Natural, Insurance-Covered Breast Reconstruction by The DIEP Group at Portsmouth Regional Hospital
A Natural and Lasting Option for Women in Central New Hampshire
For women in Manchester, Bedford, Hooksett, Goffstown, and surrounding Merrimack Valley towns, The DIEP Group brings advanced, natural breast reconstruction close to home.
Our experienced microsurgeons perform DIEP flap breast reconstruction at Portsmouth Regional Hospital, offering women an alternative to implants — one that looks, feels, and ages naturally.
If you’ve experienced complications after mastectomy, radiation, or implant reconstruction, you don’t have to live with pain or asymmetry. The DIEP Group specializes in natural tissue reconstruction covered by insurance, restoring both comfort and confidence.
What Is a DIEP Flap Reconstruction?
The DIEP flap (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator flap) procedure uses your own skin and fat from the lower abdomen to reconstruct the breast. The blood vessels are reconnected under a microscope, and the abdominal muscles are preserved — resulting in natural, long-lasting results with minimal weakness or discomfort.
DIEP Flap Benefits
- Feels warm and natural like your own body
- Completely free of implants or synthetic materials
- Permanent results — no need for future replacements
- Compatible with prior radiation treatment
- Tightens and smooths the lower abdomen for improved contour
The DIEP flap is considered the gold standard for natural breast reconstruction, offering both physical and emotional restoration after mastectomy.
Why Manchester Women Choose The DIEP Group
Women across Central and Southern New Hampshire trust The DIEP Group for their advanced expertise, personalized approach, and commitment to excellent outcomes.
1️⃣ Natural, Implant-Free Results
Using your own living tissue creates a soft, natural breast that feels like part of your body.
2️⃣ Correction of Implant Complications
Hard, painful, or distorted implants — especially after radiation — can be safely replaced with natural DIEP tissue.
3️⃣ Experienced Microsurgical Team
Our surgeons specialize exclusively in microsurgical breast reconstruction and perform these procedures at high volume.
4️⃣ Dual Benefit: Reconstruction and Contouring
The lower abdominal donor site heals flatter, with a subtle contour benefit similar to a tummy tuck.
5️⃣ Covered by Insurance
All breast reconstruction — including DIEP flap procedures and symmetry surgery — is covered under federal law.
Insurance Coverage for DIEP Flap Reconstruction in New Hampshire
Many women in Manchester and Merrimack County are surprised to learn that advanced procedures like the DIEP flap are fully covered by insurance.
The Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA) mandates coverage for all forms of reconstruction after mastectomy, including DIEP flaps, revisions, and symmetry procedures.
Our office team handles the entire process to ensure seamless approval:
- Preauthorization with photo and clinical documentation
- Coordination with your insurer and referring physicians
- Appeals if required for medical necessity
Common Private Insurance Plans in Manchester
- Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Harvard Pilgrim Health Care
- Tufts Health Plan
- Aetna
- Cigna
- UnitedHealthcare
(We do not participate with Medicaid, Medicare, Tricare, or MaineCare.)
Your DIEP Flap Surgery Process
Step 1 – Initial Consultation
We’ll discuss your prior surgeries, goals, and medical history in detail — virtually or in person. A CT angiogram is performed to evaluate the abdominal blood vessels for surgery planning.
Step 2 – Surgery at Portsmouth Regional Hospital
Your surgery is performed at Portsmouth Regional Hospital, less than an hour from Manchester. Microsurgical precision ensures a living tissue transfer that restores natural softness and shape.
Hospital stay: typically 2 days. Most women begin walking the next morning.
Step 3 – Recovery and Healing
After discharge, patients typically resume light activity in two weeks and full activity by six to eight weeks. Detailed scar care and activity guidance are provided.
Step 4 – Refinement and Nipple Reconstruction
After initial healing, optional fat grafting or nipple reconstruction can fine-tune the results and improve symmetry.
Who Is a Candidate for DIEP Flap Reconstruction?
You may be a good candidate if you:
✅ Are planning or have had a mastectomy
✅ Have enough lower abdominal tissue for reconstruction
✅ Have previously had implants or radiation therapy
✅ Want a natural, long-lasting reconstruction
✅ Prefer to avoid or replace implants
Even with a prior C-section or abdominal surgery, many women still qualify after imaging confirms healthy vessels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have DIEP flap reconstruction after implant problems?
Yes — many Manchester patients choose DIEP flaps to replace recalled, hard, or painful implants.
Will I lose strength in my abdomen?
No. The DIEP technique preserves the abdominal muscles entirely, preventing weakness.
Is it covered by insurance even years after mastectomy?
Yes — DIEP reconstruction is covered at any time, even decades later.
Can I do this if I’ve had radiation?
Absolutely. The flap brings in healthy, non-radiated tissue to restore pliability and comfort.
How long will I be in the hospital?
Two days on average. You’ll be walking by the next morning.
Patient Testimonial – Manchester, NH
“I had radiation years ago and my implants became painful and uneven. The DIEP Group helped me finally feel normal again. My new breast looks and feels natural — and I love that it’s all my own tissue.”
— Jennifer L., Manchester, NH
Why Choose The DIEP Group
- Board-certified microsurgeons specializing exclusively in DIEP flap reconstruction
- High surgical volume across multiple New England hospitals – over 200 DIEP flaps performed yearly
- Surgeries performed at Portsmouth Regional Hospital
- High success rates and advanced surgical expertise
- Comprehensive insurance support for every patient
- Natural, lifelong results with no implants or replacements
Serving Patients Throughout Central and Southern New Hampshire
We proudly serve women from Manchester, Bedford, Hooksett, Goffstown, Concord, and nearby Merrimack Valley communities, offering natural 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
- Nashua, NH – DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
- Concord, NH – DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
- Dover, 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
- Rochester, NH – DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
Schedule Your Consultation
If you live in or near Manchester, NH and are considering natural, insurance-covered breast reconstruction, contact The DIEP Group to schedule your consultation.
The DIEP Group
Surgeries performed at Portsmouth Regional Hospital
203-200-0828
