DIEP Flap

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.

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.

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

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.

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 !!!!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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!!

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

I came to Dr. Albino from another local surgeon, hoping to get a more encouraging second opinion after a double mastectomy and breast cancer treatment. Not only did I get an encouraging second opinion, my results are far greater than anything I expected. My reconstruction journey started with expanders, and for months I heard "you won't love your results but you'll be ok with them one day," and this was hard to grasp. I couldn't imagine looking in the mirror and seeing the remnants of cancer for the rest of my life. Dr. Albino gave me so much hope and optimism that I could be happy with my results. I had an implant and fat grafting revision with Dr. Albino almost 3 weeks ago, and I am thrilled with everything! Not only am I ok, I love the way I look. I feel like me again. I have recommended him to everyone I know, and cannot sing his praises enough. He is meticulous and professional, but has amazing bedside manner and true compassion for this difficult journey. The office staff is pleasant, and Heather has responded to about 80 emails from me without a single complaint. I am so grateful for this practice that gave me my confidence and my body back. If you have the opportunity to work with Dr. Albino I highly recommend him!

Center For Plastic Surgery has the most amazing, courteous staff and THE most amazing doctors. I love Dr. Albino. He always takes time to answer any questions. He is funny, kind and always upbeat..but most importantly, he is the best, especially for breast reconstruction surgery. I recommend him hands down.

Dr. Fleury and all his team at CPS are truly wonderful. He performed reconstruction after a double mastectomy due to breast cancer and he is an amazing micro surgeon keeping all the transplanted sections alive and healthy even though I have diabetes. He worked with my insurance and helped fight them when they canceled coverage for the nerve graft the night before surgery. Erin, Cameron, Nina and really the whole office have always been so kind, sympathetic and knowledgeable. I have a new lease on life thanks to Dr Fleury and CPS.

Choosing Dr. Christopher Fleury as my plastic surgeon was one of the best decisions I made after my breast cancer diagnosis. From the very first appointment, he made me feel comfortable, and honestly, that mattered more than I could have imagined given everything else I was dealing with. He listens. Really listens. He took the time to understand what I wanted my reconstruction to look like instead of assuming he knew what was best for me. I wanted a natural result that stayed close to my original size, and every decision along the way reflected those conversations. Although I'm still in the middle of reconstruction, I already feel completely confident in where we're headed together. None of that would matter if he weren't exceptionally gifted technically, but he is. He performed my reconstruction after my double mastectomy, including tissue expander placement, ADM placement, and a nerve allograft. One of the biggest surprises was learning he could perform the nerve allograft. I hadn't even known that preserving the possibility of sensation was an option, and he took the time to explain both the potential benefits and the limitations honestly. Knowing I have a real chance of regaining sensation down the road is something I'll always be grateful for. What stood out just as much was how well he understood the cancer side of this, not just the plastic surgery side. When I asked about direct-to-implant reconstruction, he walked me through why it wasn't the right fit for me and why he recommended the expander approach instead. Rather than giving me a one-size-fits-all answer, he explained the reasoning behind every recommendation. That told me he was thinking about my long-term outcome, not just what was easiest. He also worked seamlessly with my breast surgeon, Dr. Bonnie Sun, and I can't overstate how reassuring it was to know they approached my treatment as a team. When you're facing cancer, that kind of collaboration matters. What really sets Dr. Fleury apart, though, is who he is as a person. He's warm, approachable, and has a calm confidence that puts you at ease even when you're overwhelmed. He greets me at every appointment with genuine enthusiasm and makes me feel like we're tackling this together. Those may seem like small things, but during one of the most difficult times of your life, they're anything but. You'll feel heard, respected, and genuinely cared for. There are many talented plastic surgeons. What makes Dr. Fleury exceptional is the rare combination of elite surgical skill, cutting-edge expertise, deep understanding of breast cancer reconstruction, genuine respect for his patients' goals, and extraordinary compassion. Those qualities don't always exist in the same physician, but they do in him. If you're facing breast reconstruction after a breast cancer diagnosis, I cannot recommend Dr. Fleury highly enough. I am incredibly grateful he's part of my team.