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Autologous Breast Reconstruction


Autologous breast reconstruction is a reconstructive technique using the patient’s own tissue to recreate the breast. This form of reconstruction allows for a natural look and feel without the use of implants. Women from Washington, DC; Chevy Chase and Bethesda, MD; Arlington and Fairfax, VA; choose the experienced team at Center for Plastic Surgery for this advanced breast reconstruction technique.

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Center For Plastic Surgery
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Who Is a Candidate?

Breast reconstruction with autologous tissue is for those who have undergone a mastectomy after breast cancer. The procedure can help women regain a sense of self and improve body image following mastectomy. Autologous reconstruction is a great option for those who want natural results. However, to be a successful candidate, patients must have enough tissue from other areas of the body to be used during reconstruction. Those who are very thin may not be the best candidates for this type of breast reconstruction.


The Procedure

There are many different techniques when it comes to autologous breast reconstruction depending on the individual patient’s needs and donor site availability. Your surgeon might discuss one or a combination of the following with you:

These techniques all use fat, skin, blood vessels, and sometimes a section of muscle from other areas of the body to reconstruct the breast mound. The technique used will depend on the individual case and how much tissue is available to move to the breast for reconstruction.

A Reputation Built on Results

  • Dr. Fleury has the most amazing, down to-earth attitude and makes you feel comfortable from the moment you meet him. He spent a great deal of time talking with me about my upcoming reconstruction and DIEP flap surgery following my double mastectomy, answering my questions and making sure I understood my options. Although I haven’t had my surgery yet, I would highly recommend Dr. Fleury based on the compassion, professionalism, and genuine care he has shown me throughout this process I am beyond grateful to have found a surgeon who combines exceptional professionalism with genuine compassion.

    Virginia Lee John
  • I had a great experience working with Dr. Rao for my bilateral mastectomy with DIEP flap reconstruction. From beginning to end Dr. Rao and his team were very honest, patient, and kind, and performed at the highest level. I’m really pleased with the outcome, and feel like myself again! I would definitely recommend him and his practice to other women going through the same journey.

    Tara D
  • I’ve had issues with my radiated breast from breast cancer for years (capsule contraction) and several surgeries later, I may have finally found a doctor that knows what he’s doing. I just had a tissue expander put in 2 weeks ago and everything went great! I will be getting a diep flap in a couple of months and judging from the pictures on his site, I have nothing to worry about

    shirley grant
  • Dr. Fleury is truly one of the most compassionate and skilled physicians I have ever met. From the very first visit, he made me feel safe, heard, and genuinely cared for during one of the most vulnerable times in my life. As someone facing breast cancer and reconstruction, trust is everything—and I trust him completely. Knowing that this work is personal to him, as his own wife has gone through breast cancer, makes his level of empathy and dedication even more meaningful. You can feel that this is not just his profession—it’s his purpose. His expertise speaks for itself. His background in hand surgery translates into an incredible level of precision, which gave me so much confidence moving forward with my DIEP flap reconstruction. What truly sets him apart is his bedside manner. He is kind, patient, and always takes the time to explain everything clearly. The fact that he is accessible—even responding to messages—shows how deeply he cares about his patients. His entire team is just as amazing. Every single person in the office made me feel comfortable, supported, and valued. He helped me feel comfortable in my own body again during a time I never thought I would. I never imagined I could feel this at peace going through cancer, surgery, and reconstruction—but Dr. Fleury made that possible. I am beyond grateful for him and his team. He is truly a blessing.

    Angela Fernandez
  • I am forever grateful to Dr Rao. I researched a few doctors trying to find the right doctor to perform my breast reconstruction. After having a bilateral mastectomy in 2023, my google search finally rested on the name of Dr Samir Rao in 2024. I traveled from Kentucky to Maryland to meet with him for a FREE consultation. Within the first 60 seconds I knew that he would be my surgeon. Dr. Rao did more than the DIEP Flap surgery. He gave me more than my breast back; he gave me the confidence that the mastectomy stripped me of. To be honest it started when he did the expanders. I am forever grateful to him and his staff. They are awesome !!!!

    Angela Bradshaw
  • From the receptionist, to all the nurses and Dr. Rao they always make me feel very comfortable. Especially after having a double mastectomy. I’ve now had a Deip Flap 2 weeks ago & so far so good! I had some corrective surgery to get rid of the two scars so that I only have one. Everything has worked out wonderfully I would highly recommend this plastic surgery office!!

    Bernadette Lund
  • I came to Dr. Rao to have a double mastectomy with immediate DIEP flap reconstruction. He was my primary surgeon while Dr. Albino assisted. From consultations, post op appointments, revision surgeries, and emergency appointments, Dr. Rao and his team have been incredible. His nurses are so supportive and quickly respond to all of my questions. Dr Rao is an absolute master at what he does and does beautiful work. I highly recommend to anyone who wants the best outcome for their plastic surgery journey.

