Achieve a Masculine – or Gender Neutral – Chest with Expert Top Surgery

Chest Masculinization

At Oregon Cosmetic and Reconstructive Clinic (OCRC), we are proud to offer chest masculinization and gender-neutral top surgery to individuals seeking gender-affirming care. Performed exclusively by Dr. Tina Jenq, a board-certified plastic surgeon, this procedure helps patients achieve a flatter, more traditionally masculine or androgynous chest contour. Located in Portland, Oregon, OCRC proudly serves the greater metro area, including Lake Oswego, Clackamas, Gresham, West Linn, and surrounding communities.

What is Chest Masculinization or Gender-Neutral Top Surgery?

Chest Masculinization Surgery is a gender-affirming procedure that involves the removal of breast tissue to address gender dysphoria. Usually it involves repositioning or resizing of the nipples and areolas to create a natural-looking, flat or slightly contoured chest. This procedure can involve double incision mastectomy, subcutaneous mastectomy, or periareolar (keyhole) mastectomy, based upon your body type and goals.

Benefits of Chest Masculinization Surgery

  • Masculine Chest Contour – Achieve a flat, sculpted chest.
  • Improved Comfort & Confidence – Feel more aligned with your gender identity.
  • Customized Surgical Techniques – Choose the best approach for your anatomy and goals.
  • Expert Surgical Care – Dr. Tina Jenq performs quilting sutures to obviate the need for drains, which generally cause more pain and swelling

Our Approach to Chest Masculinization Surgery

Dr. Tina Jenq brings years of surgical experience and a compassionate, patient-focused approach to every procedure. She works closely with each individual to understand their identity, goals, and desired outcomes.  Thereby creating ensuring a surgical plan tailored to their needs. Whether you are seeking a fully masculinized chest appearance or a more gender-neutral contour, Dr. Jenq will guide you through the entire journey—from consultation to recovery.

Depending on your body and goals, Dr. Jenq may recommend:

  • Double Incision Mastectomy – Ideal for patients with larger chests; includes nipple grafting.
  • Peri-Areolar or Keyhole Incision – Suited for smaller chests; less scarring and faster recovery.
  • Gender Neutral Techniques – Customized to maintain some chest volume or a softer contour if desired.

Who is a Good Candidate for Chest Masculinization Surgery?

You may be an ideal candidate if you:

  • Are a transgender man or non-binary individual seeking a flatter, more masculine chest.
  • Have been on hormone replacement therapy (optional).
  • Are in good overall health and have realistic expectations about the procedure.
  • Want to reduce chest dysphoria and improve confidence.

Why Choose Oregon Cosmetic and Reconstructive Clinic?

  • Experienced and Compassionate Surgeon – Dr. Tina Jenq specializes in top surgery and gender-affirming procedures.
  • State-of-the-Art Facilities – We use the latest techniques to ensure the best results.
  • Inclusive, Welcoming Environment – Our clinic is committed to serving the LGBTQ+ community with respect and dignity.
  • Gender-Affirming Focus – We understand the deeply personal nature of gender-affirming care and treat every patient as an individual.
  • Serving the Greater Portland Area – Conveniently located in East Portland for patients in Happy Valley, Lake Oswego, Clackamas, Gresham, West Linn, and beyond.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

If you’re considering chest masculinization or gender-neutral top surgery in Portland, OR, trust Dr. Tina Jenq at Oregon Cosmetic and Reconstructive Clinic.  Contact us today to schedule your confidential consultation and take the next step in your gender-affirming journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is compression really necessary after top surgery?

Yes—compression is an important part of your healing after top surgery. When you wake up from surgery, you’ll usually be wearing a soft chest binder with a Velcro closure. It’s designed to gently support your chest and help reduce swelling and fluid buildup during the early recovery phase. That said, comfort matters too. If the binder feels too tight or creates an uncomfortable crease, it’s okay to adjust the Velcro so that it still provides support without causing pain or pressure. The goal is gentle compression—not squeezing. Wearing your compression binder as recommended gives your body the best chance to heal smoothly and helps shape your final results. We’ll walk through how to manage it together and make sure you’re feeling supported throughout your recovery.

What are drains, and what are the pros and cons of using them?

Great question—I get asked this a lot! Drains are small tubes that are placed under the skin after surgery to help remove fluid that can build up as your body heals. This fluid is mostly lymphatic fluid, which naturally collects in the space where tissue has been moved or removed. Now, while drains can be helpful in certain surgeries, they’re not always necessary—and honestly, most patients don’t love them. They can be uncomfortable, a little painful, and people often feel a bit anxious about caring for them at home. For the past 10 years, I’ve used a special technique called quilting sutures in most of my top surgeries, which means I rarely need to use drains at all. These sutures gently anchor the skin down to the chest wall in a way that shapes the contour more precisely and helps seal the space where fluid would normally collect. It adds about 10 to 20 minutes to the surgery (which usually takes around 3 hours total), but in my experience, it’s absolutely worth it. With this method, fewer than 5% of my patients develop any significant fluid buildup, and the recovery tends to feel a lot easier without drains. So for many people, it’s a gentler and more comfortable option—without giving up safety or results.

Will I need someone to help me after surgery?

Yes, you definitely will need a little help right after surgery—and that’s totally normal. You’ll need someone to drive you home and stay with you for at least the first night. The first day or two, you’ll likely feel groggy, a bit sore, and just generally tired as your body starts healing. If you can, it’s great to have a friend or family member take a couple of days off to be with you. Even small things—like helping you get up from bed, walk to the bathroom, or manage stairs—can feel like a lot at first. Having someone nearby just makes everything easier and safer. I recommend sleeping on a gentle incline (like propped up with a wedge pillow or a few pillows behind you) for the first 3 nights. After that, lying flat on your back is perfectly fine. One important thing to remember: take short walks at least four times a day. It helps prevent blood clots, keeps your circulation moving, and can reduce muscle stiffness or spasms. You won’t need around-the-clock care, but a supportive buddy those first few days can make a big difference in how smooth and comfortable your recovery feels.

Do I need a letter from a therapist?

That’s a great question. You don’t need a letter to schedule your first consultation with me—we’re happy to meet, talk through your goals, and answer all your questions. However, if you decide to move forward with surgery, a letter from a licensed mental health provider is required. This letter helps confirm that you’re mentally and emotionally ready for surgery and that you’ve had the chance to explore your gender journey in a supportive setting. It’s part of making sure you feel confident, safe, and well-prepared—because this is a big step, and your well-being matters just as much as your results. If you don’t already have a therapist, we’re happy to guide you toward resources to help you get started.

How long do I need to live as my true gender before I can get surgery?

That’s a really important question, and I’m glad you asked. In most cases, the standard recommendation is that you live as your true gender for at least one year before moving forward with gender-affirming surgery. This time helps you feel more certain and confident in your identity, and it also gives you space to adjust socially, emotionally, and sometimes medically—like starting hormones, if that’s part of your plan. It’s about making sure that when you take this next step, you’re doing it from a place of clarity and readiness. Of course, every journey is different, and we’ll talk through where you’re at during your consultation. I’m here to support you wherever you are in the process.

Discover what we can do for you. Call us at 503-400-6622 or submit this form to schedule a consultation.