Tummy Tuck in Portland
In Happy Valley, serving Portland, Clackamas and Milwaukie
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Tina Jenq
A tummy tuck tightens the abdominal muscles and removes loose skin after pregnancy or weight loss. Dr. Jenq performs every part of your surgery herself.
All-in estimate
~$12,200
Surgeon, surgery center and anesthesia in one number. Exact quote after your consultation.
Who performs it?
Dr. Jenq
performs your entire surgery herself
How soon can I be seen?
two weeks
typical wait for a consultation
How long is surgery?
3 to 4 hours
general anesthesia, usually same-day
Healing time?
3 to 4 weeks
back to most daily activities
The surgery
What happens during a tummy tuck?
- Muscle repair: separated abdominal muscles are stitched back together
- Skin and fat removed above and below the belly button
- Scar placed low, along the bikini line
- Belly button repositioned in a full tummy tuck
Is it right for you?
Who is a good candidate for a tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck is for loose skin and fat on the abdomen that diet and exercise don’t change, often after pregnancy, weight changes or aging, especially when the abdominal muscles have separated.
- Loose skin from pregnancy, weight changes or aging
- Separated abdominal muscles (rectus diastasis)
- Stretch marks on the lower abdomen
- A stretched or hidden belly button
- A full or sagging pubic area (mons)
Tummy tuck or panniculectomy?
A panniculectomy removes overhanging skin and may be covered by insurance when it’s medically necessary. Panniculectomy vs. tummy tuck
Techniques
Types of tummy tuck
Dr. Jenq recommends the approach that fits how much loose skin you have and where it is.
Full tummy tuck
The most common. A low scar along the bikini line, muscle repair, and a repositioned belly button.
Mini tummy tuck
For mild loose skin below the belly button, with a shorter scar.
Fleur-de-lis tummy tuck
For major skin excess, such as after large weight loss. Removes skin horizontally and vertically.
Your journey
What is tummy tuck recovery like?
Most people return to daily activities in 3 to 4 weeks. Swelling keeps improving over several months, and lifting over 10 pounds and core exercise wait until about 6 weeks.
1
Consultation
One-on-one with Dr. Jenq, usually within two weeks. $150.
2
Your plan and quote
A written, all-in quote for self-pay patients.
3
Surgery day
About 3 to 4 hours under general anesthesia, usually going home the same day; occasionally an overnight stay. Dr. Jenq performs every step.
4
Recovery
Back to daily activities in 3 to 4 weeks; no heavy lifting or core work for 6 weeks. Follow-ups with Dr. Jenq.
Cost
How much does a tummy tuck cost in Portland?
Dr. Jenq’s all-in estimate for a tummy tuck is ~$12,200, including the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia and the surgery center. The final price depends on the complexity, whether liposuction is added, your anatomy and goals, and the technique. You get an exact written quote after your consultation.
All-in estimates
Tummy tuck ~$12,200
Tummy tuck with liposuction ~$15,700
Card, check, cash or CareCredit financing. Cosmetic surgery is self-pay. How we handle insurance
Questions
Tummy tuck FAQ
Answers from Dr. Jenq.
How long is tummy tuck recovery?
Most people return to daily activities in 3 to 4 weeks. Expect prescription pain medicine for about 5 days, then over-the-counter relief, and some tiredness for 2 to 3 weeks. Swelling keeps improving over several months.
When can I go back to walking, yoga or the gym?
Walking can start the day after surgery. Light cardio, such as brisk walking or light jogging, and lower-body yoga can resume after 2 weeks. Avoid lifting more than 10 pounds and any core work until 6 weeks; weight lifting and crunches can start after that.
Will I have drains?
Dr. Jenq closes with quilting (progressive tension) sutures, which reduce fluid buildup and lessen the need for drains. How quilting sutures work. If you do have drains, a small tube connects to a soft bulb that gently removes fluid as you heal. You empty and record it several times a day, and it comes out in the clinic once it drains 30 cc or less in 24 hours for two days in a row.
Does it hurt when a drain comes out?
It can feel strange, but it’s usually not painful. It takes only a few seconds, and the team walks you through it.
Why does my belly feel tight after a tummy tuck?
Tightness is expected, because the muscles are repaired and extra skin is removed. It can last several months, or up to one to two years if the muscles were very stretched. Staying slightly bent at the waist early on takes strain off the incision.
How do I help my tummy tuck scar heal well?
Most scars respond well to the scar care Dr. Jenq recommends. If a scar stays thick, raised or red, steroid or 5-FU injections, or CO2 laser treatment, can soften and flatten it.
Is a tummy tuck covered by insurance?
A tummy tuck is cosmetic, so it’s self-pay. A panniculectomy, which removes overhanging skin, is often covered when medical criteria are met, such as rashes or infections under the skin fold. We can submit a prior authorization to check your coverage. Panniculectomy vs. tummy tuck
Can I combine a tummy tuck with liposuction?
Yes. Muscle repair (plication) and liposuction of the flanks and upper abdomen are often done at the same time. Combining a tummy tuck with a breast lift or breast augmentation, and liposuction, in one surgery is called a mommy makeover.
Tummy tuck articles from Dr. Jenq
Cost
Tummy tuck
cost in Oregon
How much does a tummy tuck cost in Oregon?
Compare
Panniculectomy
vs. tummy tuck
Panniculectomy vs. tummy tuck: which is right for you?
Combine
Mommy
makeover
Mommy makeover: combining procedures safely
In patients’ words
Meet Dr. Jenq in person
Text VISIT to 503-843-8739, call 503-400-6622, or request a consultation online. Parking & directions