    Aurelie Van Pelt
  • Dr Mesbahi is the very best!! Started with a nipple sparing breast reduction and then, subsequently, a bilateral mastectomy with DIEP flap reconstruction. He put me at ease, explained everything well, and I am extremely satisfied with the result. His care team is excellent as well. Highly recommend.

    Anonymous O
  • I was referred to Dr Rao thru a friend. After I was diagnosed with breast cancer last year I was very uncertain if I wanted to go the plastic surgery route. I took my friends recommendation and gave Dr Raos office a call. I knew right after my consultation that this is where I needed to be. Thru the consultations, pre-ops, surgeries, and post ops Dr Rao was always kind, sincere, and knowledgeable. Even thru my emotions of recovery and delayed healing he always provided affirmation that I was going to be okay. Dr Raos bedside manner was top notch. I was 36 years old with 2 young children when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I underwent a double mastectomy with a DIEP reconstruction. I would go this route all over again with Dr Rao and wouldn’t think twice about it. I would highly recommend him to anyone.

    Ciara Weatherholtz
  • I've just completed my final reconstruction surgery with Dr. Albino, who was able to fully correct the tremendous damage I experienced post radiation. Dr. Albino gave me the results that I never thought I would see, that other highly regarded plastic surgeons were unwilling to take on. Thanks to Dr. Albino, I finally have my body back again. His highly skilled work and dedication to his patients are unparallelled. I was fortunate to find him after interviewing every other plastic surgeon who performs DIEP Flap surgeries in the DC area, none of whom were willing or able to deliver the results that Dr. Albino did. Look no further, Dr. Albino is truly THE BEST.

    Christina Rice
  • Dr. Albino is a gem. There are not enough stars I can leave to for him. He gets allllll the stars and then some! He did my breast reconstruction after my treatment for stage 3 cancer and he was the only bright spot in a long line of doctors that left me with a distaste for the health care system in America. He has it all. He makes you feel seen. And after dealing w a slew of doctors that just see you as a disease to treat or just another cancer patient, he made me feel seen as a human being and heard. He is a breath of fresh air. He has given me faith that there are still doctors that do what they do because they care and because they want to be good doctors. He looks you in the eyes, he is sincere and he goes above and beyond. He would come in on his days off to help when I developed a complication. He texted me the day I got home to see if I was ok. Not only is his bedside manner exceptional but that isn’t even the most impressive thing about him. He’s also an extremely talented surgeon. My procedure was very complicated as I chose to use a fairly new procedure that is complex and intricate using my own tissue for a more natural result. I’m only a few months out from my reconstruction and it looks better and better every day. Not to mention every doctor who has seen the results is impressed and I’m not even fully healed - that’s how you know a good doctor when other doctors are impressed. I don’t leave reviews especially for doctors - after dealing w cancer and the health care system for 2 years I am beyond disgusted at the American health care system. But I felt compelled to write this review for Dr. Albino because he is truly exceptional. I knew from the first appointment he was my doctor. And I never looked back. I adore him as a human being and respect his talent and skill as a doctor. I would trust him for any procedure and know I will be in amazing hands from beginning to end.

    A Flossos
  • Dr. Kanuri Did "Complicated" "It was complicated"- that's what I heard from 6 doctors when I needed to have a revision after my radiation treatment to my DEIP flap mastectomy reconstruction (using my own abdominal tissue vs. implant). Only one doctor had both the confidence and a plan that has led to success--Dr. Kanuri. He has given me back hope that I can have a better quality of life (more like my old self) after cancer. He listened to me. Explained all my options and related risks from least invasive to worst, from worst case to best case scenario. He involved me and my husband in decision making and checked in with me every step of the way. I've been blessed with great doctors and Dr. Kanuri is at the top of the list. I highly recommend him for your plastic surgery needs. Know that even if it's complicated, he's got you all the way!

    Nicole C.
  • I had a very positive and reassuring experience with Dr. Frank Albino regarding my breast cancer reconstruction. My situation was challenging - 4 surgeries from lymph node biopsies to bi-lateral mastectomy to DIEP and revisionist reconstruction - and I felt well taken care of by Dr. Colette Magnant and Dr. Albino. I look better than ever which is a gift and that is due to Dr. Albino's amazing talent. I would wholeheartedly recommend him!

    Janice Morris
  • Dr. Albino was so kind and supportive through the entire process of my consultston, surgery and follow up. He listened to me and helped me make the best decision for treating my breast cancer with bilateral mastetomy and reconstruction with DIEP Flap. It was an overwhelming experience but Dr. Albino and his staff helped me through it and although I wouldn't have chosen to have surgery if it wasn't needed I feel and look great and couldn't be happier with my results. I was so fortunate to find such a skilled surgeon with such a wonderful bedside manner.

