Natural, Insurance-Covered Reconstruction by The DIEP Group at Baystate Medical Center
Bringing Natural Breast Reconstruction to Northampton and the Pioneer Valley
Women in Northampton, Amherst, Easthampton, and the surrounding Pioneer Valley now have access to world-class, natural breast reconstruction close to home. The microsurgical specialists at The DIEP Group perform DIEP flap breast reconstruction at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, offering a compassionate, comprehensive approach for women seeking reconstruction after mastectomy — fully covered by insurance.
Many patients in the Pioneer Valley prefer the DIEP flap because it uses their own tissue, not implants, to rebuild the breast. The result is soft, warm, and natural — restoring both comfort and confidence without the long-term risks of implant replacement or rupture.
Understanding the DIEP Flap Procedure
The DIEP flap (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator flap) is a leading-edge microsurgical procedure that reconstructs the breast using your own skin and fat from the lower abdomen, while preserving all abdominal muscles.
During surgery, our microsurgeons carefully transfer living tissue and reconnect tiny blood vessels under a microscope. This creates a healthy, permanent breast that looks and feels completely natural.
Unlike older TRAM flap procedures, the DIEP flap maintains abdominal muscle integrity, minimizing recovery time and preserving core strength.
Why Northampton Patients Choose The DIEP Group
Women from Northampton, Amherst, Florence, and South Hadley turn to The DIEP Group for their unique combination of advanced surgical skill, personalized care, and seamless insurance coordination.
1: Local Access with Big-City Expertise
DIEP flap surgery requires specialized training and equipment not available in most hospitals. The DIEP Group brings this advanced level of care to Baystate Medical Center, making it accessible to patients in Western Massachusetts.
2: Natural, Lifelong Results
Unlike implants, the DIEP flap uses your own living tissue. The reconstructed breast feels warm, moves naturally, and ages with your body.
3: Relief from Implant Problems
For women who have experienced capsular contracture, implant pain, or asymmetry after radiation, the DIEP flap provides a long-term, natural alternative.
4: Dual Benefit — Reconstruction + Abdominal Contour
Since the tissue comes from the lower abdomen, the procedure often results in a smoother, flatter belly, similar to a gentle tummy tuck.
5: Insurance-Covered Care
All forms of breast reconstruction, including DIEP flaps, are covered by insurance under federal law. Our team handles every step of preauthorization and documentation on your behalf.
Why Choose Natural Tissue Over Implants?
While implants are a common form of reconstruction, they can come with complications — especially after radiation therapy. DIEP flap reconstruction avoids those risks while providing natural, lasting results.
Benefits Over Implants:
- No risk of leakage, rupture, or future replacement
- No foreign material in the body
- Improved comfort and warmth
- Natural movement and texture
- No need for implant exchanges every 10–15 years
- Fully insurance-covered at any stage after mastectomy
Patients often describe the difference as transformative — both physically and emotionally.
Your DIEP Flap Surgery Journey
Step 1 – Initial Consultation
We begin with a comprehensive consultation to discuss your medical history, previous treatments, and personal goals. Many patients from Northampton and Amherst choose to start with a virtual consultation for convenience.
A CT angiogram is performed to map the abdominal blood vessels used for reconstruction.
Step 2 – Surgery at Baystate Medical Center
Your procedure is performed by The DIEP Group’s board-certified microsurgeons at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, located just 25 minutes from Northampton. The surgery takes approximately 6–8 hours under general anesthesia.
Hospital stay: typically 2 days. Most patients begin walking the next morning.
Step 3 – Recovery
You’ll go home after two days, with most patients returning to light activity in two weeks and full activity within six to eight weeks.
Step 4 – Refinement and Follow-Up
Optional refinement procedures — such as fat grafting, nipple reconstruction, or scar improvement — may be performed later to enhance symmetry and contour.
Insurance Coverage for DIEP Flap Reconstruction in Massachusetts
Patients often ask whether DIEP flap reconstruction is covered by insurance — and the answer is yes.
The Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA) guarantees coverage for all stages of breast reconstruction after mastectomy, including DIEP flaps, symmetry procedures, and any future revisions.
Our insurance team takes care of the entire process, from start to finish:
- Submitting preauthorization with medical documentation
- Writing letters of medical necessity
- Communicating directly with your insurance company
- Managing any appeals, if necessary
Common Private Insurance Plans in the Pioneer Valley
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
- Harvard Pilgrim Health Care
- Tufts Health Plan
- Aetna
- Cigna
- UnitedHealthcare
Who Is a Candidate for DIEP Flap Reconstruction?
- You may be an ideal candidate if you:
- Have had or are planning a mastectomy
- Prefer a natural reconstruction using your own tissue
- Have had radiation or implant problems
- Have sufficient lower abdominal skin and fat
- Want a permanent reconstruction that moves naturally
Even women with prior C-sections or abdominal surgeries can often still qualify after imaging confirms healthy blood vessels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have DIEP flap surgery years after my mastectomy?
Yes. Reconstruction is covered and can be performed at any time, even decades after your initial surgery.
Can I switch from implants to DIEP flaps?
Absolutely. Many women in Western Massachusetts choose to replace their implants with natural tissue for improved comfort and peace of mind.
Is the DIEP flap compatible with prior radiation?
Yes. The procedure brings in new, healthy tissue that can soften and heal previously radiated skin.
Will I lose abdominal strength?
No. Because the abdominal muscles are preserved, patients maintain normal strength and flexibility.
How long will I stay in the hospital?
Most patients stay two days at Baystate Medical Center and walk comfortably the next morning.
Patient Testimonial – Northampton, MA
“After radiation and years of discomfort with implants, I learned about DIEP flap reconstruction from The DIEP Group. The team was incredible — knowledgeable, caring, and professional. My surgery at Baystate went perfectly. I finally feel comfortable and confident again.”
— Laura S., Northampton, MA
Why The DIEP Group Is the Region’s Leader in Natural Reconstruction
- Board-certified microsurgeons specializing exclusively in breast reconstruction
- High surgical volume across New England – over 200 DIEP flaps performed yearly
- High success rates and extensive experience with complex cases
- Surgeries performed locally at Baystate Medical Center
- Full insurance assistance and patient support
- Natural, permanent results that restore comfort and confidence
Serving the Pioneer Valley and Western Massachusetts
The DIEP Group proudly serves patients from Northampton, Amherst, Florence, Easthampton, Hadley, South Hadley, and the surrounding Pioneer Valley communities, offering natural, insurance-covered breast reconstruction at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield.
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 Northampton, MA, and are considering natural, insurance-covered breast reconstruction, contact The DIEP Group today to schedule your consultation.
The DIEP Group
Surgeries performed at Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, MA
203-200-0828
