For many women diagnosed with breast cancer, the focus initially centers on treatment—meeting with breast surgeons, learning about chemotherapy or radiation, and making decisions about mastectomy. While these are understandably the immediate priorities, breast reconstruction is also an important part of the recovery journey for many patients.
Today’s reconstructive options are more advanced than ever before. Women no longer have to choose between living without a breast or receiving a breast implant. Increasingly, women throughout Albany and the Capital Region are choosing DIEP flap breast reconstruction, an advanced microsurgical procedure that rebuilds the breast using the patient’s own living tissue rather than an implant.
The DIEP Group is one of the Northeast’s leading microsurgical breast reconstruction practices, performing more than 300 DIEP flap breast reconstructions every year. Our surgeons specialize exclusively in breast reconstruction and care for women throughout:
- Albany
- Saratoga Springs
- Schenectady
- Troy
- Clifton Park
- Colonie
- Latham
- Guilderland
- Niskayuna
- Ballston Spa
- Glens Falls
- Hudson
- Amsterdam
- Catskill
- Kingston
- Pittsfield, Massachusetts
- Bennington, Vermont
- and communities across Upstate New York.
Our patients in the Capital Region undergo surgery at:
- St. Peter’s Hospital – Albany, New York
- Saratoga Hospital – Saratoga Springs, New York
Whether you have recently been diagnosed with breast cancer, are planning a mastectomy, completed cancer treatment years ago, or are experiencing complications from previous implant reconstruction, our goal is to help you understand every reconstructive option available so you can make the decision that is right for you.
Why Women Throughout the Capital Region Choose The DIEP Group
Choosing a breast reconstruction surgeon is one of the most important decisions you will make after a breast cancer diagnosis. Unlike many areas of plastic surgery, microsurgical breast reconstruction is highly specialized and requires years of additional training, advanced operating room resources, and an experienced multidisciplinary team.
The DIEP Group was created with a single focus: providing exceptional breast reconstruction using the most advanced microsurgical techniques available.
Unlike many plastic surgery practices that perform a wide variety of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures, our surgeons dedicate their practice to breast reconstruction. This focused expertise allows us to care for women with routine cases as well as some of the most challenging reconstructive situations, including patients who have undergone radiation therapy, multiple previous surgeries, failed implant reconstruction, or delayed reconstruction years after their mastectomy.
Women throughout Albany and the Capital Region choose our team because of our commitment to specialized care, technical expertise, and compassionate support throughout every stage of recovery.
Our practice offers:
- Board-certified plastic surgeons with advanced microsurgical expertise
- More than 300 DIEP flap breast reconstructions performed each year
- Surgery performed locally at St. Peter’s Hospital and Saratoga Hospital
- Immediate and delayed breast reconstruction
- Breast reconstruction after radiation therapy
- Implant revision and conversion to natural tissue reconstruction
- Second opinions for complex reconstruction
- Personalized treatment planning
- Insurance specialists experienced in breast reconstruction coverage
- Comprehensive follow-up care before, during, and after surgery
Every woman deserves individualized care. We believe reconstruction should never be a one-size-fits-all process, and every consultation is centered around understanding your goals, anatomy, cancer treatment, and long-term expectations.
Why Experience Matters in DIEP Flap Surgery
DIEP flap breast reconstruction is considered one of the most technically demanding procedures in plastic surgery.
Unlike implant reconstruction, which involves placing a prosthetic device into the breast, DIEP flap surgery requires transferring living tissue from the lower abdomen to the chest while reconnecting arteries and veins that are often only 1–3 millimeters in diameter. These delicate blood vessels are joined together using microsurgical techniques under a high-powered operating microscope.
Success depends on much more than simply completing the operation.
Every stage of the process—from patient selection and surgical planning to flap monitoring after surgery—requires an experienced team familiar with microsurgical breast reconstruction.
Numerous studies have demonstrated that higher-volume microsurgical centers generally achieve excellent outcomes while efficiently managing complex reconstructive cases. Although every patient’s situation is unique and no surgical outcome can be guaranteed, experience plays an important role in performing technically demanding procedures such as DIEP flap reconstruction.
