Natural, Insurance-Covered Breast Reconstruction by The DIEP Group at Kent Hospital in Warwick
Bringing Advanced, Natural Breast Reconstruction to Rhode Island’s Southern Coast
For women living in South Kingstown, North Kingstown, Narragansett, Newport, Middletown, Westerly, and Portsmouth, access to advanced breast reconstruction used to mean traveling to Boston.
Today, that’s no longer necessary.
At Kent Hospital in Warwick, just a short drive from the southern coast, The DIEP Group offers insurance-covered DIEP flap breast reconstruction — the most natural, durable, and muscle-sparing option available.
Our fellowship-trained microsurgeons perform over 200 DIEP flap reconstructions each year, making The DIEP Group one of the highest-volume breast reconstruction teams in the Northeast.
Women from all across Rhode Island’s shoreline come to us for soft, natural, and permanent results — all without leaving the Ocean State.
“I live in Newport and thought I’d have to go to Boston for this surgery. The DIEP Group did my reconstruction at Kent Hospital, and the experience was incredible.”
— Lynn P., Newport, RI
What Is a DIEP Flap?
The DIEP flap (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator flap) is a sophisticated microsurgical technique that rebuilds the breast using your own abdominal skin and fat.
This natural tissue is transferred to the chest and shaped into a new breast after mastectomy or failed implant reconstruction — all while preserving your abdominal muscles, resulting in less pain, faster recovery, and long-lasting strength.
The result is a soft, warm, and natural-feeling breast that looks and moves like your own body.
Advantages of DIEP Flap Reconstruction
- Uses your own tissue — no foreign implants or maintenance.
- Ideal after radiation, restoring soft and healthy skin.
- Provides a tummy tuck–like contour as an added benefit.
- Ages naturally with your body — gaining or losing volume with weight changes.
- Covered by insurance under the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA).
Why Coastal Rhode Island Women Choose The DIEP Group
1. Specialized Expertise Close to Home
For years, women in Narragansett, Newport, and Westerly had to travel long distances for advanced breast reconstruction. Today, they can receive world-class DIEP flap surgery at Kent Hospital in Warwick, less than an hour away.
2. High-Volume Microsurgical Team
With over 200 DIEP flap surgeries annually, The DIEP Group brings unparalleled experience and precision to every reconstruction. High-volume experience directly translates into lower complication rates and more consistent results.
3. Personalized, Supportive Care
From consultation to follow-up, patients receive individual attention from our compassionate team. We manage insurance approvals, coordinate care, and support you through every step of recovery.
“The doctors were kind, patient, and so skilled. I never imagined I could feel this confident again.”
— Megan S., Westerly, RI
When to Consider DIEP Flap Reconstruction
You may be an excellent candidate if you:
- Had a mastectomy or lumpectomy and desire natural reconstruction.
- Have painful or hard implants (capsular contracture).
- Experienced implant complications after radiation.
- Want to remove recalled Allergan textured implants.
- Prefer a permanent, natural solution instead of long-term implant maintenance.
“I had tight, painful implants after radiation. The DIEP Group replaced them with my own tissue, and the difference is life-changing.”
— Janet T., South Kingstown, RI
The DIEP Flap Process at Kent Hospital
Step 1 – Consultation
Your care begins with a personalized consultation. We review your history, surgical goals, and order a CT angiogram to plan the safest blood vessel connections for surgery.
Step 2 – Surgery
Your procedure takes place at Kent Hospital in Warwick, Rhode Island’s trusted medical center for advanced breast reconstruction.
- Surgery duration: 6–8 hours
- Hospital stay: 2 days
- Mobility: Walking the next morning
- Pain: Significantly less than traditional flap methods
Step 3 – Recovery
Most women return to light activity within 2 weeks and resume full activity by 6–8 weeks.
Step 4 – Refinement
Optional follow-up procedures — such as fat grafting, nipple reconstruction, or scar revision — can enhance the final aesthetic.
Insurance Coverage for DIEP Flap Reconstruction
Under the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA), all commercial insurance plans must cover breast reconstruction after mastectomy — including DIEP flap reconstruction and any necessary revisions or symmetry procedures.
Common Insurance Providers in Rhode Island
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI) and Anthem
- UnitedHealthcare
- Aetna
- Cigna
- Tufts Health Plan
- Harvard Pilgrim
(We do not participate with Medicaid, Medicare, Neighborhood Health Plan, Fidelis, MassHealth, or Tricare.)
Our insurance specialists handle all preauthorization and appeals so you can focus on healing.
“The team took care of everything — insurance, scheduling, recovery. It was stress-free from start to finish.”
— Heather B., North Kingstown, RI
DIEP Flap Reconstruction After Radiation or Implants
Radiation and implants often lead to:
- Hardness and pain
- Rippling or visible distortion
- Tight, scarred skin
- Asymmetry between breasts
The DIEP flap replaces that damaged skin with soft, living tissue, restoring natural volume and comfort.
For women living along Rhode Island’s coast, this is often the most reliable, natural solution — one that looks and feels better for life.
“My reconstruction looks natural and feels like me. I’m grateful I didn’t have to go to Boston to get this level of care.”
— Tara W., Middletown, RI
Why Choose The DIEP Group
High-Volume Experience
Our surgeons perform over 200 DIEP flaps annually, making The DIEP Group one of the leading teams in the Northeast.
Convenience
Kent Hospital in Warwick is just a short drive from Narragansett, Newport, and South County, providing easy access to specialized reconstruction without the burden of travel.
Comprehensive, Compassionate Care
We combine world-class microsurgical skill with personalized attention and long-term follow-up.
“They made me feel cared for every step of the way. I couldn’t be happier.”
— Kathy M., Narragansett, RI
Serving Southern Rhode Island and the Coast
The DIEP Group proudly serves women from:
South Kingstown, North Kingstown, Narragansett, Newport, Middletown, Westerly, Portsmouth, and surrounding coastal towns.
All surgeries are performed at Kent Hospital in Warwick, RI, conveniently located for patients from both the coast and inland 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 Southern Rhode Island and are considering breast reconstruction after mastectomy, radiation, or implant complications, contact The DIEP Group today to explore natural, insurance-covered options.
🏥 The DIEP Group
All surgeries performed at Kent Hospital in Warwick, Rhode Island
📞 203-200-0828
