Natural, Insurance-Covered Breast Reconstruction Near Providence — Performed by The DIEP Group at Kent Hospital in Warwick
Natural Breast Reconstruction for Northern Rhode Island Women — Without Traveling to Boston
For women in Woonsocket, Cumberland, North Providence, Lincoln, Smithfield, and Central Falls, breast reconstruction is a crucial step in reclaiming comfort and confidence after mastectomy or implant-related complications.
Many women assume they must travel to Boston for advanced microsurgical breast reconstruction — but that’s no longer true.
At Kent Hospital in Warwick, The DIEP Group provides state-of-the-art, insurance-covered DIEP flap breast reconstruction right here in Rhode Island. Our highly trained microsurgeons perform over 200 DIEP flap surgeries each year, making us one of the highest-volume programs in the entire Northeast.
“I live in Woonsocket and thought I’d have to go to Boston for DIEP flap surgery. Then I found The DIEP Group. They did my reconstruction at Kent Hospital, and it couldn’t have gone better.”
— Amy W., Woonsocket, RI
What Is DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction?
The DIEP flap (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator flap) procedure uses your own abdominal skin and fat to rebuild the breast after mastectomy or implant removal. Unlike older flap techniques, it spares your abdominal muscles, leading to less pain, a faster recovery, and preservation of core strength.
Your living tissue is microsurgically transferred to the chest, where it forms a soft, warm, natural breast that looks and feels like your own — no silicone, saline, or foreign material needed.
Benefits of the DIEP Flap
- Natural tissue reconstruction — No implants or maintenance required.
- Permanent results — No risk of implant rupture or replacement.
- Ideal after radiation — Restores healthy skin and softness.
- Tummy tuck–like benefit — Improves abdominal contour.
- Fully covered by insurance — Required by federal law (WHCRA).
Why Northern Rhode Island Patients Choose The DIEP Group
1. Local Access to National-Level Expertise
The DIEP Group brings advanced microsurgical breast reconstruction to Kent Hospital in Warwick, located just 30–40 minutes from most Northern Rhode Island towns. Patients from Woonsocket, Smithfield, Lincoln, and Cumberland can now receive the same specialized care once found only in large Boston hospitals.
2. Over 200 DIEP Flaps Per Year
Experience directly impacts success in microsurgery. Our team performs more than 200 DIEP flaps each year, providing unmatched precision and consistent, natural results.
3. Compassionate, Personalized Care
We guide patients through every step — from consultation and insurance approval to postoperative recovery. Every woman receives a tailored plan, honest expectations, and lifelong support.
“I never felt rushed or pressured. They explained everything and made the whole process stress-free.”
— Danielle K., Lincoln, RI
When to Consider DIEP Flap Reconstruction
You may be an excellent candidate for DIEP flap reconstruction if you:
- Have undergone mastectomy or lumpectomy and want natural reconstruction.
- Have painful or hard implants or capsular contracture.
- Want to remove recalled Allergan textured implants.
- Have radiation damage, asymmetry, or failed implant reconstruction.
- Desire a more natural, long-lasting result that ages with your body.
“After radiation, my implant became hard and uncomfortable. The DIEP Group replaced it with my own tissue, and it’s so much softer and more natural.”
— Maria L., Cumberland, RI
The DIEP Flap Procedure — Step by Step
Step 1 – Consultation
Your journey begins with a personalized consultation (in person or virtual). We review your medical history, discuss your goals, and order a CT angiogram to map the best abdominal blood vessels for reconstruction.
Step 2 – Surgery at Kent Hospital
All procedures are performed at Kent Hospital in Warwick.
- Duration: 6–8 hours
- Hospital stay: 2 days
- Mobility: Most patients walk the next morning
- Pain: Minimal, since no muscles are removed
Step 3 – Recovery
Patients can typically return to light activity within two weeks and resume full activity by six to eight weeks.
Step 4 – Refinement
Optional fat grafting, nipple reconstruction, or scar revision can be done later for enhanced symmetry and aesthetic balance.
Insurance Coverage for DIEP Flap Reconstruction
DIEP flap reconstruction is fully covered by all major commercial insurance plans under the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA). This includes initial reconstruction, delayed reconstruction, implant removal, and symmetry procedures.
You don’t need to have implant problems to qualify — reconstruction is covered at any time after mastectomy.
Common Insurance Providers in Rhode Island
- 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.)
Our team manages all preauthorization and documentation, ensuring a smooth approval process.
“I was so nervous about insurance, but The DIEP Group handled everything for me. They even appealed for symmetry coverage — and won.”
— Heather N., North Providence, RI
DIEP Flap Reconstruction After Radiation or Implants
Radiation and implant-based reconstruction often lead to tightness, hardening, or unevenness. The DIEP flap replaces radiated tissue with soft, healthy skin and fat, improving comfort and appearance.
This approach restores not only physical symmetry but also emotional confidence — helping patients feel whole again after breast cancer.
“My reconstruction looks natural, and I don’t feel pain anymore. I wish I had done this sooner.”
— Caroline S., Smithfield, RI
Why Choose The DIEP Group
High-Volume Expertise
Performing over 200 DIEP flaps annually, our surgeons rank among the most experienced microsurgeons in New England.
Convenience
Kent Hospital in Warwick is just a short drive from Northern Rhode Island, offering specialized care without the hassle of Boston travel.
Comprehensive Care
From initial consults to postoperative support, our team ensures your recovery is smooth, safe, and empowering.
“I was treated like a person, not a case. Everyone at The DIEP Group genuinely cared about me and my outcome.”
— Lynn M., Central Falls, RI
Serving All of Northern Rhode Island
The DIEP Group proudly serves women from:
Woonsocket, Cumberland, North Providence, Lincoln, Smithfield, Central Falls, and surrounding communities.
All procedures are performed at Kent Hospital in Warwick, RI, easily accessible from Route 146 and I-295.
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
- 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 Northern Rhode Island and want natural, long-lasting breast reconstruction after mastectomy, failed implants, or radiation, contact The DIEP Group today.
🏥 The DIEP Group
All surgeries performed at Kent Hospital in Warwick, Rhode Island
📞 203-200-0828
