Natural, Insurance-Covered Breast Reconstruction by The DIEP Group — Performed at Norwalk & Bridgeport Hospitals
Restoring Natural Beauty and Confidence After Mastectomy
For women in Greenwich, Old Greenwich, Cos Cob, Riverside, and nearby Fairfield County communities, breast reconstruction after mastectomy should feel as natural and restorative as possible — not like a compromise.
At The DIEP Group, our board-certified microsurgeons perform DIEP flap breast reconstruction, a sophisticated, insurance-covered technique that rebuilds the breast using your own tissue rather than implants.
With over 200 DIEP flap surgeries performed each year, our surgeons are among the most experienced in the Northeast. Women from across Connecticut choose our team for our combination of surgical artistry, natural results, and compassionate care — close to home.
The DIEP Flap Advantage
1️⃣ Natural, Long-Lasting Results
The DIEP flap (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator flap) uses your own skin and fat from the lower abdomen to recreate the breast naturally. The result is soft, warm, and lifelike — and it changes with your body over time.
2️⃣ Freedom from Implants
Because the reconstruction uses your own tissue, there are no silicone implants to leak, harden, or replace. You’ll never have to worry about future implant exchanges or recalls.
3️⃣ Ideal for Radiated or Implant-Failure Cases
Women who’ve undergone radiation or previous implant reconstruction often find relief and renewed confidence with DIEP flap surgery. The healthy, vascularized tissue restores softness, symmetry, and comfort.
4️⃣ Refined Abdominal Contour
A welcome benefit of the DIEP flap is a smoother, flatter abdomen — similar to a gentle tummy tuck. The procedure improves both breast and body balance.
5️⃣ Fully Covered by Insurance
Under the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA), all forms of breast reconstruction — including DIEP flaps and revision procedures — are covered by insurance, even years after mastectomy.
ur DIEP Flap Journey
Step 1 – Personalized Consultation
Your experience begins with a comprehensive consultation — either in person or through a virtual visit. Our surgeons discuss your goals, review your medical history, and determine the best plan for your unique needs.
A CT angiogram is performed to map the best blood vessels for your surgery.
Step 2 – Surgery at Norwalk or Bridgeport Hospital
Your surgery is performed by The DIEP Group’s microsurgical team at Norwalk Hospital or Bridgeport Hospital, both part of leading hospital systems in Connecticut.
The procedure typically takes 6–8 hours under general anesthesia.
Hospital stay: 2 days, with gentle walking encouraged the following morning.
Step 3 – Recovery
Because the abdominal muscles are preserved, recovery is faster and less painful than older flap techniques. Most women resume light activities in about 2 weeks and return to full activity within 6–8 weeks.
Step 4 – Refinement
Optional follow-up procedures — such as fat grafting, nipple reconstruction, or scar improvement — can fine-tune your results for perfect balance and symmetry.
Insurance Coverage for DIEP Flap Reconstruction
Our insurance specialists handle every step of the process — from preauthorization to documentation and appeals. Most private insurance plans cover DIEP flap reconstruction completely.
Common Insurance Plans in Fairfield County
- Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Aetna
- Cigna
- UnitedHealthcare and UHC Oxford
- Harvard Pilgrim and Tufts Health Plan
- ConnectiCare
Who Is a Candidate for DIEP Flap Reconstruction?
You may be an ideal candidate if you:
✅ Have had or plan to have a mastectomy
✅ Prefer natural tissue over implants
✅ Have experienced implant problems or radiation effects
✅ Have adequate lower abdominal tissue for transfer
✅ Want a permanent, maintenance-free result
Even women with prior C-sections or abdominal surgeries can often still undergo DIEP flap reconstruction after vessel imaging confirms eligibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my implants with DIEP flap reconstruction?
Yes. Many women choose to replace their implants with natural tissue for a more comfortable, permanent result.
How long will I stay in the hospital?
Most patients stay two days and walk comfortably the next morning.
Is DIEP flap reconstruction covered by insurance?
Yes. All breast reconstruction, including DIEP flap procedures and revisions, is covered under federal law.
Will my abdomen be tighter after surgery?
Yes. The procedure results in a smoother, flatter abdomen, similar to a mini tummy tuck.
Can I have DIEP flap reconstruction years after my mastectomy?
Yes. Reconstruction is covered at any time — even decades later.
Patient Testimonial – Greenwich, CT
“After my mastectomy, I wanted the most natural result possible but didn’t want to travel to New York for care. The DIEP Group was everything I hoped for — compassionate, skilled, and professional. My results look and feel completely natural, and I finally feel whole again.”
— Lauren M., Greenwich, CT
Why Patients Choose The DIEP Group
The DIEP Group is one of the highest-volume microsurgical breast reconstruction programs in the Northeast, performing over 200 DIEP flap surgeries every year. Our experience translates to superior results and the highest levels of patient trust.
Experience & Expertise
- Board-certified plastic surgeons specializing exclusively in microsurgical breast reconstruction
- High annual surgical volume with consistent success rates
- Advanced training in complex revision and implant-removal cases
Authoritativeness
- Surgeries performed at Norwalk Hospital and Bridgeport Hospital, part of top-tier health systems
- Nationally recognized expertise in DIEP flap and natural-tissue reconstruction
- Published and lectured on advanced microsurgical techniques
Trust & Patient-Centered Care
- 5-star patient satisfaction across hundreds of verified reviews
- Personal insurance navigation support and ongoing follow-up care
- Dedicated to restoring comfort, confidence, and natural form after breast cancer
“With more than 200 DIEP flap procedures performed each year, The DIEP Group brings unmatched experience and compassion to every patient’s journey.”
Serving Greenwich and Surrounding Communities
The DIEP Group proudly serves women from Greenwich, Old Greenwich, Cos Cob, Riverside, Stamford, and all of Fairfield County, offering insurance-covered, natural breast reconstruction at Norwalk and Bridgeport Hospitals.
Schedule Your Consultation
If you live in or near Greenwich, CT, and are seeking natural, insurance-covered DIEP flap breast reconstruction, contact The DIEP Group today to schedule your consultation.
🏥 The DIEP Group
Surgeries performed at Norwalk Hospital and Bridgeport Hospital
📞 203-200-0828
DIEP Flaps in Connecticut
The DIEP Group performs DIEP flap breast reconstruction throughout Connecticut. Explore our other in-depth, city-specific guides.
Stamford DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
Norwalk DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
Fairfield DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
Westport DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
Bridgeport DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
Shelton DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
Danbury DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
Milford DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
