DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction in Portsmouth, VA

DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction in Portsmouth, VA

Advanced, natural breast reconstruction for women across Portsmouth, Churchland, Olde Towne, Cradock, and the Western Branch region.

Women in Portsmouth seeking natural, long-lasting breast reconstruction after mastectomy deserve access to expert care close to home. CABR proudly serves Portsmouth and the surrounding communities with true DIEP flap reconstruction — the most advanced form of autologous (your own tissue) breast reconstruction available today.

CABR is the only dedicated DIEP microsurgery team serving the entire Hampton Roads region, offering a level of expertise not available at most general plastic surgery practices.

North Beach Plastic Surgery’
DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction

What Is DIEP Flap Reconstruction?

The DIEP flap (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator flap) procedure uses skin and fat from the lower abdomen — without removing abdominal muscle — to rebuild a soft, natural breast after mastectomy.

Why Portsmouth Patients Choose DIEP Flap Reconstruction:

  • No implants or foreign devices
  • Soft, warm, natural results
  • Long-term durability
  • Lower complication rates than implants
  • Best option after radiation
  • Permanent reconstruction with no replacement needed
  • Improved abdominal contour after surgery

For women who want a reconstruction that feels like part of their body, DIEP is often the ideal choice.

Why Portsmouth Women Trust CABR for DIEP Reconstruction

1. The Only True DIEP Providers in Hampton Roads

Despite what some websites advertise, very few practices in the region actually perform DIEP flap surgery. CABR’s surgeons are fellowship-trained microsurgeons who specialize in complex, natural tissue breast reconstruction.

2. Expertise With Complicated Cases

We frequently treat patients who have experienced:

  • Implant failure or rupture
  • Pain, tightness, or capsular contracture
  • Radiation-associated complications
  • Asymmetry or implant shifting
  • Failed previous reconstruction
  • Multiple revision surgeries

If you’ve been told your only option is “another implant,” CABR may offer additional solutions.

3. Comprehensive Reconstruction Care

We provide:

  • Immediate DIEP flap reconstruction (same day as mastectomy)
  • Delayed reconstruction months or years later
  • Implant-to-DIEP conversions
  • Fat grafting and contouring
  • Symmetry procedures
  • Nipple reconstruction

4. Accessible Care for Portsmouth Families

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

Who Is a Candidate for DIEP Flap Reconstruction in Portsmouth?

You may be a candidate if you:

  • Want natural reconstruction without implants
  • Have enough lower abdominal tissue
  • Experienced implant problems or discomfort
  • Have had radiation therapy
  • Want long-term, low-maintenance results
  • Want a reconstruction that ages naturally with your body

Even if you’ve been told you’re not a candidate, a microsurgeon may have additional options.

DIEP Flap vs. Implant Reconstruction for Portsmouth Patients

DIEP Flap

Natural, living tissue

Permanent results

Best after radiation

No capsular contracture

No rupture or leakage

Improves abdominal contour

 

 

Implant

Foreign device placed in the chest

Require replacement every 10–15 years

High complication rate with radiation

Tight, painful contracture is common

Risk increases over time

No abdominal benefit

 

For many women — especially those treated at Portsmouth Naval Hospital or Bon Secours — DIEP offers a safer, more natural long-term result.

Implant-to-DIEP Conversion for Portsmouth Patients

If your implant reconstruction is causing pain, discomfort, or dissatisfaction, CABR specializes in implant-to-DIEP conversion.

This option is excellent for women who have:

  • Capsular contracture (hardness, pain, or distortion)
  • Implant rupture or leakage
  • Radiation-associated implant failure
  • Recurrent infections
  • Rippling or visible implant edges
  • Chest tightness or tenderness
  • Implants that shifted, dropped, or never looked symmetrical
  • Anxiety about long-term implant maintenance

A DIEP flap replaces implants with natural tissue, offering a permanent and more comfortable solution.

The DIEP Reconstruction Process for Portsmouth Patients

1.Consultation & Imaging

We review your medical history, anatomy, implant status, radiation history, and goals. Imaging may be used to map blood vessels.

2. Personalized Surgical Planning

Based on your anatomy and treatment plan, we discuss immediate vs delayed reconstruction, symmetry options, timelines, and recovery expectations.

3. DIEP Microsurgery

During surgery:

  • Abdominal tissue is transplanted to the chest
  • Blood vessels are connected under a microscope
  • The abdomen is contoured, similar to a tummy tuck
  • Abdominal muscles remain intact

4. Hospital Stay: 2–4 Days

Your new tissue is carefully monitored for healthy blood flow.

5. Home Recovery: 6–8 Weeks

Most women return to normal activities within two months.

6. Optional Refinements

Some patients choose fat grafting, nipple reconstruction, or symmetry procedures to refine their final aesthetic outcome.

Why DIEP Is a Strong Choice for Portsmouth Women With Radiation History

Radiation significantly increases implant complications, causing:

Hardness

Pain

Infection

Reconstruction failure

DIEP is the gold standard for women who have had radiation because it brings new, healthy tissue to the area — improving comfort, healing, and long-term stability.

CABR frequently treats post-radiation patients from Portsmouth and the surrounding military and civilian healthcare systems.

Serving Portsmouth and Surrounding Communities

We proudly care for patients living in:

Churchland

Naval Shipyard & Naval Hospital community

Olde Towne

Victory Village

Cradock

Port Norfolk

Cavalier Manor

Waterview

Deep Creek (adjacent area)

Western Branch (adjacent area)

Wherever you’re located in Portsmouth, advanced breast reconstruction is available close by.

Schedule a Consultation at North Beach Plastic Surgery

If you live in Portsmouth and are exploring breast reconstruction options — whether for primary surgery or revision of implants — our dedicated microsurgical team is here to help.

Get the natural, long-lasting results you deserve.

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

Serving Suffolk and Surrounding Areas

CABR cares for patients in:

Harbour View

North Suffolk

Bennetts Creek

Chuckatuck

Downtown Suffolk

Holland

Driver

Carrollton

Isle of Wight County

Whether you live in the heart of Suffolk or the rural outskirts, advanced breast reconstruction is close to home.

Schedule a Consultation at North Beach Plastic Surgery

If you live in Suffolk and are exploring your breast reconstruction options, our dedicated microsurgical team is here to help you understand whether DIEP flap reconstruction is the right choice.

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