Natural, Insurance-Covered Breast Reconstruction by The DIEP Group at Portsmouth Regional Hospital
Bringing Advanced, Natural Breast Reconstruction to Southern Maine
Women in Portland, South Portland, Scarborough, Falmouth, and the surrounding coastal communities now have access to world-class, natural breast reconstruction close to home. The microsurgical specialists at The DIEP Group perform advanced DIEP flap breast reconstruction at Portsmouth Regional Hospital, just a short drive from the Maine border.
For women who’ve had mastectomies, radiation, or implant complications, the DIEP flap offers a natural, lifelong solution that looks and feels like your own body — fully covered by insurance.
What Is a DIEP Flap Reconstruction?
The DIEP flap (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator flap) is one of the most advanced forms of breast reconstruction. It uses your own skin and fat from the lower abdomen to recreate the breast without removing or cutting the abdominal muscles.
Through microsurgery, our surgeons reconnect tiny blood vessels from the abdominal tissue to the chest — keeping the tissue alive and allowing it to become part of your body. The result is soft, warm, and natural to the touch.
Benefits of the DIEP Flap:
- Looks and feels like a natural breast
- No implants, no risk of rupture or future replacements
- Permanent results — no maintenance or exchanges
- Improves abdominal contour (like a mini tummy tuck)
- Compatible with prior radiation or failed implant reconstruction
Why Maine Women Choose The DIEP Group
Women throughout Southern Maine — including Portland, Biddeford, and York County — choose The DIEP Group for their unmatched expertise in natural, insurance-covered breast reconstruction.
1️⃣ Natural and Permanent Results
Your breast is reconstructed using your own living tissue, for lifelong results that feel natural.
2️⃣ Relief from Implant Problems
If you’ve had hard, rippled, or painful implants — especially after radiation — DIEP reconstruction provides softness, symmetry, and peace of mind.
3️⃣ Experienced Microsurgeons
Our board-certified plastic surgeons focus exclusively on microsurgical reconstruction, performing DIEP flaps with precision and excellent long-term outcomes.
4️⃣ Abdominal Contouring Advantage
Because the tissue is taken from the lower abdomen, you’ll also enjoy improved body contour and a smoother waistline.
5️⃣ Covered by Insurance
DIEP flap breast reconstruction and revision procedures are fully covered by insurance under federal law.
Insurance Coverage for DIEP Flap Reconstruction in Maine
Many women in Portland and Southern Maine ask whether DIEP flap breast reconstruction is covered by insurance — and the answer is yes.
The Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA) requires all health insurance plans covering mastectomy to also cover breast reconstruction, including DIEP flaps, revisions, and symmetry procedures.
The DIEP Group handles every part of the insurance process:
- Submitting preauthorization requests and medical documentation
- Providing letters of medical necessity
- Managing appeals if required
Common Private Insurance Plans in Maine
- Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Harvard Pilgrim Health Care
- Aetna
- Cigna
- UnitedHealthcare
- Tufts Health Plan
(We do not participate with Medicaid, Medicare, Tricare, or MaineCare.)
The DIEP Flap Surgery Process
Step 1 – Personalized Consultation
We meet virtually or in person to discuss your goals and prior medical history. A CT angiogram identifies ideal blood vessels in your abdomen for surgical planning.
Step 2 – Surgery at Portsmouth Regional Hospital
Your surgery is performed at Portsmouth Regional Hospital, located about an hour from Portland. Using advanced microsurgery, our team transfers abdominal skin and fat to rebuild your breast.
Hospital stay: 2 days. You’ll be walking the morning after surgery.
Step 3 – Recovery
Most patients return home comfortably within two days and resume light activities in about two weeks. Full recovery occurs in approximately six to eight weeks.
Step 4 – Refinement
Optional fat grafting, nipple reconstruction, or scar revision may be performed later for enhanced cosmetic refinement.
Who Is a Candidate for DIEP Flap Reconstruction?
You may be an ideal candidate if you:
✅ Have had or are planning a mastectomy
✅ Have prior implants or reconstruction complications
✅ Have had radiation therapy
✅ Want to avoid implants or future replacements
✅ Have adequate abdominal tissue for transfer
Even patients who’ve had C-sections or prior abdominal surgery can often qualify after imaging confirms healthy vessels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have DIEP reconstruction years after mastectomy?
Yes. Reconstruction is covered at any time — even decades later.
Can I switch from implants to DIEP flaps?
Absolutely. Many women with recalled or painful implants choose DIEP flaps for comfort and natural results.
How far is Portsmouth Regional Hospital from Portland?
About one hour by car — much closer than traveling to Boston for microsurgical reconstruction.
Is this procedure safe after radiation?
Yes. DIEP flaps bring in new, healthy tissue that restores flexibility and helps heal radiated skin.
Will I lose abdominal strength?
No. The abdominal muscles are preserved entirely during surgery.
Patient Testimonial – Portland, ME
“After years of living with implants that felt uncomfortable after radiation, I finally decided on DIEP reconstruction. The DIEP Group was amazing — my new breast feels soft and natural, and I love that it’s permanent. I only had to stay in the hospital for two days.”
— Heather R., Portland, ME
Why Choose The DIEP Group
- Board-certified microsurgeons specializing in natural tissue reconstruction
- High surgical volume across multiple New England hospitals – over 200 DIEP flaps performed yearly
- Surgeries performed at Portsmouth Regional Hospital
- Extensive experience and high success rates
- Personalized insurance coordination and patient support
- Lifelong, implant-free results that look and feel natural
Serving Patients Across Southern Maine
The DIEP Group proudly serves women from Portland, South Portland, Scarborough, Biddeford, Saco, and surrounding communities, providing natural, insurance-covered 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
- Dover, NH – DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
- Keene, NH – DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
- Derry & Salem, NH – DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
- Rochester, NH – DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
- Biddeford, Saco, York & Kittery, ME – DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
Schedule Your Consultation
If you live in Portland or Southern Maine and are exploring natural, insurance-covered breast reconstruction, contact The DIEP Group today.
The DIEP Group
Surgeries performed at Portsmouth Regional Hospital
203-200-0828