    Gina Murray
  • Dr. Albino and Dr. Rao performed Diep Flap reconstruction surgery on me post mastectomy due to breast cancer. I am BLOWN AWAY at the results. I am still early in the recovery process but every time I look down, I smile and get so excited about my results. Dr. Albino is my main doctor at CPS and has been caring, thoughtful, and has continuously checked in on me through the process. I can’t recommend this team enough. I trust them and am thankful I found Dr. Albino and Lindsay!

    Elizabeth Meadows
  • The entire staff at the Annandale office are, in my opinion, some of my favorite people I've had the pleasure of meeting. The genuine care, concerns and treatment of the person as a whole, a true patient-centered approach to practicing medicine. I would recommend Dr. Albino and his staff to any person. My entire experience was so wonderful I could not pick out one single event. This office of professionals are simply amazing. Update, almost 2 years ago, to the day, I still receive compliments from other doctors on the results of my bilateral mastectomy and deip flap reconstruction.

    K P
  • I will always be happy I selected Samir Rao as my plastic surgeon for breast reconstruction! Approaching 2 years since I began the BMX/diep flap process and 3 surgeries later, I have always been impressed and grateful for Dr. Rao's technical advice and surgical skills. As a communicator I find him a straight shooter with his professional advice while also being compassionate. I really value the combo because breast cancer for me has been as much an emotional as well as a physical challenge so partnering with a doctor who is highly competent to the physical needs and responsive to the emotional has made me feel well cared for and in good hands! I also greatly appreciate Laramie, who goes out of her way to facilitate easy access and quick responsiveness to any questions and needs as they arise.

    Martha Wescoat-Andes
  • September 9, 2019 Dr. Frank Albino performed Diep Flap reconstruction. I had an AMAZING experience with him along with his staff. Today December 17, 2019 I have been back to CrossFit and normal workouts since November 1, 2019. I have been doing 400 crunches a day since December 1st and finish December 25th. I trust NO ONE else with doing my surgery and HIGHLY recommend Dr. Albino. There aren’t enough words to express my gratitude!!

    Michele Hurt
  • I got referred to Dr. Samir Rao by my cancer surgeon. What a phenomenal reference - he is a great and a blessed surgeon and an equally great person. In a way, I think God made up for my cancer by introducing me to Dr. Rao. He is very patient and overlooks sometime easily offending comment. His staff (front office, patient coordinator Laramie, nurses - Tina and other nurses) are equally kind and compassionate. Front staff office is very welcoming and accommodating. For my every appointment, I have ended up calling them that I am stuck in traffic and will be a bit delayed and they have always put me at ease. Laramie went out of her way to help us with our personal needs and is very accommodating. I need 3 surgeries and I am already down 2. My first two surgeries required personal help and favor, and Laramie and Dr. Rao helped me with whatever I needed without any hesitation, and, with no questions asked. Their help played very important role in relieving my stress going into surgeries. Tina is very patient and never treats any of your questions as silly. She explained in detail how to prepare myself for both surgeries and what to expect pre and post-surgery. She and Dr. Rao helped me with my personal needs again without any questions and hesitation. If you know what you need, then you will not find any excuses from either Dr. Rao or his team. They accommodate every reasonable request, and, if it is within their means, will help you. If you know your questions - I have called numerous times - Dr. Rao's staff has always responded with unflinching dedication, compassion and empathy. For Dr. Rao, he is a very modest person. Don't be fooled by his modesty. He is an outstanding doctor, surgeon and person. He is a machine with the speed and accuracy with which he performs surgery. He operated on me twice (so far), first when he teamed with Dr. Akhbari for my cancer (she herself is a phenomenal doctor). He explained my options at the time and explained what to expect and more importantly what NOT to expect. He did not treat any of my questions as being silly. During my first surgery, I had made up my mind that I will be going with implants - having met couple of plastic surgeons before him, and, none suggested that I am a candidate for DIEP surgery. Dr. Rao explained what to expect with implants and he jokingly reassured me that even when you are 90 years old, your rest of your body will wither away but my work will stand the test of times. He explained in detail how he is going to perform the surgery and where exactly he is going to cut my skin. It might give you chills while reading this, but trust me, you want to know exactly what is going to happen to your body before you go under the knife. He is non-judgemental in terms of whether you want a larger breast or smaller breast. Just know your questions, and he is open to discuss. I was all set and scheduled for implant surgery - a comparatively shorter surgery - until... As I educated myself and met fellow survivors on the way, learnt that while implant may be good, my body type may be suitable for DIEP surgery. I scheduled an appointment with Dr. Rao again and he confidently told me that, sure, you are a good candidate for DIEP surgery. He did mention that, this is a different type of surgery and it will take some scheduling to be done since I will need another surgeon to assist me and we may have to move dates we have originally scheduled for. He also explained that this will have longer recovery time than the implant surgery we originally discussed. He was not trying to discourage me, but just laying it out for me in terms of what to expect. The beauty of Dr. Rao and his team is, during both surgeries when I asked to see sample of his past surgeries, he somehow managed to show me the picture of someone who had exactly similar type of breasts that I did. Maybe I got lucky I guess, but that took away lot of surprise away in terms of what to expect. If you are in VA / D.C./MD are, you cannot go wrong in choosing Dr. Samir Rao. Disclaimer: I am not paid to write this review.

