Body
Body Lift
A decrease in skin and tissue elasticity can be caused by aging, sun damage, pregnancy, fluctuations in weight and genetic factors and result in excess sagging. Areas for body lift procedures include abdomen, buttocks, groin and thighs.
Body lift procedures include removing sagging, excess fat and skin and can improve the shape and tone of underlying body tissue and improve the appearance of the skin surface.
Liposuction
Liposuction is a surgical technique that improves the body’s contour by removing excess fat between the skin and muscle. Liposuction involves using a small stainless steel tube, called a cannula. The cannula is connected to a powerful suction pump and inserted into the fat through small incisions in the skin. Fat removal is accomplished as the suction cannula creates tiny tunnels through the fatty layers. After surgery, these tiny tunnels collapse, resulting in an improved body contour.
Common Areas: Liposuction removes fat deposits that can be difficult to get rid of through diet and exercise. Common areas for liposuction include the cheeks and chin, neck, upper arms, abdomen, buttocks, hips, thighs, knees, calves and ankles.
Outpatient Procedure: Liposuction is generally an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia, and side effects include temporary swelling, bruising and soreness. More extensive liposuction procedures may be done in a hospital setting under general anesthesia.
Thigh Lift (Thighplasty)
Aging, heredity and fluctuations in weight can affect skin elasticity causing your thighs to have a drooping, sagging appearance. This is a condition that cannot be totally corrected through exercise.
Thigh lift surgery reshapes the thighs by reducing excess skin, and in some cases fat, resulting in smoother skin and better-proportioned contours of the thighs and lower body.
Results are visible almost immediately, but it may take several months for the results to fully develop.
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
Even individuals of otherwise normal body weight and proportion can develop an abdomen that protrudes or is loose and sagging.
A tummy tuck involves removing excess fat and skin and, in most cases, restores weakened or separated muscles creating a smoother and firmer-looking abdominal profile.
Upper Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)
Aging, heredity and fluctuations in weight can affect skin elasticity causing your upper arms to have a drooping, sagging appearance. This is a condition that cannot be totally corrected through exercise.
An arm lift is a surgical procedure that reduces excess sagging skin, tightens and smooths the underlying supportive tissue that defines the shape of the upper arm and reduces localized pockets of fat in the upper arm region creating a firmer, smoother, more toned appearance.
*Photos for representational purposes only.
Face
Ear Pinning (Otoplasty)
Ear pinning is a surgical procedure that sets prominent ears closer to the head or makes large ears smaller. The procedure improves ear proportion, creates a natural shape for your ears and improves your facial symmetry.
Eyelid Lift (Blepharoplasty)
An eyelid lift is a surgical procedure to correct droopy eyelids and decrease puffiness and bags under the eyes. In addition to promoting a more youthful appearance, it also can improve vision if your upper eyelid is within your field of vision.
Face Lift (Rhytidectomy)
Skin may sag because of a decrease in skin and tissue elasticity caused by aging, sun damage, fluctuations in weight and genetic factors. A facelift is a surgical procedure that improves the loose skin of the face and jowl areas. It is often done in conjunction with a neck lift to create a more natural, balanced, refreshed and youthful look.
Forehead & Eyebrow Lift
A brow, or forehead, lift is a surgical procedure that decreases the appearance of the wrinkle lines that develop horizontally across the forehead, as well as lines and creases that occur on the bridge of the nose, between the eyes. It also decreases the appearance of frown lines, the vertical creases that develop between the eyebrows. A brow lift also raises sagging brows so they no longer hood the upper eyelids. After a brow lift, eyebrows help give your face a more alert and youthful appearance.
Neck Lift
Skin in the lower face, jawline and neck may loosen and sag over time due to a decrease in skin and tissue elasticity caused by aging, heredity/genetic factors, fluctuations in weight, stress and environmental conditions. A neck lift is a surgical procedure that decreases visible signs of aging in the lower face, jawline and neck. It improves the appearance of sagging skin, excess fat deposits under the chin and around the lower face, loose neck skin and muscle banding, which causes abnormal contours of the neck
Nose Reshaping (Rhinoplasty)
Nose reshaping is a surgical procedure to improve the appearance and proportion of the nose. This may include changing the shape or size of the nose, decreasing a bump in the bridge of the nose, changing the size and position of the nostrils, improving the appearance of a nasal tip that is bulbous, drooping, upturned or hooked.
*Photos for representational purposes only.
Breast
Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure to increase breast size or restore breast volume after pregnancy and nursing or due to weight loss. Breast augmentation can increase the fullness of your breasts and improve the overall proportion and balance of your figure.
Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
Breasts often change over time, losing their shape and fullness due to pregnancy and breastfeeding, gravity and aging, heredity and weight fluctuations.
A breast lift is a surgical procedure to change the shape of your breasts. During a breast lift, excess skin is removed and breast tissue is reshaped to restore firmness and raise the breasts. A breast lift can also be done in combination with breast augmentation or breast reduction.
Breast Reconstruction
Women who have lost one or both breasts to cancer or other disease may decide to have breast reconstructive surgery. Under some circumstances, immediate reconstruction can be performed.
Breast reconstruction involves restoring the breast to its normal shape and size with implants, autologous tissue (tissue from your own body), or a combination of both. Nipple reconstruction can be performed at a later time.
NOTE: It is always recommended to check with your insurance provider in advance. Winona Health’s business office specialists can work with you and your insurance company to determine insurance coverage.
Is breast reconstruction covered by insurance?
Reconstruction related to cancer—either on the cancer side or the non-cancer side—is covered by insurance. This includes: reconstruction after mastectomy; a breast lift to match the reconstructed side; or mastectomy with reconstruction for symmetry with the unaffected breast. Reconstruction for purely cosmetic reasons is not covered by insurance, but those procedures are also done at Winona Health.
I had a lumpectomy and now my breast looks different. Can this be corrected?
Yes. A lumpectomy with radiation may lead to a breast change that can be corrected with liposuction of the abdomen through transfer of the adipose (fat) to the breast. This procedure is also covered by insurance.
I had a mastectomy years ago and decided not to have reconstruction. Now I’m reconsidering. Is it too late?
It’s never too late. Breast reconstruction may be done immediately after mastectomy or delayed. If you have had a mastectomy, you can consider reconstruction at any time, and it would still be covered by your insurance.
Breast Reduction
You may decide to pursue a breast reduction if having large breasts is causing symptoms such as neck pain, back pain, bra strap grooving, or physical conditions.
Breast reduction is the surgical removal of breast tissue and skin in women with large breasts. A breast reduction often resolves the uncomfortable physical symptoms associated with large breasts and also results in a lifted, more aesthetic breast shape improving the overall proportion and balance of your figure.
Breast Revision
Breast changes can occur over time or due to medical procedures such as a lumpectomy. A breast revision can be used to correct defects or physical abnormalities in the breast.
A breast revision procedure involves using fat and/or tissue from your own body, most commonly from the abdomen, to help correct defects and create a more natural contour and a more youthful appearance.
Male Breast Reduction
Men may choose to have a breast reduction for various reasons. For instance, conditions such as gynecomastia, which is swelling of the breast tissue in boys or men caused by an imbalance of the hormones estrogen and testosterone.
Breast reduction is a surgical procedure to reduce the size of the breasts and, when performed on men, is designed to flatten or reshape the chest. By trimming excess skin and tightening supporting tissue, men can achieve a more uplifted, youthful chest contour. The nipple and areola also can be repositioned or resized to further enhance the appearance of the chest.
*Photos for representational purposes only.
Hand
Carpal or Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel is a condition caused by a pinched nerve at your wrist. Surgery may be required to relieve symptoms, which can include pain, weakness in the hands and tingling or numbness of the fingers. It is usually an outpatient surgery–not requiring an overnight stay.
Carpal tunnel syndrome may be caused by repetitive motion or overuse, fluid retention during pregnancy, injury to the nerve in the carpal tunnel or rheumatoid arthritis.
Cubital tunnel syndrome is caused by a compression of the ulnar nerve usually at the elbow. Symptoms include pain and/or a tingling or pins and needles feeling in the fingers. If conservative measures are unsuccessful, then surgery is considered. Cubital tunnel surgery is usually an outpatient surgery–not requiring an overnight stay.
What does carpal tunnel surgery involve?
Prior to carpal tunnel surgery, you’ll be given a numbing medication for the affected arm and usually a small amount of IV sedation. Sutures are placed at the incision site, and a soft splint is applied after the procedure which typically can be removed in 48 hours. A follow-up appointment in the clinic is usually 10 to 14 days after the procedure for suture removal and evaluate post-operative course.
What does cubital tunnel surgery involve?
Prior to cubital tunnel surgery, you’ll be given a numbing medication for the affected arm and usually a small amount of IV sedation. Sutures are placed along the elbow and forearm and an ortho glass (hard) splint is applied to the area. This is kept in place until your follow up appointment in the clinic, usually in 10 to 14 days.
Fracture & Crush Injury Treatment
Hand surgery may be necessary to treat injuries and diseases that cause pain and impair the strength, function and flexibility of your hands, wrists and fingers.
