Natural, long-lasting breast reconstruction from the only dedicated DIEP microsurgeons in Virginia Beach and Chesapeake.
Restore What Cancer Took Away — Without Implants
At CABR, we are the only dedicated microsurgical practice in Hampton Roads offering advanced DIEP flap breast reconstruction. Our fellowship-trained microsurgeons specialize exclusively in natural, autologous breast reconstruction using your own tissue — providing soft, long-lasting, natural breast results without implants.
Why Women Choose DIEP Flap Reconstruction
DIEP (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator) flap breast reconstruction is the most advanced form of natural, muscle-sparing breast reconstruction available today.
During a DIEP flap procedure, your surgeon transfers skin and fat from the lower abdomen — without taking any abdominal muscle — to rebuild the breast following mastectomy. The blood vessels supplying this tissue (the perforators) are then connected to vessels in the chest using microsurgery, allowing the tissue to survive in its new location.
Unlike older techniques that removed abdominal muscle (like TRAM flap), DIEP preserves core strength and function. It offers a soft, warm, natural breast that ages with your body and never needs replacement.
Women choose DIEP because it is:
For many women — especially those who have had radiation, implant failure, or multiple revisions — DIEP flap is the best possible reconstructive option.
When it comes to DIEP flap reconstruction, training and experience matter more than anything else. DIEP is one of the most complex procedures in plastic surgery and is performed by only a small number of fellowship-trained microsurgeons.
CABR is proud to be the only practice in Hampton Roads with dedicated DIEP flap surgeons and a full microsurgical program.
DIEP reconstruction requires precise microvascular skill — the ability to reconnect tiny arteries and veins under a surgical microscope. Not all plastic surgeons perform this level of reconstruction, and many practices list DIEP on their website despite having no active microsurgical provider.
CABR surgeons have extensive training in:
This experience translates into safer operations, higher flap success rates, and highly refined aesthetic outcomes.
Unlike cosmetic-focused practices, CABR is reconstruction-first, serving women throughout Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, and the broader Hampton Roads region.
Many practices advertise DIEP but do not actually perform the procedure. CABR maintains a dedicated reconstructive team, microsurgical infrastructure, and hospital partnerships required to perform advanced free-flap surgery consistently and safely.
CABR supports patients before, during, and long after surgery with:
You are never alone in this process.
Most women undergoing mastectomy — whether preventive or for cancer treatment — are potential candidates for DIEP flap reconstruction.
You may be an excellent candidate for DIEP if you:
If you’ve been told you “are not a candidate,” it may simply mean the surgeon does not perform free-flap microsurgery. Many women regain access to DIEP when evaluated by a true microsurgeon.
CABR offers consultations to help determine whether DIEP — or another flap option — is right for you.
DIEP Flap vs. Implant Reconstruction
If you are still deciding between reconstruction options, this side-by-side comparison may help.
Uses your own natural tissue
Soft, warm, natural feel
Ideal after radiation
No risk of rupture or capsular contracture
Long-lasting results
Restores abdominal contour
Uses a silicone or saline implant
Often firmer, less natural
Radiation dramatically increases complications
High rates of capsular contracture (scar tightening)
Requires future replacements or revisions
No benefit to abdominal area
For many women — especially those with radiation or implant complications — DIEP offers more reliable long-term satisfaction and fewer unplanned surgeries.
CABR performs both immediate and delayed DIEP flap surgeries depending on medical history and cancer treatment plans.
Performed at the time of mastectomy.
Benefits include:
Many women appreciate waking up from mastectomy already beginning the reconstruction process.
Performed months or years after mastectomy.
This is ideal for patients who:
CABR specializes in complex delayed and revision reconstruction — including difficult cases other practices refer out.
Many women come to CABR after experiencing problems with implants such as:
A DIEP flap conversion allows patients to move away from implants entirely and restore a much more natural, reliable reconstruction.
Our surgeons routinely perform implant-to-DIEP conversions and can often address both the implant removal and DIEP reconstruction in a single surgery.
Understanding the steps helps you feel prepared and confident.
