DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction in Virginia Beach, VA

DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction in Virginia Beach, VA

Natural, long-lasting breast reconstruction from the only dedicated DIEP microsurgeons serving Virginia Beach.

Women in Virginia Beach seeking natural breast reconstruction after mastectomy deserve access to the highest level of reconstructive expertise. CABR is proud to serve patients throughout Virginia Beach, the Oceanfront, Hilltop, Red Mill, Kempsville, Great Neck, and all surrounding neighborhoods with advanced DIEP flap breast reconstruction.

Unlike many practices in the region that advertise DIEP but do not perform microsurgical reconstruction, CABR is the only dedicated DIEP provider serving Hampton Roads.

DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction

What Is DIEP Flap Reconstruction?

The DIEP flap (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator flap) is the most advanced form of autologous breast reconstruction. It uses your own lower abdominal skin and fat to recreate a soft, natural breast — without removing abdominal muscle.

Benefits include:

  • No implants or foreign materials
  • Natural look and feel
  • Long-term durability
  • Ideal for women who had radiation
  • Best option after implant complications

For women in Virginia Beach looking for a permanent, natural reconstruction, DIEP is often the best choice.

Why Virginia Beach Patients Choose CABR for DIEP Flap Reconstruction

1. The Only Dedicated DIEP Microsurgical Team in the Region

Most Virginia Beach practices offering breast reconstruction do not have surgeons trained in microsurgery. CABR’s surgeons are fellowship-trained and perform advanced DIEP flap reconstruction regularly.

2. Proven Results and Specialized Expertise

We treat:

  • Implant failures
  • Capsular contracture
  • Radiation-related complications
  • Complex revision cases
  • Immediate and delayed reconstruction

3. No Need to Travel Out of State

Many women believe they must travel to major academic centers for DIEP.
CABR brings this level of expertise directly to Virginia Beach patients.

4. Compassionate, Personalized Care

Your reconstructive journey is supported at every step — from consultation through final symmetry procedures.

Who Is a Candidate for DIEP Flap in Virginia Beach?

You may be a strong candidate if you:

  • Want a natural, implant-free reconstruction
  • Have enough abdominal tissue
  • Had radiation or expect to have radiation
  • Experience implant pain, rupture, or tightness
  • Had failed reconstruction in the past
  • Prefer a long-term, low-maintenance solution

CABR offers both immediate and delayed DIEP flap reconstruction.

DIEP Flap vs. Implant Reconstruction

Women in Virginia Beach often compare these options when planning reconstruction:

DIEP Flap

Uses your own tissue

Natural look & feel

Long-term durability

Best after radiation

No capsular contracture

Implant

Uses a silicone or saline device

May appear or feel artificial

Needs replacement every 10–15 years

High failure rates after radiation

Capsular contracture common

Most women who want the safest and most natural reconstruction long-term choose DIEP.

Implant-to-DIEP Conversion for Virginia Beach Patients

If you have implants and experience pain, hardness, asymmetry, or complications, CABR performs implant-to-flap conversion — replacing implants with natural tissue.

This is common for women in Virginia Beach who have had:

  • Capsular contracture
  • Implant rupture
  • Repeated revisions
  • Radiation damage
  • Breast asymmetry

What to Expect With DIEP Reconstruction in Virginia Beach

 

  • Hospital stay: 2–4 days
  • Return to light activity: ~2–3 weeks
  • Full activity: ~6–8 weeks
  • Results: Soft, warm, natural breasts that last a lifetime

     

Your abdomen also becomes flatter and smoother — similar to a tummy tuck.

Serving All Virginia Beach Neighborhoods

We care for patients from:

Sandbridge

Red Mill

Princess Anne

Kempsville

Great Neck

Lynnhaven

Oceanfront

Strawbridge

Hilltop

North End

Town Center

No matter where you live in Virginia Beach, advanced DIEP reconstruction is available close to home.

Schedule a Consultation

You deserve a reconstruction that feels like you.
Learn whether you’re a candidate for DIEP flap reconstruction today.

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