At The DIEP Group, our surgeons collectively perform more than 300 DIEP flap breast reconstructions every year, making our practice one of the highest-volume microsurgical breast reconstruction programs in the Northeast.
For patients, this experience translates into several important advantages:
Specialized Surgical Expertise
Our surgeons focus extensively on breast reconstruction rather than dividing their practice among many unrelated procedures. This allows us to continually refine microsurgical techniques and remain current with advances in reconstructive surgery.
Advanced Surgical Planning
Every patient undergoes a comprehensive evaluation to determine the reconstructive approach that best matches her anatomy, cancer treatment, medical history, and goals.
No two breast reconstructions are identical.
Dedicated Microsurgical Team
Successful DIEP flap reconstruction depends on more than the surgeon alone.
Our operating room staff, anesthesia providers, nurses, physician assistants, and postoperative care teams are experienced in caring for patients undergoing complex microsurgical breast reconstruction.
Expertise with Complex Cases
Many women come to us after being told they were not candidates elsewhere.
These patients may have:
- Previous implant reconstruction
- Capsular contracture
- Prior radiation
- Implant infection
- Multiple previous breast surgeries
- Delayed reconstruction years after mastectomy
- Asymmetry from previous reconstruction
Because our practice routinely manages these situations, we are often able to offer reconstructive options that patients did not realize were available.
What Is DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction?
DIEP stands for Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator, the name of the blood vessels that supply skin and fat in the lower abdomen.
During DIEP flap surgery, excess abdominal skin and fat are carefully removed while preserving the abdominal muscles. This tissue is then transferred to the chest and connected to new blood vessels using microsurgical techniques. Once blood flow is restored, the tissue becomes living breast tissue.
Unlike breast implants, which are manufactured medical devices, the reconstructed breast is made entirely from your own natural tissue.
This provides several important advantages.
The reconstructed breast is:
- Soft
- Warm
- Living tissue
- Able to heal naturally
- Able to gain or lose weight with your body
- Able to age naturally over time
Because your own tissue is used, many women feel that their reconstructed breast becomes a natural part of their body rather than feeling like an implant.
Another significant benefit is that the lower abdominal tissue used during reconstruction creates an abdominal contour similar to that achieved with a cosmetic tummy tuck. While cancer reconstruction is very different from cosmetic surgery, many patients appreciate this additional improvement in abdominal shape.
Unlike older reconstructive procedures such as the TRAM flap, DIEP flap surgery preserves the rectus abdominal muscles whenever possible. Preserving these muscles helps maintain core strength and reduces the risk of long-term abdominal weakness or hernias compared with older muscle-sacrificing techniques.
For many women, DIEP flap reconstruction represents the most advanced form of autologous—or natural tissue—breast reconstruction available today.
Why More Women Are Choosing Natural Tissue Reconstruction Instead of Implants
Breast implants remain an excellent reconstructive option for many women, particularly those who prefer a shorter initial operation or who are not candidates for autologous reconstruction. However, over the past decade, an increasing number of women throughout Albany and the Capital Region have begun exploring natural tissue reconstruction because of its long-term advantages.
One of the biggest differences between implants and DIEP flap reconstruction is that implants are medical devices, while a DIEP flap uses your own living tissue. As a result, the reconstructed breast often feels softer, moves more naturally, and changes with your body over time.
Many women tell us that they are looking for a reconstruction that feels as close as possible to their natural breast. Others come to us after years of living with implants and experiencing complications such as firmness, rippling, discomfort, or repeated surgeries.
Natural tissue reconstruction may offer several potential advantages for appropriately selected patients, including:
- No permanent breast implants
- No risk of implant rupture
- No risk of implant leakage
- No risk of implant-related capsular contracture
- Living tissue that ages naturally
- Soft, natural feel
- Better long-term durability
- Excellent option after radiation therapy
- Simultaneous improvement in lower abdominal contour
- Reduced likelihood of needing future implant replacement
Many women also appreciate the peace of mind that comes with knowing their breast has been reconstructed using their own tissue rather than a prosthetic device.