Hand, finger and wrist injuries can be caused by a sports-related trauma, by catching yourself on an outstretched arm during a mishap at home, or by an industrial accident. Whatever the cause, the full range of hand and wrist fractures can be evaluated, treated and repaired right here at Winona Health. In addition, even in the case of multiple fractures of the hand or wrist due to a crushing force trauma, experts at Winona Health can perform surgery and manage, treat and provide rehabilitative therapy for hand injuries of all types.
Ganglion Cyst Removal
Ganglion cysts are the most common type of mass or lump in the wrist. These fluid-filled cysts are not cancerous and, in most cases, are harmless. Ganglion cysts may occur in various locations, but most frequently develop on the back of the wrist. They can quickly appear, change size and even disappear without treatment. However, if the cyst is painful, interferes with function, or you find their appearance unacceptable, there are several treatment options.
If you have severe ganglion cysts, you may benefit from surgical removal. However, some cysts never cause pain or limited movement, so they do not require surgery. If a cyst gets large and cannot be treated by other methods, surgical removal can provide relief. This procedure is usually an outpatient surgery, which means you go home the same day. Most often, an anesthetic block is used to minimize pain during the procedure. Pain medications are typically used the first couple of days and then most people can manage with only rest, cool compress application and keeping the affected area elevated.
Hand Lesion & Tumor Removal
There are many types of lesions (abnormal region of tissue) and tumors (abnormal growth of tissue) that can occur on the hand. Most are benign, but some can be cancerous. It’s important to individually evaluate each lesion or tumor. In some cases, a biopsy may be necessary to determine what the lesion or tumor is and whether it is cancerous. After the pathology (lab) report has been reviewed, your doctor can determine how best to treat or remove the lesion or tumor.
Microsurgery
If you’ve lacerated your finger resulting in numbness and cold sensitivity, repair may be possible with plastic microsurgery.
Microsurgery is a general term for surgery performed with magnification using an operating microscope which allows surgeons to perform intricate repairs on tiny arteries, vessels, and nerves, such as those in a finger. This type of surgery has a major impact on restoring circulation, feeling and function to fingers and hands.
Neurovascular Injuries & Lacerations
Neurovascular injuries involve nerves and blood vessels. The nerves and blood vessels in the hand are tiny and delicate. Surgical repair often involves microsurgical expertise. Even if a nerve is repaired, there is no guarantee that normal sensation will return, but it may take many months to experience the final outcome.
Tendon Injuries & Lacerations
Tendons are the soft and flexible tissue that attach muscle to bone. Extensor tendons are just under the skin, next to the bone on the back of the hands and fingers and straighten the wrist, fingers and thumb. They can be injured by a cut or by jamming a finger causing the thin tendons to tear way from the bone. If not treated, it may be become difficult to straighten the affected joints.
*Photos for representational purposes only.
Skin
Inclusion Cyst Removal
Epidermoid cysts represent the most common cutaneous cysts. While they may occur anywhere on the body, they occur most frequently on the face, scalp, neck, and trunk. Such cysts occur when surface skin elements are underneath the top layer of skin.
Depending on size and location, most often the cyst can be removed in an in-office procedure. The cyst removal procedure involves injecting the site with a numbing medication, waiting for it to reach anesthetic effect, and then excising the lesion. The site is then sutured closed, if necessary.
Lumps & Bumps (Lesion Removal)
Cancer of the skin is the most common type of cancer. Treatment consists of excision of the lesion and reconstruction of the defect. Reconstruction may involve complex plastic surgery techniques.
Cosmetic removal of non-cancerous lesions can also be done. Please call or consider a consult regarding pricing.
Scar Revision
There are many options now available to patients to treat scars from excision to laser treatments. Please schedule a consult to find out what options are available and the best choice for you.
Skin Reconstruction
Skin reconstruction is an option for those who want to decrease the visual evidence of injuries or lessen appearance of scars from skin cancer or other surgeries. Skin reconstruction may involve a skin graft or skin flap to repair areas of the skin. The procedure will vary depending on the severity of the case and location on the body.
*Photos for representational purposes only.
Non-surgical
Botox Injections & Fillers
If you are not ready for surgery, but would like to try other options to obtain the most natural, youthful look, consider a consultation regarding treatment choices for Botox and fillers.
Dermabrasion & Peels
Microdermabrasion is a mild, yet highly effective procedure that exfoliates and removes the superficial layer of dry, dead skin cells to reveal healthy, glowing skin. Microdermabrasion allows skin care products to be absorbed more readily because older skin layers are removed, which contributes to the effectiveness of other products you use.
