24 Years Old, Double Incision Top Surgery - Minneapolis, MN

I've wanted top surgery as long as I can remember. After my insurance denied prior authorization in 2014, I started to look for other options. Dr. Tholen has immense knowledge and 2 decades of experience doing top surgery, and his staff is kind & professional. I could not be happier with my results!I had my first consultation with Dr. Tholen on 9/9/2015, after initially contacting their office in late August requesting a consult. I first met with one of his nurses who explained how they operate, and answered many questions I had. Then Dr. Tholen met with me and described how he would perform the procedure on me and answered any remaining questions I had. I felt very at ease. Then I met with the office's Patient Care Coordinator who takes care of all billing and surgery scheduling. She gave me a break down of the cost, which I will admit is higher than what I have seen other transguys pay for top surgery, but it is so worth it. The staff is so friendly and kind and reassuring. The morning of surgery, I was taken out of the waiting room right away. They took pre-op photos, then had me change into a gown. Then Dr. Tholen met with me one last time while he drew all the important lines, especially that really important mid-line mark. Finally, the nurse anesthetist put the IV in my arm, and I was walking across the hall to surgery. Since this is not a hospital, it feels so calm like you're at home. The surgery took about 4-5 hours. I had 3 post-op check ins with Dr. Tholen. At the 8 day post-op check-in, the bolster dressings were removed from the nipple grafts and my Jackson Pratt drains were removed. After that most of my discomfort was gone. I did have to wear a post op binder until the 3rd check-in, 22 days post op. It was after that check in that I was able to shower. I truly believe that everything Dr. Tholen does, he does it to achieve the best results. He wants every transguys chest to match what we've always seen, not just to be flat.