That said, every reconstructive option has advantages and disadvantages. During your consultation, we discuss implant-based reconstruction, DIEP flap reconstruction, and any other appropriate options so that you can make an informed decision based on your individual goals, anatomy, lifestyle, and cancer treatment plan.
Who Is a Candidate for DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction?
One of the most common misconceptions about DIEP flap breast reconstruction is that it is only an option for younger women or those who have recently undergone a mastectomy. In reality, DIEP flap reconstruction can benefit women of many different ages and at many different stages of their breast cancer journey.
Some women meet with us before their mastectomy to discuss immediate reconstruction. Others come months or even decades after completing their cancer treatment because they are unhappy with implants or initially chose not to undergo reconstruction.
A consultation with an experienced microsurgical breast reconstruction surgeon is the best way to determine whether DIEP flap reconstruction is appropriate for you.
You May Be a Good Candidate If You:
- Have been diagnosed with breast cancer and need a mastectomy
- Carry a BRCA or other hereditary cancer mutation and are considering preventive mastectomy
- Previously underwent a mastectomy without reconstruction
- Have breast implants that have become painful or firm
- Have experienced implant rupture or implant malposition
- Have developed capsular contracture
- Have significant implant rippling
- Have undergone radiation therapy
- Desire a more natural alternative to implants
- Have sufficient lower abdominal tissue for reconstruction
Many women are surprised to learn that they are still candidates even after multiple previous breast surgeries.
Even If You’ve Been Told “No”
Our surgeons frequently evaluate patients who were previously told they were not candidates for DIEP flap reconstruction.
Sometimes this is because the original consultation occurred years earlier when fewer surgeons performed advanced microsurgery. In other situations, patients were advised that prior radiation, previous implant reconstruction, or delayed reconstruction made surgery too difficult.
While not every patient is a candidate, many women are pleasantly surprised to discover they have more reconstructive options than they initially believed.
Immediate Breast Reconstruction
Immediate breast reconstruction is performed during the same operation as the mastectomy.
The breast surgeon first performs the mastectomy, after which the reconstructive surgeon begins rebuilding the breast.
For many women, this approach offers important advantages.
Potential benefits include:
- Fewer total operations
- Preservation of much of the native breast skin
- Waking up with a reconstructed breast mound already in place
- Fewer anesthetics
- Earlier emotional recovery for many patients
- Often superior cosmetic results because more of the natural breast skin can be preserved
Immediate reconstruction requires careful coordination between your breast surgeon, reconstructive surgeon, medical oncologist, and radiation oncologist. Our team routinely collaborates with physicians throughout Albany and the Capital Region to develop individualized treatment plans.
Not every patient is a candidate for immediate DIEP flap reconstruction. Factors such as cancer stage, planned radiation therapy, overall health, and personal preferences all influence the surgical plan.
Delayed Breast Reconstruction
One of the greatest advantages of DIEP flap reconstruction is that there is no deadline for reconstruction.
Many women believe they “missed their opportunity” because they did not undergo reconstruction at the time of their mastectomy. Fortunately, this is usually not the case.
Delayed reconstruction can be performed:
- Months after mastectomy
- Years after cancer treatment
- Even decades after breast cancer surgery
We regularly care for women throughout Upstate New York who initially focused on cancer treatment and later decided they were ready to consider reconstruction.
Some patients delayed reconstruction because:
- They wanted to finish chemotherapy first.
- Radiation treatment was anticipated.
- They wanted time to process their diagnosis.
- Family or work responsibilities made additional surgery difficult.
- Reconstruction options were never fully explained.
- They were initially satisfied without reconstruction but later changed their mind.
Whatever the reason, delayed reconstruction remains an excellent option for many women.
Benefits of Delayed Reconstruction
Many women appreciate that delayed reconstruction allows them to focus entirely on their cancer treatment before making reconstructive decisions.
