Breast Reconstruction in Portland
In Happy Valley, serving Portland, Clackamas and Milwaukie
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Tina Jenq
Breast reconstruction rebuilds the shape of the breast after a mastectomy or lumpectomy, to restore balance and help you feel like yourself again. Dr. Jenq performs every part of your surgery herself.
Timing
Immediate or delayed
At the time of your mastectomy, or months to years later. We verify your benefits and handle prior authorization.
Who performs it?
Dr. Jenq
performs your entire surgery herself
How soon can I be seen?
two weeks
typical wait for a consultation
Back to light activity?
1 to 2 weeks
home the same day or next day
Full recovery?
4 to 8 weeks
depending on the type
The surgery
What happens during breast reconstruction?
- Implant-based: a tissue expander, then a permanent implant
- Flap: your own tissue, often from the belly or back
- Oncologic breast reduction: cancer removal with a reduction and lift
- Symmetry surgery on the other breast when needed
Is it right for you?
Who is a good candidate for breast reconstruction?
Breast reconstruction is for anyone who has had one breast, part of a breast or both removed and wants to rebuild their shape, physically and emotionally.
- After a mastectomy, at the same time or later
- After a lumpectomy
- Larger breasts needing a lumpectomy (oncologic reduction)
- One side reconstructed, wanting better symmetry
Immediate or delayed?
Immediate reconstruction happens with the mastectomy and reduces the number of surgeries. Delayed reconstruction happens months or years later, often when chemotherapy or radiation comes first.
Techniques
Types of breast reconstruction
Dr. Jenq helps you choose what’s best for your body, lifestyle and cancer treatment plan.
Implant-based
The most common. A tissue expander is filled over several weeks, then replaced with an implant. Shorter surgery and recovery than a flap.
Flap (your own tissue)
Uses tissue from the belly or back. Softer and more natural, with a longer surgery and recovery, and no implant.
Oncologic breast reduction
Combines cancer removal with a breast reduction and lift for a more balanced, lifted result.
Surgery for symmetry
A lift, reduction or augmentation on the other breast, commonly covered as part of reconstruction.
Your journey
What is breast reconstruction recovery like?
Most patients go home the same day or the next day. Expect swelling, bruising and tiredness the first week. Light activity usually resumes in 1 to 2 weeks, and full recovery takes 4 to 8 weeks depending on the type of reconstruction.
1
Consultation
One-on-one with Dr. Jenq to choose the approach that fits your body and cancer treatment plan.
2
Insurance
We verify your benefits and handle prior authorization.
3
Surgery day
Home the same day or the next day. Dr. Jenq performs every step.
4
Recovery
Frequent clinic visits in the first weeks to check healing or fill expanders. Full recovery in 4 to 8 weeks.
Insurance
How does insurance work for breast reconstruction?
We verify your benefits and handle prior authorization before surgery. Symmetry procedures on the other breast are commonly covered by insurance as part of breast reconstruction.
Insurance
Benefits and prior authorization handled by our office
Symmetry surgery commonly covered
Questions
Breast reconstruction FAQ
Answers from Dr. Jenq.
I just want to be cured of my cancer. Should I think about reconstruction?
Cancer treatment comes first, and the right plan depends on your wishes, your cancer stage and your body shape. Most women find reconstruction helps them keep their confidence and body image and move forward with their lives.
What are the options for breast reconstruction?
The main types are an abdominal flap, a back (latissimus) flap with an implant, and tissue expansion with an implant. Some women choose an implant to avoid a scar elsewhere on the body; others prefer their own tissue because it tends to look and feel more natural.
When can reconstruction be done?
Immediately, at the same time as the mastectomy, or months or years later. Delayed reconstruction is often chosen when chemotherapy or radiation comes first.
Will you operate on my other breast?
If only one breast is reconstructed, Dr. Jenq often recommends a lift, reduction or augmentation on the other side for symmetry. It’s usually done at the same time or shortly after, and is commonly covered by insurance.
What is recovery like?
Most patients go home the same day or the next day. Light activity resumes in 1 to 2 weeks, and full recovery takes 4 to 8 weeks. We see you often in the first few weeks to check healing or adjust expanders.
Breast reconstruction articles from Dr. Jenq
Recovery
Wound
healing
Nutritional supplements for wound healing
Recovery
Swelling
& firmness
Swelling and firmness after surgery
Recovery
Pain after
surgery
Understanding pain after surgery
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