Natural, Insurance-Covered Breast Reconstruction by The DIEP Group at Portsmouth Regional Hospital
Restoring Confidence and Comfort for Seacoast Women
For women living in Dover, Durham, Rochester, and Somersworth, natural breast reconstruction after mastectomy is closer than ever. The microsurgical specialists at The DIEP Group perform advanced DIEP flap breast reconstruction at Portsmouth Regional Hospital, bringing world-class results to patients across New Hampshire’s Seacoast region.
If you’ve experienced complications from implants, have had radiation, or simply prefer a long-term, natural solution, our surgeons offer personalized reconstruction using your own tissue — covered by insurance and designed to last a lifetime.
What Is DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction?
The DIEP flap (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator flap) uses skin and fat from the lower abdomen to recreate the breast after mastectomy. The key advantage: it preserves your abdominal muscles, allowing for a faster recovery and a strong, natural result.
Unlike implants, DIEP flaps:
- Feel soft and warm like your natural tissue
- Do not require replacements or risk leaks
- Age and change naturally with your body
- Improve abdominal contour, much like a mini tummy tuck
Microsurgery is used to connect tiny blood vessels, keeping the tissue alive and integrated for a long-lasting, natural outcome.
Why Women in Dover Choose The DIEP Group
Women across the Dover and Seacoast region choose our team for their experience, precision, and compassionate care. Here’s what sets us apart:
1️⃣ Natural, Living Tissue Reconstruction
Your reconstructed breast is made entirely from your own tissue — no implants, no synthetic materials.
2️⃣ Comfort After Radiation or Implant Failure
DIEP flaps bring in new, healthy tissue to replace damaged or radiated skin, reducing pain and tightness.
3️⃣ Permanent Results Without Maintenance
Implants often need replacement every 10 years. DIEP flaps last a lifetime and never rupture or leak.
4️⃣ Added Abdominal Contouring
The donor area from your lower abdomen heals flat and smooth, offering a gentle body contouring benefit.
5️⃣ Covered by Insurance
DIEP flap reconstruction, symmetry procedures, and revisions are all covered under federal insurance law.
Insurance Coverage for DIEP Flap Reconstruction in New Hampshire
Many women in Dover wonder if advanced reconstruction options like DIEP flaps are covered by their insurance. The answer is yes — by law.
The Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA) ensures that any plan covering mastectomy must also cover breast reconstruction, symmetry, and revisions — including DIEP flaps.
Our staff helps streamline your process with:
- Photo documentation and preauthorization
- Medical necessity letters
- Appeals, if needed, to ensure approval
Common Private Insurance Plans in the Dover Area
- Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Harvard Pilgrim Health Care
- Tufts Health Plan
- Aetna
- Cigna
- UnitedHealthcare
(We do not participate with Medicaid, Medicare, MaineCare, or Tricare.)
Your DIEP Reconstruction Journey
Step 1 – Consultation & Imaging
We meet virtually or in person to discuss your options. A CT angiogram of your abdomen identifies the best blood vessels for surgery.
Step 2 – Surgery at Portsmouth Regional Hospital
Your DIEP flap surgery is performed at Portsmouth Regional Hospital, a short drive from Dover. The tissue is carefully transferred and reconnected under a microscope.
Average hospital stay: 2 days. You’ll begin walking the next morning.
Step 3 – Recovery
Most women return home after two days and resume light activity within two weeks. We provide full aftercare and scar management guidance.
Step 4 – Refinement & Symmetry
In a later outpatient visit, gentle fat grafting or nipple reconstruction can refine shape and symmetry.
Who Is a Candidate for DIEP Flap Reconstruction?
You may be a good candidate if you:
✅ Have had or are planning a mastectomy
✅ Have enough lower abdominal tissue
✅ Have radiation changes or implant complications
✅ Want a natural, permanent reconstruction
✅ Prefer to avoid future implant exchanges
Even women with previous abdominal surgery or C-sections may still qualify after imaging confirms vessel health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do this surgery years after my mastectomy?
Yes. DIEP flap reconstruction can be done at any time — even decades later — and remains covered by insurance.
What if I have radiation damage?
DIEP flaps bring in healthy tissue with its own blood supply, which helps restore skin quality and comfort.
How long is the recovery?
Most women are back to normal daily activity in two weeks and full activity in six to eight weeks.
Can this replace recalled textured implants?
Yes — DIEP reconstruction is an excellent alternative for women with recalled or painful implants.
How far is Portsmouth Regional Hospital from Dover?
Roughly 15 minutes by car — allowing you to access top microsurgical expertise without traveling far.
Patient Testimonial – Dover, NH
“After radiation, my implant felt tight and painful. I learned about DIEP reconstruction through my oncologist, and The DIEP Group walked me through every step. My surgery was at Portsmouth Regional Hospital, and I went home after just two days. The result feels soft, natural, and truly part of me.”
— Melissa H., Dover, NH
Why Choose The DIEP Group
- Board-certified microsurgeons specializing in autologous reconstruction
- High surgical volume across multiple New England hospitals – over 200 DIEP flaps performed yearly
- Surgeries performed at Portsmouth Regional Hospital
- Compassionate, high-volume practice with outstanding results
- Expertise in replacing recalled implants or correcting failed reconstructions
- Personalized support through insurance approval, surgery, and recovery
Serving the Northern Seacoast Community
The DIEP Group proudly serves women from Dover, Durham, Rochester, Somersworth, and Rollinsford, offering natural, insurance-covered breast reconstruction at Portsmouth Regional Hospital.
Visit our detailed local guides to learn about DIEP flap surgery in your area:
- Portsmouth, NH – DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
- Manchester, NH – DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
- Nashua, NH – DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
- Concord, NH – DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
- Rochester, NH – DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
- Keene, NH – DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
- Derry & Salem, NH – DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
- Portland, ME – DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
- Biddeford, Saco, York & Kittery, ME – DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
Schedule Your Consultation
If you live in or near Dover, NH and want a natural alternative to implant-based reconstruction, contact The DIEP Group today.
The DIEP Group
Surgeries performed at Portsmouth Regional Hospital
203-200-0828
