Natural, Insurance-Covered Reconstruction by The DIEP Group — Performed at Kent Hospital in Warwick, RI
Restoring Confidence with Natural, Implant-Free Breast Reconstruction
For women across Rhode Island and Southern Massachusetts, advanced breast reconstruction no longer requires traveling to Boston.
At Kent Hospital in Warwick, The DIEP Group provides world-class DIEP flap breast reconstruction — restoring the breast using your own natural tissue for soft, warm, and permanent results.
Our surgeons perform over 200 DIEP flap procedures each year, making The DIEP Group one of the highest-volume microsurgical teams in the Northeast. We care for patients from Warwick, Providence, Cranston, Pawtucket, Newport, Fall River, New Bedford, and Cape Cod, delivering expertise and compassion close to home.
“I thought I’d have to go to Boston for this level of surgery. The DIEP Group performed my reconstruction at Kent Hospital, and I couldn’t be happier.”
— Rachel S., Providence, RI
What Is the DIEP Flap?
The DIEP flap (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator flap) rebuilds the breast using a woman’s own lower-abdominal skin and fat.
Unlike older procedures that remove muscle, the DIEP flap preserves muscle strength, shortens recovery, and offers a tummy-tuck–like abdominal contour.
Key Advantages
- 100 % natural look and feel — no implants or foreign material
- Permanent results that age with your body
- Safe after radiation or failed implants
- Improved abdominal contour as a bonus
- Fully covered by commercial insurance under the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA)
Why Patients Across Rhode Island & Southern Massachusetts Choose The DIEP Group
1. Local Access — No Need to Travel to Boston
Kent Hospital in Warwick offers the same advanced microsurgery available in Boston teaching hospitals, but with the convenience and personal care of a smaller, patient-focused setting.
2. High-Volume, Fellowship-Trained Surgeons
Performing 200+ DIEP flaps annually, our surgeons’ experience leads to higher success rates, shorter hospital stays (typically 2 days), and better long-term outcomes.
3. Comprehensive Insurance Support
Our staff handles all pre-authorizations and appeals, ensuring your procedure is approved before surgery.
4. Whole-Patient, Compassionate Care
From the first consultation through recovery, every patient receives detailed guidance, emotional support, and lifelong follow-up.
“They took care of everything — insurance, scheduling, and recovery. I felt like I was in the best hands.”
— Erin M., New Bedford, MA
Insurance Coverage in Rhode Island & Southern Massachusetts
DIEP flap reconstruction is mandated to be covered by all commercial insurance plans after mastectomy.
You do not need to have implant problems to qualify — reconstruction is covered at any time.
Common Plans We Work With
- Blue Cross Blue Shield (RI & MA) and Anthem
- Aetna
- UnitedHealthcare
- Tufts Health Plan
- Cigna
- Harvard Pilgrim
(We do not participate with Medicaid, Medicare, Neighborhood Health Plan, Fidelis, MassHealth, or Tricare.)
Our insurance coordinators prepare documentation, submit for pre-authorization, and handle appeals if necessary.
DIEP Flap vs. Implants
| Feature | DIEP Flap | Implants |
| Material | Your own tissue | Silicone or saline |
| Feel | Natural, warm | Firmer, cooler |
| Longevity | Permanent | Replacements every 10 yrs |
| After Radiation | Restores softness | Often hardens |
| Maintenance | None | Ongoing surveillance |
| Bonus Benefit | Flattens abdomen | None |
“It feels completely natural — no more pain or tightness. I even love my flatter stomach!”
— Lisa T., Cranston, RI
Your Surgery at Kent Hospital
- Surgery time: 6–8 hours
- Hospital stay: 2 days
- Mobility: Walking the next morning
- Recovery: Light activity ≈ 2 weeks; full ≈ 6–8 weeks
- Refinements: Optional fat grafting, nipple reconstruction, scar revision
Why Choose The DIEP Group
- 200+ DIEP flaps annually — proven experience
- Comprehensive regional reach across RI & MA
- Microsurgical precision with advanced imaging and vessel-mapping
- Personalized care from consultation through long-term follow-up
“This team changed my life. My breasts feel natural, and I didn’t have to go to Boston.”
— Nancy K., Fall River, MA
Locations Served
Rhode Island: Warwick (Kent Hospital), Providence, Cranston, Pawtucket, Woonsocket, East Providence, Newport, Westerly, Narragansett, South Kingstown, North Kingstown, Coventry, Johnston, West Warwick.
Southern Massachusetts: Fall River, Somerset, Swansea, Westport, New Bedford, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, Acushnet, Cape Cod, Falmouth, Barnstable, Mashpee, Yarmouth, Sandwich, Bourne, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket.
- 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 Rhode Island or Southern Massachusetts, discover a natural, insurance-covered option for breast reconstruction close to home.
Contact The DIEP Group today to schedule your consultation.
🏥 The DIEP Group
All surgeries performed at Kent Hospital in Warwick, Rhode Island
📞 203-200-0828
