Breast Procedures

At Minneapolis Plastic Surgery, LTD., our American Board of Plastic Surgery-certified plastic surgeons Richard H. Tholen, M.D. and Douglas L. Gervais, M.D. perform hundreds of breast procedures yearly for women wanting to improve the appearance of their breasts. Whether a patient desires larger, smaller, more symmetrical, or more perky and uplifted breasts, we can help. Many women desire breasts that are more proportional to their figures or more youthful looking; others simply want to restore what may have been lost by childbirth, breastfeeding, or weight loss. Some women have had previous breast surgery and desire revision or additional changes not available elsewhere. Inverted nipples can be corrected, as can many congenital or acquired breast asymmetries. Our skilled doctors work with every patient to understand her aesthetic goals and carry out the procedure that will best suit her needs. We also have over three decades of experience in transgender breast surgery and have helped hundreds of patients with gender dysphoria. We want you to love your body, enhance your appearance, and improve your self-confidence. To learn more about breast surgery, contact our Minneapolis plastic surgery practice today, or click on the links below for detailed information.

Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation (also known as breast enlargement with implants, augmentation mammoplasty, or the more colloquial “boob job”) is recommended for women who want larger breasts. The patient determines what she considers to be her “ideal” or goal breast appearance and one of our plastic surgeons will place either saline or silicone breast implants in the chest area. Breasts of different sizes can be made more symmetrical. The procedure is safe and results are beautiful and natural-looking.  Dr. Gervais and Dr. Tholen are among the busiest breast augmentation surgeons in the upper midwest. (click for more detailed information about breast augmentation)

Breast Implant Revision

Breast implant revision surgery is performed for women who have undergone previous breast surgery and are unhappy with the results. Breast implant size, position, shape, or firmness may be improved, and other issues such as capsular contracture, symmastia (uni-boob), double bubble, or “Snoopy deformity” can be addressed. Our doctors can give patients improvements in breast size, shape, and feel that they will love. (click for more detailed information about breast implant revision)

Breast Reduction

Some women have breasts that are too large, which can cause a whole host of medical problems, such as back, neck, and shoulder pain, rashes under the breasts, and pressure on nerves to the arm. Constant discomfort can affect the patient’s overall quality of life. Additionally, many women may not like the appearance of breasts that are too large and out of proportion to the rest of the body. In these cases our plastic surgeons can perform breast reduction surgery, which not only decreases breast size, but also lifts the breasts to a more youthful position on the chest. Areola position is enhanced and areola diameter can be reduced while usually preserving sensation and ability to breast-feed.  Free consultations with our plastic surgeons can help determine if your insurance may cover breast reduction surgery. (click for more detailed information about breast reduction)

Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

Over time the breasts naturally start to sag, especially for women post-pregnancy, or after significant weight loss. Age is another contributing factor to drooping breasts. Fortunately, breast lift surgery is designed to elevate sagging breasts for a perkier, more youthful look. Our plastic surgeons can utilize any number of incision designs carefully measured and chosen to complement each woman’s specific breast anatomy. Women who need breast lift plus volume restoration can undergo breast lift plus augmentation, usually at one operation. (click for more detailed information about breast lift)

Transgender Augmentation

Male-to-female transgender patients will usually see ½ to 1 cup size breast enlargement with female hormone therapy. Maximum breast growth usually requires up to 18 months, so it is beneficial to wait at least that length of time before requesting additional breast enlargement via implants. In many cases, placement of implants alone can yield lovely, proportionate results. However, in some patients additional surgical stages may be recommended for optimal results. Our plastic surgeons have over 3 decades of experience with transgender augmentation, and our office will be happy to schedule a no-charge consultation to find out what is best for you. (click for more detailed information about M-F transgender augmentation)

Transgender Mastectomies (“top surgery”)

Female-to-male transgender patients who want to stop binding their breasts, or wear normal clothing or swim trunks often request “top surgery” to remove the breast gland, excess skin (in most cases), reduce the size of the areolas and nipples, and create as natural masculine chest appearance as possible. This is NOT achieved via female breast reduction or breast lift patterns or operations. Some transgender patients with appropriate anatomy (very small breasts) may achieve excellent results via periareolar incision-only (“keyhole surgery”) mastectomies. Our surgeons have refined and utilize techniques that are considered “state-of-the-art” by patients and colleagues alike. Dr. Tholen has taught these techniques nationally and internationally, and he is a requested speaker at transgender health forums and educational venues. (click for more detailed information about F-M mastectomies)