Introduction: Advanced Reconstruction at Hartford’s Leading Hospitals
When you’re planning breast reconstruction, you want results that are natural, permanent, and covered by insurance. At Hartford Hospital and St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center, the fellowship-trained microsurgeons of The DIEP Group perform DIEP flap breast reconstruction — the gold-standard technique that uses your own tissue to restore softness, warmth, and long-term confidence.
We proudly serve patients in Hartford and surrounding high-population cities including West Hartford, East Hartford, Manchester, New Britain, Bristol, Meriden, Middletown, Wethersfield, Glastonbury, Newington, and throughout central Connecticut.
Visit our Before and After DIEP Flap Gallery
What Is a DIEP Flap?
The Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator (DIEP) flap uses skin and fat from the lower abdomen to rebuild the breast. Blood vessels are microsurgically reconnected, and abdominal muscles are preserved.
Benefits patients care about:
- Natural, soft, and warm feel
- Permanent — no implant exchanges every 10–15 years
- Better tolerance of radiation compared to implants
- No rupture or leakage risk
- Changes with your body (weight gain/loss, aging)
- Abdominal contouring that resembles a tummy tuck
Why Hartford Patients Choose DIEP Flaps Over Implants
Many women come to us after implant problems such as:
- Capsular contracture (hard, painful implants)
- Radiation-related deformity or discomfort
- Implant rupture or silicone leakage
- Recalled textured implants
- Multiple implant surgeries over the years
Key point: Insurance covers DIEP flap reconstruction at the time of your mastectomy or any time afterward. You don’t need implant complications to switch. Many patients choose DIEP flaps proactively to avoid the cycle of implant exchanges.
Who Is a Candidate?
You may be a candidate if you:
- Need reconstruction after mastectomy or lumpectomy
- Have failed implants or want to electively switch
- Have enough lower-abdominal tissue
- Are otherwise healthy for surgery
Even if you are thinner, we may discuss stacked flaps, alternative donor sites, or hybrid techniques.
Surgery at Hartford Hospital & St. Francis Hospital
- Pre-op planning with imaging and vessel mapping
- Microsurgery: Transfer abdominal tissue, reconnect vessels under a microscope
- Shaping: Sculpt natural contours and symmetry
- Abdominal closure: Layered closure for smooth contour and tummy-tuck-like benefit
- Monitoring: Specialized units provide round-the-clock flap checks
Typical OR time: 4–6 hours for one breast; 6–8 hours for both.
Recovery: What to Expect
- Hospital stay: 2 days with ERAS pain control and close monitoring
- First 2 weeks: Short walks, drain care, abdominal binder, soft support bra
- 3–4 weeks: Return to desk work; start silicone scar care
- 6–8 weeks: Resume exercise and lifting as cleared
- 3–6 months: Shape refines; optional nipple reconstruction and tattooing
The “Tummy Tuck” Question
Many patients search: “Do you get a tummy tuck with DIEP flap?”
While the main goal is breast reconstruction, donor tissue removal provides:
- Flatter abdomen
- Improved waistline
- Scar placement low enough to be hidden under clothing
It’s not billed as a cosmetic tummy tuck, but the benefit is real — and covered.
Insurance Coverage
Under the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA), insurance typically covers:
- Immediate or delayed DIEP flap reconstruction
- Opposite-breast symmetry procedures
- Revisions for comfort and contour
- Nipple reconstruction and tattooing
We handle preauthorization, documentation, and appeals for Hartford-area patients.
Patient Testimonial — West Hartford, CT
“After two failed implant surgeries, I chose DIEP at Hartford Hospital. The team explained my insurance and handled the approval. Recovery was manageable, and now my chest feels soft and natural. I love the bonus of a flatter stomach too.”
— D.K., West Hartford, CT
FAQs — Hartford Patients Ask
Can I switch from implants if they’re not failing?
Yes. Insurance covers elective implant-to-DIEP conversions.
Is DIEP better after radiation?
Often yes — autologous tissue tolerates radiation better than implants.
How long is the hospital stay in Hartford?
Usually 2 days.
Do DIEP results age naturally?
Yes. They adapt with weight and time.
Do I have to go to Boston or NYC for DIEP?
No. Hartford offers advanced DIEP with experienced microsurgeons close to home.
Service Areas
Hartford, West Hartford, East Hartford, Manchester, New Britain, Bristol, Meriden, Middletown, Glastonbury, Newington, Wethersfield — and all of central Connecticut.
Internal Links (Hartford Series)
- DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction in Hartford, CT — Complete Guide
- DIEP Flap Recovery in Hartford, CT — What to Expect at Hartford Hospital & St. Francis
- Insurance Coverage for DIEP Flap in Connecticut
Take the Next Step
If you want a natural, permanent reconstruction option at Hartford Hospital or St. Francis, schedule your consultation with The DIEP Group.
The DIEP Group
203-200-0828
thediepgroup.com
Hartford Hospital & St. Francis Hospital · Hartford, CT