Others benefit because:
- Radiation-related changes have stabilized.
- Overall health has improved.
- Weight has become more stable.
- They have more time to research their options.
- They feel emotionally ready for reconstruction.
Every patient’s journey is different, and reconstruction should occur when the timing feels right for that individual.
Breast Reconstruction After Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy saves lives and remains an essential part of breast cancer treatment for many women. Unfortunately, radiation also changes healthy tissues.
Over time, radiation can cause:
- Skin tightening
- Thickening of tissues
- Reduced elasticity
- Chronic discomfort
- Poor wound healing
- Decreased blood supply
- Firmness of reconstructed breasts
- Capsular contracture around implants
These changes often become more noticeable months or even years after treatment.
For women with implant reconstruction, radiation substantially increases the risk of complications. Some patients develop painful capsular contracture, while others experience implant malposition, poor cosmetic outcomes, or repeated reconstructive procedures.
Why DIEP Flap Reconstruction Can Be Beneficial After Radiation
Unlike implants, DIEP flap reconstruction transfers healthy, well-vascularized living tissue into an area that has been affected by radiation.
This healthy tissue brings a new blood supply into the radiated chest, often improving:
- Softness
- Skin quality
- Overall breast contour
- Long-term durability of the reconstruction
Although every patient responds differently and previous radiation can make reconstruction more complex, natural tissue reconstruction is often an excellent option for women who have undergone radiation therapy.
Our surgeons routinely perform breast reconstruction for women throughout Albany and the Capital Region who have completed radiation treatment, including patients seeking reconstruction many years after their cancer therapy.
Converting Breast Implants to DIEP Flap Reconstruction
Another group of women who frequently seek consultation are those who previously underwent implant-based reconstruction but are no longer happy with their results.
Breast implants are an excellent option for many patients, but they are not intended to last forever. Over time, some women develop complications or simply decide they would prefer a more natural reconstruction.
Common reasons patients seek conversion from implants to DIEP flap reconstruction include:
- Capsular contracture
- Implant rupture
- Implant malposition
- Visible rippling
- Chronic breast tightness
- Pain
- Implant infection
- Multiple previous revision surgeries
- Unsatisfactory cosmetic appearance
- Radiation-related implant complications
Some women tell us they feel as though they are “maintaining” their reconstruction through repeated operations.
Natural tissue reconstruction offers an alternative that eliminates the breast implants entirely while reconstructing the breast with living tissue.
Revision Breast Reconstruction
Revision breast reconstruction is often more complex than primary reconstruction.
Previous surgeries may have altered anatomy, scar tissue may be extensive, and radiation may have affected tissue quality.
Because our surgeons routinely perform complex revision cases, we commonly evaluate patients seeking second opinions after unsatisfactory implant reconstruction.
Our goal is not simply to remove implants but to restore a breast that looks and feels as natural as possible while improving comfort and long-term satisfaction.
Breast Reconstruction After Preventive (Prophylactic) Mastectomy
Not every woman who undergoes breast reconstruction has breast cancer.
Women who carry inherited genetic mutations—such as BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2, or other high-risk mutations—or who have a strong family history of breast cancer may choose prophylactic (risk-reducing) mastectomy to significantly lower their future breast cancer risk.
For these women, breast reconstruction is an important part of the treatment process.
DIEP flap reconstruction can be an excellent option because it provides:
- A natural breast appearance
- Long-term durability
- No permanent implants
- Preservation of abdominal muscles
- Excellent symmetry in bilateral reconstruction
Because prophylactic mastectomies are often planned in advance, patients typically have more time to meet with both their breast surgeon and reconstructive surgeon to discuss all available options before surgery.
Recovery After DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
One of the biggest questions patients ask is, “What will recovery be like?”
Although DIEP flap reconstruction is a major operation, most patients are pleasantly surprised that recovery progresses steadily over the first several weeks.
Every patient heals at a different pace, but a general timeline includes:
Hospital Stay
Most patients remain in the hospital for approximately two nights while the reconstructed breasts are closely monitored and pain is managed using a multimodal approach designed to minimize opioid use whenever appropriate.
