Natural, Insurance-Covered Breast Reconstruction by The DIEP Group at Baystate Medical Center
Bringing Advanced Breast Reconstruction to Berkshire County
Women in Pittsfield, Lenox, Great Barrington, North Adams, and all of Berkshire County now have access to one of the most advanced forms of natural breast reconstruction — the DIEP flap, performed by the expert microsurgeons of The DIEP Group at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield.
The DIEP flap uses your own living tissue from the lower abdomen to recreate a soft, warm, and natural breast — without the long-term risks or maintenance associated with implants. For many patients, this means lifelong results that feel completely natural and look beautifully balanced.
This procedure is fully covered by insurance, even years after mastectomy or failed implant reconstruction, and provides the added benefit of abdominal contouring similar to a gentle tummy tuck.
What Makes the DIEP Flap Different
The DIEP flap (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator flap) is the gold standard in modern breast reconstruction. It uses skin and fat from your abdomen to rebuild the breast while preserving the abdominal muscles, minimizing recovery time and maintaining core strength.
The transferred tissue is reconnected microsurgically to blood vessels in the chest, creating a living, natural breast that feels and moves like your own.
Why Patients from Berkshire County Choose the DIEP Flap
- Natural and permanent — no need for future implant exchanges
- Compatible with radiation — brings in new, healthy tissue
- No foreign materials — your body’s own tissue only
- Abdominal benefit — flatter, firmer lower abdomen
- Insurance-covered — at the time of mastectomy or years later
Many women from Pittsfield and Western Massachusetts are surprised to learn that they can have this advanced procedure close to home, without needing to travel to Boston or New York.
Why Berkshire County Women Trust The DIEP Group
1: Advanced Microsurgical Expertise
DIEP flap reconstruction is a highly specialized microsurgical procedure performed by only a small number of surgeons in the U.S. The DIEP Group’s team of board-certified plastic surgeons are leaders in this field, performing hundreds of successful reconstructions each year.
2: Convenient Access
All surgeries for Massachusetts patients are performed at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield — about an hour’s drive from Pittsfield. This allows Berkshire County women to receive world-class care with minimal travel.
3: Natural, Lasting Results
Unlike implants that may need replacement or rupture over time, DIEP flap reconstruction is a one-time, lifelong solution using your own tissue. It looks, feels, and ages naturally.
4: Covered by Insurance
Under federal law, all forms of breast reconstruction after mastectomy — including DIEP flap reconstruction — are covered by insurance. Our team handles all authorizations, approvals, and paperwork for you.
For Women with Prior Implant Problems
The DIEP flap is also an ideal option for women who have had complications with implant reconstruction, including:
- Capsular contracture (hardening or distortion)
- Implant rupture or leakage
- Chronic pain or tightness
- Rippling or visible edges
- Asymmetry or poor aesthetic result
- History of radiation with poor implant healing
Many Berkshire County women switch from implants to DIEP flaps because they want a natural, warm, and permanent solution that doesn’t require future surgeries.
The Added Benefit — Abdominal Contouring
Because the DIEP flap uses tissue from the lower abdomen, patients also enjoy an improved abdominal contour similar to a mini tummy tuck.
This dual benefit — restoring the breast while refining the abdomen — helps many women feel renewed confidence in their overall body shape.
Your DIEP Flap Reconstruction Journey
Step 1 – Consultation
Your consultation can be done in person or via telehealth. We’ll review your health history, prior surgeries, and goals.
A CT angiogram maps the abdominal blood vessels to determine surgical suitability.
Step 2 – Surgery
Your DIEP flap surgery is performed at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield by our expert microsurgeons.
Hospital stay: typically 2 days, with walking encouraged the morning after surgery.
Step 3 – Recovery
Most patients return home after two days, resuming light activities in 2 weeks and full activity in 6–8 weeks.
Because no abdominal muscles are cut, strength and flexibility are preserved.
Step 4 – Refinement
Optional refinements such as fat grafting, nipple reconstruction, or scar revision can enhance the final result.
Insurance Coverage for DIEP Flap Reconstruction
Many patients in Pittsfield and the Berkshires are surprised to learn that DIEP flap reconstruction is fully covered by insurance, both at the time of mastectomy and years later.
The Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA) requires all insurance companies to cover breast reconstruction following mastectomy, including DIEP flaps and any needed revisions.
Our Insurance Coordination Includes:
- Preauthorization and required documentation
- Medical necessity letters
- Photo documentation (if needed)
- Direct communication with insurance providers
- Appeals management if necessary
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 Candidate for DIEP Flap Reconstruction?
- You may qualify for a DIEP flap if you:
- Have had or are planning a mastectomy
- Want a natural alternative to implants
- Have experienced implant problems or radiation changes
- Have sufficient abdominal tissue for transfer
- Prefer a permanent, one-time reconstruction
Even patients with prior C-sections or abdominal scars are often candidates after imaging confirms healthy blood vessels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Baystate Medical Center too far from Pittsfield?
No — it’s about a one-hour drive. Most patients stay only two days and appreciate being treated at a high-volume microsurgical center that specializes in DIEP flaps.
Can I replace my implants with a DIEP flap?
Yes. Many women switch from implants to DIEP flaps for more natural, comfortable, and permanent results.
Will I lose abdominal strength?
No. The DIEP flap preserves your abdominal muscles, so you maintain normal strength and flexibility.
Can I have DIEP flap reconstruction years after my mastectomy?
Yes. There is no time limit — it’s covered by insurance even decades later.
Does it improve the abdomen?
Yes. Most women notice a flatter, tighter abdomen — similar to a tummy tuck.
Patient Testimonial – Pittsfield, MA
“I live in Pittsfield and didn’t realize I could have a DIEP flap so close to home. After two failed implant surgeries, The DIEP Group helped me feel like myself again. My surgery at Baystate went smoothly, and I love my results — natural, soft, and comfortable.”
— Karen D., Pittsfield, MA
Why The DIEP Group Is the Regional Leader
- Board-certified microsurgeons performing hundreds of DIEP flaps yearly
- Surgeries performed locally at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield
- Decades of combined experience in complex breast reconstruction
- Personalized care and full insurance navigation
- Permanent, natural results that restore confidence and comfort
Serving Berkshire County and Western Massachusetts
The DIEP Group proudly serves women from Pittsfield, Lenox, Great Barrington, North Adams, Adams, and surrounding Berkshire County towns, offering natural, insurance-covered 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 Pittsfield or the Berkshires and want to learn more about DIEP flap breast reconstruction, contact The DIEP Group today.
The DIEP Group
Surgeries performed at Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, MA
203-200-0828