The DiamondTome Skin Resurfacing System is an innovative skin rejuvenation technology which produces superior results. The microdermabrasion peels away dead skin and reduces wrinkles, acne scars and brown spots. A kinder, gentler twist on an old procedure and a wonderful alternative to chemical peels, DiamondTome is also a non-invasive, pain-free system that requires no downtime after the treatment.
Laser Treatments
The BroadBand Light Laser (BBL) is an innovative technology that sets new standards by precisely treating the targeted area. Conditions that can be treated include pigmented lesions such as freckles and age spots, vascular lesions such as small blood vessels, acne, skin firmness and age spots. The BBL is also a fast, easy and effective method of unwanted hair reduction. With this gentle, noninvasive laser there is minimal aftercare.
*Photos for representational purposes only.
Packages
After Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery is a surgical procedure involving the stomach or intestines to induce dramatic weight loss. Major weight loss after bariatric surgery usually leads to excess skin sagging in various areas of the body. Surgical body contouring removes the excess skin and improves the support of underlying tissue. This improves appearance and decreases the uncomfortable feeling of having excess, sagging skin. Procedures improve the appearance of the face, breasts, arms, abdomen, hips and thighs.
Body Lift
A decrease in skin and tissue elasticity can be caused by aging, sun damage, pregnancy, fluctuations in weight and genetic factors and result in excess sagging… (see Body tab)
Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
Breasts often change over time, losing their shape and fullness due to pregnancy and breastfeeding, gravity and aging, heredity and weight fluctuations. A breast lift is a surgical procedure to change the… (see Breast tab)
Breast Reduction
You may decide to pursue breast reduction if having large breasts is causing symptoms such as neck pain, back pain, bra strap grooving, or physical conditions. Breast reduction is the surgical removal of… (see Breast tab)
Thigh Lift (Thighplasty)
Aging, heredity and fluctuations in weight can affect skin elasticity causing your thighs to have a drooping, sagging appearance. This is a condition that cannot be totally corrected through exercise… (see Body tab)
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
Even individuals of otherwise normal body weight and proportion can develop an abdomen that protrudes or is loose and sagging. A tummy tuck involves removing excess fat and skin… (see Body tab)
Upper Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)
Aging, heredity and fluctuations in weight can affect skin elasticity causing your upper arms to have a drooping, sagging appearance. This is a condition that cannot be totally corrected through exercise… (see Body tab)
Mommy Makeover
The results of pregnancy are wonderful: you have a new addition to the family; and not so wonderful: your breasts and your abdomen don’t look and feel the way you like. A Mommy Makeover is an option for reversing the impact of pregnancy and motherhood on your body. It can include as much or as little as you’d like, including a tummy tuck, liposuction, and breast augmentation and/or lift.
Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
Breasts often change over time, losing their shape and fullness due to pregnancy and breastfeeding, gravity and aging, heredity and weight fluctuations. A breast lift is a surgical procedure to change the… (see Breast tab)
Face Lift (Rhytidectomy)
Skin may sag because of a decrease in skin and tissue elasticity caused by aging, sun damage, fluctuations in weight and genetic factors. A facelift is a surgical procedure that improves the loose skin of the face and jowl areas… (see Face tab)
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
Even individuals of otherwise normal body weight and proportion can develop an abdomen that protrudes or is loose and sagging. A tummy tuck involves removing excess fat and skin… (see Body tab)
*Photos for representational purposes only.
Other Services
Dermatology
Dermatologists specialize in assessing, diagnosing and treating conditions and diseases of the skin, nails and hair.
Spa Services
Our licensed spa professionals offer a variety of services to help you relax, rejuvenate and be the healthiest, most glowing version of yourself.
Did you know you have access to a highly skilled, board certified plastic surgeon right here at Winona Health?
Whether the services you need are medically necessary, such as surgery after a hand injury,
or something you simply would like to change about your appearance, Winona Health surgeon, Hans Serleth, MD, can help.

Hans Serleth, MD
“I chose this field because I like the fact that surgery often leads to immediate results. I enjoy seeing patients who are thrilled with the outcome of their surgery.”

Our Dynamic Team
If you’re considering plastic and cosmetic surgery, chances are you have a lot of questions. Our team is here to provide answers. Your wishes and decisions are personal. We understand that, and our goal is to make sure you have the answers you need to make those decisions. You can ask us anything. We also know the right questions to ask you, so you’re aware of all the factors to consider — so you’ll have all the information you need when weighing your options.
Call 507.457.7659
Our staff will be happy to answer your questions.