Patients begin walking—with assistance—shortly after surgery. Early mobilization helps reduce the risk of complications such as blood clots and promotes a smoother recovery.
The First Two Weeks
During the first two weeks, most patients experience:
- Abdominal tightness
- Fatigue
- Mild to moderate soreness
- Temporary swelling
- Gradually improving mobility
Surgical drains are typically removed during follow-up visits once drainage has decreased sufficiently.
Returning to Daily Activities
Most women gradually resume light daily activities over the following several weeks.
The exact timing for returning to work depends on the physical demands of the job, overall health, and the extent of the reconstruction. Patients with sedentary occupations often return sooner than those whose work involves significant lifting or physical activity.
Heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, and core-strengthening activities are generally postponed until healing has progressed adequately and your surgeon determines it is safe to resume these activities.
Long-Term Recovery
Although many women feel substantially better within six to eight weeks, the reconstructed breasts continue to soften and mature over the ensuing months.
Scars gradually fade, swelling continues to improve, and the reconstructed breasts assume a more natural appearance over time.
Most patients also undergo one or more smaller revision procedures—such as contour refinement, fat grafting, or nipple-areola reconstruction—if desired, to optimize symmetry and overall cosmetic results.
The goal of reconstruction extends beyond simply restoring breast volume. It is to help women move forward after breast cancer with confidence, comfort, and a breast reconstruction that looks and feels as natural as possible.
Why Many Women Choose The DIEP Group Instead of Traveling to New York City or Boston
For years, many women in Upstate New York believed they needed to travel to New York City or Boston to undergo advanced microsurgical breast reconstruction. While those cities certainly have excellent reconstructive surgeons, patients throughout the Capital Region are often surprised to learn that they can receive the same highly specialized type of care much closer to home.
The DIEP Group performs more than 300 DIEP flap breast reconstructions every year, making it one of the highest-volume microsurgical breast reconstruction programs in the Northeast. Our surgeons perform these procedures at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany and Saratoga Hospital in Saratoga Springs, allowing women throughout the Capital Region to receive advanced care without routinely traveling several hours away.
For many patients, remaining closer to home provides important practical advantages.
Easier for Family and Caregivers
Following DIEP flap surgery, family members often visit during the hospital stay and assist with transportation and recovery once patients return home.
Receiving care in Albany or Saratoga Springs is generally far more convenient for families living throughout:
- Albany
- Schenectady
- Troy
- Clifton Park
- Saratoga Springs
- Glens Falls
- Columbia County
- Greene County
- the Mohawk Valley
- the Adirondack region
- western Massachusetts
- southern Vermont
Rather than navigating traffic, hotels, and long drives to Manhattan or Boston, loved ones can often travel to and from the hospital the same day.
More Convenient Follow-Up Care
Breast reconstruction does not end on the day of surgery.
Patients return for several follow-up visits during recovery so we can monitor healing, remove drains, answer questions, and guide them through each stage of recovery.
Receiving this care closer to home often makes the entire reconstructive journey significantly less stressful.
Specialized Care Without Leaving the Capital Region
One of our goals is to provide nationally recognized microsurgical expertise while allowing patients to recover near their support system.
For many women, remaining close to family, friends, and their oncology team is every bit as important as the operation itself.
The Communities We Proudly Serve Throughout Upstate New York
The DIEP Group is proud to care for women throughout the entire Capital Region and beyond.
Although our surgeries are performed at St. Peter’s Hospital and Saratoga Hospital, many of our patients travel from surrounding communities specifically to receive specialized microsurgical breast reconstruction.