You’ll meet with one of our microsurgeons to review your medical history, surgical goals, anatomy, and treatment timeline.
If needed, preoperative imaging (CT angiography) maps the abdominal perforators for safer, more efficient surgery.
Your surgeon will discuss whether immediate or delayed reconstruction is best, and outline the expected number of stages. Some patients complete everything in one stage; others prefer optional refinement procedures.
During surgery, tissue from the lower abdomen is transplanted to the chest and connected using microsurgery. Abdominal muscle is preserved, protecting long-term core strength.
This procedure typically requires:
CABR performs DIEP flaps at hospital facilities equipped for free-flap surgery.
Most patients spend 2–4 days in the hospital so the new tissue can be carefully monitored. Our team manages pain, mobility, drains, and early healing.
You can resume light activity in 2–3 weeks, with most daily activities returning by 6–8 weeks.
Because no muscle is removed, long-term mobility and core strength are better preserved than with older reconstruction techniques.
Many women choose small refinements several months later, such as:
Your surgeon will guide you through the options based on your goals.
DIEP reconstruction offers:
Most importantly, DIEP allows many women to feel more restored, confident, and connected to their body again after cancer.
For women seeking the most natural, durable, and advanced breast reconstruction option, CABR offers unmatched expertise.
You deserve reconstruction that feels natural, restores confidence, and reflects who you are today.
To learn whether you’re a candidate for DIEP flap surgery, schedule your consultation with our reconstructive team.
Reach out to our office today using this form, or give us a call to schedule your consultation. We’re excited to partner with you on your healing journey.
Dr. Jablonka is hands down the absolute best doctor I’ve ever had. He is caring, compassionate and really takes his time with his patients. I had complicated breast reconstruction surgery after a double mastectomy. And of course I had complications while recuperating. So it required a couple more surgeries. Dr. Jablonka did an amazing job and was right by my side the entire time. He is a very skilled plastic surgeon. I highly, highly recommend. I give him 10 stars out of 5!!!
Dr. Jablonka is an amazing surgeon. During my consultation for DIEP I knew within minutes that he was the surgeon for me. Not only did he have all the education and experience he was also very easy to talk to and took the time to thoroughly explain the procedure and answer all of my questions. Listening to him explain the DIEP flap procedure I instantly knew that not only was this his profession, but truly his passion. I am now almost 3 months post-op and so happy with my results. My breasts look natural and they are made with my tissue. I am beyond grateful to Dr. Jablonka and his incredible team for making one of the most challenging things I’ve ever done so much easier. If you have to have breast reconstruction for preventative reasons or because of a breast cancer diagnosis I highly recommend Dr. Jablonka.
Dr Jablonka is a phenomenal surgeon and he truly cares for his patients. I had a breast reconstruction with DIEP flap post prophylactic double mastectomy from 12 years prior. He removed the old implants using my own fat and placing them above the pectoral muscle not under like before. The look and the feel is so natural. I don’t have that constant tightness and hardness in my breasts. I feel and look normal again. He has been very kind throughout the process. He explained everything patiently every time. His staff Elizabeth and his nurse Stephanie were always there for me as well helping every step of the way. The front desk receptionist (I can’t recall her name) and every one else there that I came in contact with was kind polite and attentive. Everybody at the office took great care of me. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart!
Being diagnosed with breast cancer at 37 was H.A.R.D. Having a double mastectomy burned even more. Losing one expander and being flat for months was the icing on the cake. Then I was referred to Dr. Jablonka as a DIEP Flap candidate. I knew from the first time I met Dr. Jablonka that he was amazing. He was very thorough and took all the time in the world to explain to myself and to my husband what the process would be and answered all of our questions. His staff is top notch and just as sweet as they come. There are no words to adequately express my sincere gratitude to Dr. Jablonka and his team for giving me confidence back and making me a proud survivor!
There aren't enough good words to describe Dr. Jablonka. He's the absolute best. He's kind, caring, and talented. I came to him broken after my double mastectomy reconstruction was a bust. He put me back together. Brought back my self-esteem. Gave me my life back. Love, love, love him and his amazing support staff.