Natural, Insurance-Covered Breast Reconstruction by The DIEP Group — Expert Microsurgery Close to Home at Kent Hospital in Warwick
Natural Breast Reconstruction for Cranston Women — Without Traveling to Boston
For women in Cranston, Rhode Island, recovering from breast cancer or dealing with the challenges of implant reconstruction, restoring comfort and confidence is a vital step toward healing. Yet, many women are told that DIEP flap breast reconstruction — the most advanced, natural, and long-lasting option — is only available in major cities like Boston.
That’s simply not true.
At Kent Hospital in Warwick, just minutes from Cranston, The DIEP Group offers state-of-the-art, insurance-covered DIEP flap breast reconstruction using your own natural tissue. Our highly specialized team performs over 200 DIEP flap procedures every year, making us one of the highest-volume microsurgical breast reconstruction programs in the Northeast.
“I live in Cranston and didn’t want to travel all the way to Boston for my surgery. The DIEP Group did my reconstruction at Kent Hospital, and it was one of the best medical experiences I’ve ever had.”
— Jennifer T., Cranston, RI
What Is DIEP Flap Reconstruction?
The DIEP flap (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator flap) is a modern, muscle-sparing technique that rebuilds the breast using your own skin and fat from the lower abdomen — not implants. The tissue is microsurgically transplanted to the chest, preserving your abdominal muscles for faster recovery and maintaining your core strength.
The result is a soft, warm, and completely natural breast that looks and feels like your own, with the added benefit of abdominal contouring similar to a tummy tuck.
Advantages of DIEP Flap Reconstruction
- Natural look and feel — Your breast is made from your own tissue, not silicone.
- Permanent results — No implant exchanges or replacements.
- Safe after radiation — Ideal for women with radiation-damaged skin or implant complications.
- Flatter abdomen — Improves body contour as part of the reconstruction.
- Covered by insurance — Mandated under the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA).
Why Cranston Patients Choose The DIEP Group
1. National-Level Expertise, Right in Rhode Island
Our microsurgical team is among the few in New England that specializes exclusively in autologous (natural tissue) breast reconstruction. We bring advanced techniques once found only in large academic hospitals to Kent Hospital in Warwick, offering Cranston patients world-class care close to home.
2. Over 200 DIEP Flaps Per Year
Experience matters in microsurgery. Our surgeons perform hundreds of DIEP flap reconstructions every year — among the highest volumes in the region. This translates to excellent outcomes, shorter hospital stays, and smoother recoveries.
3. Personalized, Compassionate Care
We guide you through every step — from consultation and insurance authorization to surgery and long-term follow-up. Our patients consistently describe our care as warm, attentive, and reassuring.
“They treated me like family. The staff explained everything and helped me feel completely confident before surgery.”
— Laura S., Cranston, RI
The DIEP Flap Surgical Process
Step 1 – Consultation
Your journey begins with an in-person or telehealth consultation. We review your history, discuss your goals, and order a CT angiogram to map your abdominal blood vessels for safe and precise planning.
Step 2 – Surgery at Kent Hospital
Your procedure is performed at Kent Hospital in Warwick, one of Rhode Island’s top community hospitals with advanced operating facilities.
- Surgery time: 6–8 hours
- Hospital stay: 2 days
- Mobility: Walking the next morning
Step 3 – Recovery
Because the abdominal muscles are preserved, recovery is smoother and less painful than older techniques. Most patients return to light work within two weeks and resume full activities in 6–8 weeks.
Step 4 – Refinement
At follow-up visits, your surgeon may recommend optional refinements, such as fat grafting, nipple reconstruction, or scar revision for optimal shape and symmetry.
When to Consider a DIEP Flap
You may be a candidate for DIEP flap reconstruction if you:
- Have had a mastectomy and want a natural reconstruction.
- Have failed or painful implants or complications like capsular contracture.
- Want to remove recalled Allergan textured implants.
- Have radiated skin or asymmetry from prior surgery.
- Desire a natural result that doesn’t require future implant exchanges.
“I had implants for years after my mastectomy, but they became hard and painful. The DIEP Group replaced them with my own tissue — and now I finally feel like myself again.”
— Patricia D., Warwick, RI
Insurance Coverage for DIEP Flap Reconstruction in Rhode Island
Under federal law, all commercial insurance plans must cover breast reconstruction after mastectomy, including DIEP flap reconstruction, implant removal, revisions, and symmetry procedures.
The DIEP Group helps Cranston patients navigate every step of the insurance process to ensure coverage approval.
Accepted Commercial Insurance Plans
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI) and Anthem
- UnitedHealthcare
- Tufts Health Plan
- Aetna
- Cigna
- Harvard Pilgrim
(We do not participate with Medicaid, Medicare, Neighborhood Health Plan, Fidelis, MassHealth, or Tricare.)
We handle all preauthorization requests, documentation, and appeals when necessary.
Recovery and Results
Most patients stay at Kent Hospital for two days and walk the morning after surgery. As healing progresses, they notice:
- Softer, more natural breast shape
- Balanced body contour with a flatter abdomen
- Elimination of implant-related discomfort or hardness
- Improved clothing fit and body confidence
“It’s like I got my confidence — and my figure — back. My abdomen looks amazing too.”
— Rachel H., Cranston, RI
Why Choose The DIEP Group
High Volume and Proven Expertise
With over 200 DIEP flap surgeries annually, our surgeons rank among the most experienced microsurgical teams in the Northeast.
Convenience
Kent Hospital in Warwick is less than 15 minutes from Cranston, providing world-class reconstruction without Boston travel.
Empathy
We understand the emotional weight of breast cancer recovery and focus on compassionate, comprehensive care at every stage.
“From my first call to the final visit, The DIEP Group was exceptional. I never once felt like I had to go out of state to get the best.”
— Amanda B., Cranston, RI
Serving Cranston and All of Rhode Island
The DIEP Group proudly serves women from:
Cranston, Warwick, Providence, Pawtucket, Johnston, East Providence, North Kingstown, and surrounding areas, as well as patients traveling from Southern Massachusetts, including Fall River, New Bedford, and the Cape Cod region.
All surgeries are performed at Kent Hospital in Warwick, Rhode Island.
To explore other areas nearby, visit our local guides:
- Warwick, RI – DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
- Providence, RI – DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
- Cranston, RI – DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
- Pawtucket, RI – DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
- Northern RI – DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
- East Bay & Eastern RI – DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
- Central & Western RI – DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
- Southern RI & Coastal RI – DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
- Fall River, MA – DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
- New Bedford, MA – DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
- Cape Cod & MA Islands – DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
Schedule Your Consultation
If you live in or near Cranston, RI, and are seeking natural, permanent breast reconstruction — without traveling to Boston — schedule a consultation with The DIEP Group today.
🏥 The DIEP Group
All surgeries performed at Kent Hospital in Warwick, Rhode Island
📞 203-200-0828