We frequently care for patients from:
Albany County
- Albany
- Colonie
- Latham
- Guilderland
- Delmar
- Bethlehem
- Voorheesville
Saratoga County
- Saratoga Springs
- Clifton Park
- Ballston Spa
- Malta
- Wilton
- Halfmoon
Schenectady County
- Schenectady
- Niskayuna
- Rotterdam
- Scotia
- Glenville
Rensselaer County
- Troy
- East Greenbush
- North Greenbush
- Rensselaer
Warren and Washington Counties
- Glens Falls
- Queensbury
- Lake George
- Hudson Falls
- Fort Edward
Columbia and Greene Counties
- Hudson
- Catskill
- Chatham
- Kinderhook
- Coxsackie
Montgomery and Fulton Counties
- Amsterdam
- Johnstown
- Gloversville
Additional Areas
Our patients also travel from:
- Kingston
- Cooperstown
- Oneonta
- Utica
- Pittsfield, Massachusetts
- Bennington, Vermont
- Southern Vermont
- Western Massachusetts
- throughout Upstate New York
No matter where you live, our team works closely with your breast surgeon, medical oncologist, radiation oncologist, and primary care physician to coordinate your care.
Understanding Insurance Coverage for Breast Reconstruction
Insurance is one of the first concerns many women have after learning they need a mastectomy.
Fortunately, breast reconstruction following mastectomy is covered under federal law for most women with commercial health insurance.
Coverage typically includes medically necessary breast reconstruction, procedures performed on the opposite breast to improve symmetry when appropriate, and treatment of complications related to breast reconstruction.
Because every insurance policy is different, our experienced insurance specialists work closely with patients to:
- Verify benefits
- Obtain prior authorizations when required
- Coordinate approvals
- Answer insurance questions
- Help patients understand expected out-of-pocket costs
Our team has extensive experience helping women throughout Upstate New York navigate commercial insurance plans so they can focus on their recovery rather than paperwork.
During your consultation, we can review your individual insurance coverage and discuss how it applies to your reconstructive options.
Frequently Asked Questions About DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
How long does DIEP flap surgery take?
Most unilateral procedures take approximately six to eight hours, while bilateral reconstruction often takes eight to ten hours. The exact length depends on each patient’s anatomy and reconstructive needs.
How long will I stay in the hospital?
Most patients stay approximately two nights after surgery.
Is DIEP flap surgery painful?
Most patients describe soreness and abdominal tightness rather than severe pain. Modern multimodal pain management protocols are designed to maximize comfort while minimizing opioid use whenever appropriate.
Will I have drains?
Yes. Temporary surgical drains are commonly placed in the breasts and abdomen. These are typically removed during follow-up visits as healing progresses.
Will I have a tummy tuck?
Although DIEP flap reconstruction is not a cosmetic tummy tuck, removing excess lower abdominal skin and fat often creates a flatter abdominal contour that resembles the appearance of a tummy tuck.
Will I lose my abdominal muscles?
No. One of the major advantages of DIEP flap reconstruction is preservation of the rectus abdominal muscles whenever possible, helping maintain long-term core strength.
Can I undergo DIEP flap reconstruction years after my mastectomy?
Yes. Many of our patients undergo delayed reconstruction several years—or even decades—after breast cancer treatment.
Am I too old for DIEP flap reconstruction?
Age alone does not determine candidacy. Overall health, activity level, medical conditions, and surgical goals are generally more important considerations than chronological age.
Am I too thin for DIEP flap reconstruction?
Not necessarily. Some thinner women still have enough abdominal tissue for reconstruction. During your consultation, we evaluate your anatomy to determine the most appropriate reconstructive options.
Can I have DIEP flap reconstruction after radiation?
Yes. In fact, many women who have undergone radiation are excellent candidates for natural tissue reconstruction because healthy tissue is transferred into the radiated chest.
Can implants be removed during DIEP flap reconstruction?
Yes. Many women choose to have implants removed and replaced with natural tissue during the same reconstructive operation.
Will my reconstructed breast feel natural?
Although reconstructed breasts do not perfectly replicate a natural breast, DIEP flap reconstruction generally produces a softer, warmer, and more natural-feeling breast than implant reconstruction because it uses your own living tissue.
Will I need another surgery?
Many patients undergo a smaller revision procedure to refine breast shape, improve symmetry, perform fat grafting, or reconstruct the nipple-areola complex. These procedures are typically much less involved than the initial reconstruction.
