Natural, Insurance-Covered Breast Reconstruction by The DIEP Group at Baystate Medical Center
World-Class Breast Reconstruction, Close to Home in Franklin County
For women in Greenfield, Deerfield, Turners Falls, Montague, and all of Franklin County, natural breast reconstruction after mastectomy is now within reach.
At Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, the expert microsurgeons of The DIEP Group perform DIEP flap breast reconstruction — a procedure that uses your own tissue to rebuild the breast naturally, with results that look and feel completely authentic.
This technique eliminates the risks of implants, restores confidence, and is fully covered by insurance, even years after mastectomy or previous reconstruction. With Baystate Medical Center just over an hour from Greenfield, advanced microsurgical care is more accessible than ever.
A Natural Solution for Lifelong Confidence
The DIEP flap (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator flap) is widely considered the most advanced option for natural breast reconstruction. Unlike implants, it uses your own skin and fat — not muscle — from the lower abdomen to recreate the breast.
The result is a soft, warm, living reconstruction that looks natural, feels natural, and lasts a lifetime.
Why Greenfield Women Choose the DIEP Flap
- Natural, permanent results that move and age with your body
- Freedom from implants — no replacements, leaks, or foreign materials
- Improved comfort after radiation or failed implants
- Flatter, smoother abdomen — similar to a mini tummy tuck
- Fully covered by insurance at any time after mastectomy
Women throughout Franklin County are choosing The DIEP Group for their skill, experience, and compassion — and because they can now receive world-class care without traveling far.
Why The DIEP Group Is Worth the Drive
1: Expert Microsurgeons
The DIEP Group’s board-certified plastic surgeons perform hundreds of DIEP flap reconstructions every year. Their sole focus is microsurgical breast reconstruction — and their success rates are among the highest in the country.
2: Convenient Location
Located just over an hour from Greenfield, Baystate Medical Center provides an accessible option for Franklin County women who want advanced reconstruction without going to Boston or New York.
3: Insurance-Covered Reconstruction
All stages of reconstruction — including DIEP flaps, symmetry procedures, and revisions — are covered by insurance under federal law.
4: Compassionate, Personalized Care
From your first consultation through full recovery, The DIEP Group provides individualized attention and support. You’ll never feel rushed, and every decision is made collaboratively.
Ideal for Women with Prior Implant or Radiation Problems
Many women from Greenfield and the surrounding region contact The DIEP Group after experiencing implant-related complications or radiation-induced changes. Common concerns include:
- Hardness or tightness from radiation
- Implant rupture or leakage
- Recalled or textured implants
- Asymmetry or unnatural shape
- Pain or restriction in movement
The DIEP flap resolves these issues by using your own living tissue to rebuild a soft, natural breast — restoring comfort and self-confidence.
The DIEP Flap Procedure Explained
During the procedure, skin and fat are taken from your lower abdomen and transferred to your chest to form a new breast. Using an operating microscope, the surgeon connects small blood vessels to restore natural blood flow, ensuring the tissue thrives in its new location.
Because the abdominal muscles are preserved, recovery is faster, strength is maintained, and long-term function remains intact.
Dual Benefit
The DIEP flap not only restores the breast but also provides a smoother, flatter abdomen — an aesthetic improvement that patients appreciate for years to come.
Your DIEP Flap Journey
Step 1 – Consultation and Planning
Your journey begins with a detailed consultation, either in person or virtually. Your surgeon will review your medical history and previous treatments.
A CT angiogram is performed to map your abdominal vessels and plan your surgery with precision.
Step 2 – Surgery at Baystate Medical Center
All surgeries are performed at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield. The procedure typically lasts 6–8 hours under general anesthesia.
Hospital stay: approximately 2 days. You’ll begin walking the next morning.
Step 3 – Recovery
Because your muscles are preserved, recovery is quicker and more comfortable than older procedures. Light activities typically resume in 2 weeks, and full activity by 6–8 weeks.
Step 4 – Refinement
Optional secondary procedures — such as fat grafting, nipple reconstruction, or scar refinement — can further enhance symmetry and contour.
Insurance Coverage for DIEP Flap Reconstruction
DIEP flap breast reconstruction is fully covered by insurance — both immediately after mastectomy and years later. Federal law under the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA) guarantees that insurance plans must cover all stages of reconstruction and any revisions.
The DIEP Group’s insurance team handles all paperwork, authorizations, and communication for you, including:
- Preauthorization submission
- Medical necessity documentation
- Coordination with your insurance provider
- Appeals, if needed
Common Private Insurance Plans in Western Massachusetts
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
- Harvard Pilgrim Health Care
- Tufts Health Plan
- Aetna
- Cigna
- UnitedHealthcare
Who Is a Good Candidate for DIEP Flap Reconstruction?
- You may be a candidate if you:
- Have had or will have a mastectomy
- Want a natural reconstruction using your own tissue
- Have prior implant complications or radiation changes
- Have enough lower abdominal tissue for transfer
- Want a permanent, natural solution without future maintenance
Even women who’ve had prior abdominal surgeries, such as C-sections, can often qualify after imaging confirms healthy blood vessels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Baystate Medical Center far from Greenfield?
No — it’s just over an hour’s drive via I-91, making it a convenient location for advanced breast reconstruction.
Can I switch from implants to DIEP flap reconstruction?
Yes. Many women choose to replace their implants with DIEP flaps for improved comfort, natural feel, and peace of mind.
How long will I be in the hospital?
Most patients stay two days and walk the next morning.
Can I have DIEP flap reconstruction years after my mastectomy?
Yes. Reconstruction is covered by insurance at any time after mastectomy — even decades later.
Will the surgery affect my abdominal strength?
No. The DIEP flap preserves your abdominal muscles, so your strength and mobility are maintained.
Patient Testimonial – Greenfield, MA
“I didn’t think advanced breast reconstruction was available anywhere near Franklin County. The DIEP Group made everything easy — from insurance approval to surgery at Baystate. My results are natural, my pain is gone, and I finally feel like myself again.”
— Colleen R., Greenfield, MA
Why The DIEP Group Is Franklin County’s Trusted Reconstruction Team
- Board-certified microsurgeons specializing in DIEP flaps
- High surgical volume across New England – over 200 DIEP flaps performed yearly
- Surgeries performed locally at Baystate Medical Center
- Proven success in complex and revision cases
- Personalized, compassionate care from start to finish
- Insurance-covered reconstruction with lifelong results
Women across Franklin County now have access to world-class reconstruction without the need for long travel or multiple surgeries.
Serving Greenfield and the Greater Franklin County Area
The DIEP Group proudly serves women from Greenfield, Deerfield, Montague, Turners Falls, Shelburne, and all of Franklin County, providing insurance-covered, natural breast reconstruction at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, MA.
To explore other areas nearby, visit our local guides:
- Springfield, MA – DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
- Chicopee, MA – DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
- Westfield, MA – DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
- Holyoke, MA – DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
- Amherst, MA – DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
- Northampton, MA – DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
- Pittsfield, MA – DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
- Greenfield, MA – DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
- Leominster, MA – DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
Schedule Your Consultation
If you live in or near Greenfield, MA, and are considering natural, insurance-covered DIEP flap breast reconstruction, contact The DIEP Group today.
The DIEP Group
Surgeries performed at Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, MA
203-200-0828
