Minneapolis Plastic Surgery. I cannot say enough good things about my experience so far. Within the first 2 mins of my initial consultation, I loved Dr. Tholen. You can tell he truly cares about his patients. His consultation was extremely informative and was not rushed at all. He is amazing at answering all questions and explaining what is to be expected throughout your experience. I found him to be incredibly
...read moreRF
Response from Dr. Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACSThanks for your kind words, and I appreciate your taking time to write a review! Dr. Tholen
Beyond thrilled that I discovered Dr. Tholen!
His precision and skilled surgical technique is bar none. Looking through his before and afters are incredible, but looking at my own results are blowing me away!!
Expect exceptional after care as well. His attention to detail starts during your consultation and continues even when you're home recovering from surgery. (Critically important!)
Lots of conveniences to enjoy when you book here, such as a messaging app directly to his
...read moreI had a breast augmentation in 2014 by Dr. Tholen. He was very nice and seemed knowledgeable, which is why I booked with him. The surgery and recovery went well, but my scarring is definitely more pronounced than I anticipated. Regarding the incision he said he sews one side and his nurse sews the other, and to be honest, there’s a considerable difference in the scars. One is more flat and is closer to the color of my skin but the other is raised, bumpy and much darker than the
...read moreRF
Response from Dr. Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACSThanks for writing a review. To clarify without being defensive, I am present from first incision to last stitch, but with the assistance of my team and surgery first assistant for the entire operation, including closure. This is NOT nurse doing one side and me doing the other. We both do both sides. Healing and scarring are often unpredictable and asymmetric. I would be happy to perform a scar revision under local anesthesia at no charge if we can make things better. Dr. Tholen
Absolutely beyond impressed with the professionalism, picture perfect results, welcoming atmosphere of the clinic, and wonderful staff attitudes. I thought somewhere along the way I’d hit a snag with either lack of communication skills, off end results, the vibes in the clinic or with staff but I was pleasantly surprised and it’s been a dream ride the entire way!! All the ladies are amazing and Dr. Tholen is the most charismatic, personable and professional doctor I’ve had the
...read moreDr. Tholen did my belt lipectomy on July 6, 2022 after I lost 100 lbs in one year with the help of bariatric surgery. At the 24-hour check in appointment I got to see my incisions, and they were amazing! Smooth, completely shut, very mild bruising, and perfect positioning. Nothing scary-looking about them, which is incredible considering my skin is usually very fragile and prone to severe bruising. For my fellow individuals with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome or other connective tissue
...read moreWE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS
What’s trending? Who’s turning heads? Which TikTok myths need busting? We’ve got you. No fluff, no gatekeeping—just real talk. Get our free, unfiltered newsletter.