DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction in Chesapeake, VA

DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction in Chesapeake, VA

Natural reconstruction and advanced microsurgery for women in Chesapeake and the surrounding Hampton Roads community.

CABR proudly serves patients throughout Chesapeake, Greenbrier, Great Bridge, Deep Creek, Hickory, Western Branch, Grassfield, and all surrounding areas with the most advanced breast reconstruction available: DIEP flap reconstruction.

We are the only dedicated DIEP microsurgical team serving the Hampton Roads region — providing patients in Chesapeake with a safe, long-lasting, natural option after mastectomy.

DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction

What Is DIEP Flap Reconstruction?

The DIEP flap procedure uses your own abdominal tissue to recreate a soft, natural breast after mastectomy.

It preserves your abdominal muscles and offers long-term, reliable results without implants.

Benefits for Chesapeake Patients:

  • Natural feel and movement
  • No implants required
  • Ideal after radiation
  • Long-term durability
  • Lower complication rates
  • Improved abdominal contour

Whether you’ve just been diagnosed or you’re years past mastectomy, DIEP reconstruction may be an option.

Why Chesapeake Women Choose CABR for DIEP Reconstruction

  1. The Only True DIEP Providers in Hampton Roads

Most practices in Chesapeake do not perform microsurgical reconstruction — even if they advertise it online. CABR’s surgeons are fellowship-trained microsurgeons, giving Chesapeake residents access to advanced care without leaving the region.

  1. Exceptional Outcomes

We are experienced in:

  • Primary DIEP reconstruction
  • Delayed reconstruction
  • Revision surgery
  • Implant-to-DIEP conversions
  • Radiated tissue reconstruction

  1. Personalized, Patient-Centered Care

Every reconstructive journey is unique. We ensure patients in Chesapeake receive tailored plans, compassionate support, and long-term follow-up.

  1. No Travel Required

Instead of traveling to Richmond, UNC, Johns Hopkins, or Duke, women in Chesapeake can receive advanced reconstruction right here in Hampton Roads.

Who Is a Candidate for DIEP Flap in Chesapeake?

You may be a candidate if you:

  • Prefer natural, implant-free reconstruction
  • Have adequate abdominal tissue
  • Experienced implant failure or complications
  • Had radiation treatment
  • Want long-lasting results
  • Desire a single, durable surgery rather than repeated implant revisions

CABR offers immediate and delayed DIEP flap reconstruction to meet your treatment plan.

DIEP Flap vs. Implant Reconstruction

Women in Chesapeake frequently ask how DIEP compares to implants.

DIEP Flap

Natural, living tissue

Permanent

Best for radiated tissue

No risk of rupture

No capsular contracture

Implant

Synthetic device

Requires future replacement

Complication-prone after radiation

Rupture risk increases over time

Capsular contracture common

If you’ve experienced implant issues or want a more natural feel, DIEP may be the best option.

Implant-to-DIEP Revision for Chesapeake Patients

Many Chesapeake women come to CABR due to implant problems such as:

  • Hardness
  • Pain
  • Asymmetry
  • Capsular contracture
  • Implant rupture
  • Repeated surgeries
  • Radiation-related damage

DIEP flap conversion replaces implants with natural living tissue, offering a more reliable and satisfying reconstruction.

The DIEP Reconstruction Process for Chesapeake Patients

1. Consultation & Imaging

2. Personalized surgical planning

3. Microsurgical DIEP flap reconstruction

4. 2–4 day hospital stay

5. Home recovery 6–8 weeks

6. Optional refinement procedures

Most women experience a significant improvement in comfort, symmetry, and self-confidence.

Serving Chesapeake Communities

We provide care for patients throughout:

Greenbrier

Great Bridge

Deep Creek

Grassfield

Western Branch

Hickory

South Norfolk

Indian River

Bells Mill

Edinburgh

No matter where you live in Chesapeake, advanced breast reconstruction is available nearby.

Schedule Your DIEP Consultation

If you live in Chesapeake and are exploring breast reconstruction, the DIEP flap may offer the most natural and long-lasting results.

Our fellowship-trained microsurgeons are here to help you understand your options

Book Your Consultation

Make An Appointment

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. 

Opening Hours

Monday - Thursday
Friday

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.

V. Frey

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!!!

L. Alt

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.

T. Walker

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!

S. Leitner

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!

J. Weeks