    Vandana .Purohit
  • I'm a two time breast cancer survivor. After a mastectomy, multi reconstructions, and radiation I developed an encapsulation contracture that was getting worse and worse, I found Dr. Albino for a DIEP Flap, through the guidance of my main plastic surgeon. He listened to my goals, was very compassionate, and the work he did was beautiful and changed my life. Through the surgery and after care I felt valued and was well cared for by Dr. Albino and his staff.

    MK Meredith
  • I became a patient of Dr. Rao last year after being diagnosed with an aggressive breast cancer. My breast cancer surgeon, Dr. Feldman spoke highly of him and his expertise. I looked no farther and have been pleased with him and his staff every step of the way. He performed a DIEP Flap along with my mastectomy by Dr. Feldman. It was the most terrifying time in my life but felt comfort in their hands. It’s been a process with the type of cancer/gene mutation that I have and being that more cancer was found after the expanders were placed. Dr. Rao is always polite, professional, but to the point. I like to inquire a lot and he always makes me feel confident that all will work out for the good. Also, I can’t say enough about Tina. She’s a great asset to his team and is reassuring and as kind as she could possibly be.

    Misty Ocean
  • Dr Fleury is a great doctor. My wife just had breast cancer surgery with his help. Everything is perfect!

    Kevin Fan
  • I cannot say enough wonderful things about Dr. Albino and his entire team. After going through cancer treatment and everything that comes with it, having a surgeon you can completely trust makes an enormous difference. Dr. Albino has been exceptional every step of the way. From placing my tissue expanders after cancer to preparing for my upcoming reconstruction, his attention to detail is truly beyond measure. He is incredibly knowledgeable, professional, meticulous, and clearly takes tremendous pride in his work. But what makes him truly stand out is the way he treats his patients. His bedside manner is exceptional—he is compassionate, patient, attentive, and genuinely listens. He takes the time to explain everything thoroughly, answer every question, and make sure you feel comfortable and informed throughout the process. And his team is just as exceptional. Every member of his staff has been kind, caring, professional, responsive, and incredibly supportive. They consistently go above and beyond to make what can be an overwhelming and emotional experience feel easier and more manageable. You can tell that the compassion and excellence Dr. Albino brings to his patients is reflected throughout his entire team. During an experience that can be physically and emotionally overwhelming, Dr. Albino and his team have given me confidence and reassurance at every stage. I never feel rushed or like just another patient. I feel heard, cared for, and completely confident that I am in the best possible hands. His combination of surgical expertise, precision, professionalism, compassion, and an outstanding team is truly rare. I am incredibly grateful to have Dr. Albino as my surgeon and am looking forward to having him complete my reconstruction. I would recommend him and his team without hesitation to anyone looking for exceptional care. Dr. Albino and his team are, quite simply, exceptional beyond measure.

    Petra Horne
  • I saw Dr Fleury for a consultation for breast reconstruction and he was very kind, patient, supportive, and thorough in his explanations.

    Daphne Williams
CPS Surgeon Team

ESTABLISHED EXCELLENCE

Choose the experts that locals know and trust. Our multigenerational practice includes board-certified plastic surgeons who provide the best possible care with state-of-the-art technology.

  • Results and Recovery


Your recovery from autologous breast reconstruction will depend on the specific techniques used during your procedure. With autologous reconstruction, recovery involves the reconstructed breast as well as the donor site. During recovery, it is important not to put any strain on the newly constructed breast of the donor site. This will involve some physical restrictions and time off work to properly recover. To ensure the most effective outcome and lowest risk of complications, patients need to follow all post-op instructions provided to them carefully.

After the healing process, patients can enjoy the results of their reconstructive surgery with breasts that are natural looking, contoured, and that will last a lifetime.

Schedule Your Complimentary Consultation

To meet with a surgeon in person, request a complimentary consultation using our online form. CPS has been helping patients feel more confident since 1986. We pride ourselves on providing a comfortable, caring environment for our patients.

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