Advanced, natural reconstruction from the only dedicated DIEP microsurgeons serving Norfolk and the greater Hampton Roads area.
Women in Norfolk looking for long-lasting, natural breast reconstruction after mastectomy deserve access to expert care — without traveling outside the region. CABR proudly serves patients throughout Norfolk, Ghent, Larchmont, Ocean View, Downtown, Riverview, Park Place, Lambert’s Point, and Naval Station Norfolk with advanced DIEP flap surgery.
We remain the only dedicated DIEP microsurgical team offering true autologous reconstruction in Hampton Roads.
DIEP flap (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator flap) reconstruction uses your own abdominal skin and fat to rebuild a natural breast shape after mastectomy — while preserving abdominal muscle.
Why Norfolk Patients Prefer DIEP:
For women seeking the most advanced, modern form of reconstruction, DIEP is often the best option.
Many Norfolk-area practices offer breast reconstruction but do not perform DIEP or other microsurgical flaps. CABR’s surgeons are fellowship-trained and perform complex microsurgery regularly.
We care for patients facing:
CABR provides:
Instead of traveling to Richmond, UNC, Duke, or Johns Hopkins, you can receive advanced reconstruction close to home.
You may be a candidate if you:
Even if you’ve been told elsewhere that you are “not a candidate,” you may still be eligible. Many Norfolk patients find new options at CABR.
Women in Chesapeake frequently ask how DIEP compares to implants.
Natural, living tissue
Permanent
Best option after radiation
No risk of rupture
No capsular contracture
Silicone or saline device
Requires replacement
High failure rate after radiation
Rupture risk increases over time
Capsular contracture common
For many women, especially those treated at Sentara Norfolk General or other oncology centers, DIEP offers a reliable and natural reconstruction after cancer.
If you have implants and are unhappy with their appearance, comfort, or complications, you may be a candidate for implant-to-DIEP conversion.
This procedure is ideal for women experiencing:
CABR specializes in converting implant reconstruction into natural, permanent results
Here’s what patients typically experience:
Hospital Stay: 2–4 days
Light activity: 2–3 weeks
Return to normal activity: 6–8 weeks
Results: Soft, natural breasts that last for life
The abdominal donor site provides a flatter contour similar to a cosmetic tummy tuck.
We care for patients from:
Whether you live near ODU or the waterfront, advanced reconstruction is available nearby.
If you live in Norfolk and are seeking natural, long-lasting breast reconstruction, the DIEP flap may be your best option.
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.