Natural, Insurance-Covered Breast Reconstruction by The DIEP Group — No Need to Travel to Boston for Advanced Microsurgery
World-Class Breast Reconstruction — Close to Home in Rhode Island
For women in Rhode Island and Southern Massachusetts who have faced mastectomy, failed implants, or radiation damage, breast reconstruction can restore not only the body but also confidence and peace of mind.
Until recently, patients often believed that the most advanced type of breast reconstruction — the DIEP flap — was only available in Boston. Today, that’s no longer the case.
At Kent Hospital in Warwick, The DIEP Group performs state-of-the-art, insurance-covered DIEP flap breast reconstruction right here in Rhode Island. Our team of board-certified, fellowship-trained microsurgeons specializes exclusively in natural, muscle-sparing reconstruction using your own tissue — not implants.
With more than 200 DIEP flap surgeries each year, we are among the highest-volume microsurgical breast reconstruction teams in the entire Northeast.
“I was told I’d have to go to Boston for a DIEP flap. Then I found The DIEP Group right here in Rhode Island. My experience at Kent Hospital was amazing — and my results are beautiful.”
— Melissa P., Cranston, RI
What Is a DIEP Flap?
The DIEP flap (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator flap) procedure rebuilds the breast using your own skin and fat from the lower abdomen. Unlike older flap techniques, it preserves your abdominal muscles, meaning less pain, faster recovery, and no loss of core strength.
Your abdominal tissue is microsurgically reconnected to blood vessels in the chest, creating a soft, warm, and completely natural breast — no silicone, no implants, and no foreign material.
Key Advantages
- Natural Look & Feel – Tissue moves and feels like your own body.
- Permanent Solution – No future implant replacements or ruptures.
- Safe After Radiation – Replaces tight, scarred, or damaged skin.
- Abdominal Contouring – Results in a flatter, firmer midsection.
- Low Complication Rate – When performed by experienced microsurgeons.
- Covered by Insurance – Protected under federal law (WHCRA).
Why Choose The DIEP Group at Kent Hospital
Experience You Can Trust
- Over 200 DIEP flaps performed each year across multiple states.
- Surgeons trained in microsurgical breast reconstruction at high-volume centers.
- Among the only dedicated DIEP flap programs in all of Rhode Island.
Accessible Expertise
Kent Hospital provides the same advanced care patients once had to travel to Boston for, but without the long commutes or coordination challenges of an out-of-state medical system.
Comprehensive, Compassionate Care
Our team manages everything from insurance preauthorization to postoperative follow-up. Patients consistently describe their experience as organized, reassuring, and life-changing.
“From start to finish, The DIEP Group handled everything — surgery, recovery, and insurance approval. I never felt like just a number.”
— Tara R., Warwick, RI
The DIEP Flap Process
Step 1 – Consultation and Planning
Your journey begins with a detailed consultation, either in person or via telehealth. Your surgeon reviews your medical history, photos, and reconstructive goals, then orders a CT angiogram to map the abdominal blood vessels and plan your surgery safely.
Step 2 – Surgery
All procedures are performed at Kent Hospital in Warwick, a trusted partner of The DIEP Group.
- Duration: 6–8 hours
- Hospital stay: 2 days
- Walking: Usually the morning after surgery
- Pain control: Significantly less than traditional flap or implant reconstruction
Step 3 – Recovery
Because no muscle is taken, recovery is smoother and faster. Most patients return to light activities in two weeks and to full normal routines in six to eight weeks.
Step 4 – Refinement
Secondary touch-ups, such as fat grafting, nipple reconstruction, or scar refinement, can be done several months later for optimal symmetry.
Insurance Coverage for DIEP Flap Reconstruction in Rhode Island
All breast reconstruction after mastectomy — including DIEP flap — is mandated to be covered by insurance under the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA).
You do not need to have problems with implants or recent surgery to qualify; you can choose to switch to a DIEP flap at any time, even years later.
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 assists with:
- Preauthorization and medical-necessity documentation
- Submitting photos and clinical notes
- Appeals when needed
“They handled all of my insurance approvals and even the appeal for symmetry coverage — I never had to make a single call.”
— Andrea F., East Greenwich, RI
When to Consider a DIEP Flap
You may be an excellent candidate if you:
- Had a mastectomy or lumpectomy and desire natural reconstruction
- Have painful, hard, or radiated implants
- Want to remove recalled Allergan textured implants
- Prefer to avoid future implant exchanges
- Desire a tummy tuck–like benefit with reconstruction
Results That Restore Confidence
The DIEP flap provides:
- A softer, natural breast that looks and feels like your own
- A flatter, firmer abdomen from tissue removal
- Improved comfort in clothing and bras
- Long-term peace of mind — no foreign implants to replace
“My results are incredible. I have natural, warm breasts again — and my abdomen looks better than before kids.”
— Kelly D., Providence, RI
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to go to Boston for a DIEP flap?
No. The DIEP Group performs the same advanced microsurgical reconstruction right here at Kent Hospital in Warwick, eliminating the need to travel to Boston or out of state.
Is DIEP flap reconstruction covered by insurance?
Yes, it’s fully covered by law. Our staff handles all paperwork and prior authorizations.
How long will I stay in the hospital?
Most patients stay two days and begin walking the next morning.
Can I switch from implants to a DIEP flap?
Absolutely. We frequently perform implant-to-flap conversions for patients with pain, tightness, or radiation issues.
Does the surgery also flatten my stomach?
Yes — because the tissue comes from the lower abdomen, many patients describe the result as similar to a tummy tuck.
Why Choose The DIEP Group
Experience
Over 200 DIEP flaps per year, performed by fellowship-trained microsurgeons dedicated solely to breast reconstruction.
Excellence
Our outcomes rival those of major academic hospitals — without the need to travel hours for appointments and follow-ups.
Empathy
We treat each patient as a person, not a case. Our comprehensive care model includes personalized consultations, 24-hour post-surgery support, and long-term follow-up.
“They made me feel like family. I never thought I’d find this level of expertise in Rhode Island.”
— Susan G., Narragansett, RI
Serving All of Rhode Island and Southern Massachusetts
The DIEP Group proudly serves women from:
Warwick, Providence, Cranston, Pawtucket, East Providence, Newport, North Kingstown, South Kingstown, Woonsocket, Bristol, and all surrounding areas — including Fall River, New Bedford, and Cape Cod.
All surgeries are performed at Kent Hospital in Warwick, RI, just minutes from I-95 and easily accessible from all parts of the state.
To explore other areas nearby, visit our local guides:
- 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’re seeking a natural, permanent solution for breast reconstruction after mastectomy or implant problems, you don’t have to travel to Boston.
Contact The DIEP Group to schedule your consultation today.
🏥 The DIEP Group
All surgeries performed at Kent Hospital in Warwick, Rhode Island
📞 203-200-0828