When can I exercise again?
Walking begins shortly after surgery. More strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and abdominal workouts are generally resumed gradually after clearance from your surgeon.
Can both breasts be reconstructed?
Yes. DIEP flap reconstruction can be performed on one breast (unilateral) or both breasts (bilateral), depending on your individual situation.
Does the reconstructed breast change if I gain or lose weight?
Yes. Because the breast is reconstructed using your own living fat tissue, it typically changes naturally with weight fluctuations, similar to other areas of your body.
Will insurance cover DIEP flap reconstruction?
Most commercial insurance plans cover medically necessary breast reconstruction following mastectomy. Our insurance team helps patients understand their specific benefits and obtain any required authorizations.
Do I need a referral?
Some insurance plans require referrals, while others do not. Our office can help determine your individual requirements before your consultation.
Can I get a second opinion?
Absolutely. Many patients seek a second opinion before making a final decision regarding breast reconstruction. We welcome these consultations and believe patients should feel confident that they understand all available options.
Why Choose The DIEP Group for Breast Reconstruction in Albany?
Choosing a breast reconstruction surgeon is about more than selecting a procedure—it is about selecting a team that will guide you through one of the most significant experiences of your life.
At The DIEP Group, breast reconstruction is not simply one part of our practice. It is our primary focus.
Women throughout Albany, Saratoga Springs, Schenectady, Troy, Clifton Park, Glens Falls, and the surrounding Capital Region choose our team because we provide:
- Board-certified plastic surgeons with advanced microsurgical expertise
- More than 300 DIEP flap breast reconstructions performed every year
- Surgery performed locally at St. Peter’s Hospital and Saratoga Hospital
- Expertise in immediate and delayed breast reconstruction
- Advanced reconstruction after radiation therapy
- Complex implant revision and conversion to natural tissue
- Collaborative care with breast surgeons and oncologists
- Personalized treatment plans designed around each patient’s goals
Our mission is to help every woman achieve the safest, most natural, and most durable breast reconstruction possible while providing compassionate support throughout every step of the journey.
Schedule Your Consultation
If you are considering breast reconstruction after mastectomy, exploring your options before breast cancer surgery, or seeking a second opinion regarding implant complications or previous reconstruction, we invite you to meet with our team.
The DIEP Group proudly performs more than 300 DIEP flap breast reconstructions each year and serves women throughout Albany, Saratoga Springs, Schenectady, Troy, Clifton Park, Glens Falls, and the entire Capital Region.
Our surgeons perform advanced microsurgical breast reconstruction at:
- St. Peter’s Hospital – Albany, New York
- Saratoga Hospital – Saratoga Springs, New York
Every woman’s breast cancer journey is unique. During your consultation, we will take the time to understand your medical history, discuss your reconstructive goals, review all appropriate treatment options, and help you determine the approach that is best suited to your individual needs.
About The DIEP Group
The DIEP Group is a regional practice dedicated exclusively to advanced breast reconstruction. Our board-certified plastic surgeons specialize in microsurgical techniques, including DIEP flap reconstruction, helping women restore their confidence after breast cancer using their own natural tissue whenever appropriate.
With surgical locations throughout the Northeast—including St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany and Saratoga Hospital in Saratoga Springs—we are committed to bringing highly specialized breast reconstruction closer to home for women across Upstate New York.
The DIEP Group
Phone: 203-200-0828
Fax: 203-465-6757
Continue Learning About Breast Reconstruction
If you’d like to explore specific topics in greater detail, these articles may help:
- Delayed DIEP Flap Reconstruction Years After Mastectomy
- Natural Breast Reconstruction Without Implants
- Breast Implant Complications After Mastectomy: Natural Reconstruction Options
- Best Breast Reconstruction After Radiation Therapy
- Insurance Coverage for DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
- DIEP Flap vs. Latissimus Dorsi Flap Reconstruction
- Should You Travel to New York City for a DIEP Flap?
- Frequently Asked Questions About DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
