Introduction — Rebuilding Confidence After Breast Cancer
For women in Western Massachusetts, breast reconstruction after mastectomy is an important part of the healing journey — restoring not only physical balance but emotional wholeness.
Yet, many women are told that advanced natural reconstruction options like the DIEP flap are only available in Boston. That’s no longer true.
The DIEP Group brings world-class microsurgical breast reconstruction to Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, MA, providing women across Pittsfield, Amherst, Worcester, and Westfield with local access to the gold standard in natural reconstruction.
“I was so glad that this type of reconstruction was available here in Springfield. The DIEP Group gave me my confidence and femininity back.”
— Stephanie W., Amherst, MA
What Is a DIEP Flap Reconstruction?
The Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator (DIEP) flap uses your own lower abdominal skin and fat — without removing muscle — to reconstruct the breast naturally.
This microsurgical technique involves connecting tiny blood vessels from the abdomen to the chest under a surgical microscope. The result?
A soft, warm, natural breast that feels and ages like your own body.
Key Benefits
- 100% natural, no implants
- Permanent, lifelong result
- Soft, warm, and natural feel
- No foreign material or implant exchange
- Provides abdominal contouring similar to a tummy tuck
For women who have had radiation or implant complications, the DIEP flap offers the safest and most natural path forward.
Why Choose The DIEP Group in Western Massachusetts
Unmatched Surgical Experience
The DIEP Group performs over 200 DIEP flap breast reconstructions each year, making our surgeons among the most experienced microsurgeons in New England.
Our focus is 100% reconstructive — not cosmetic — ensuring each patient receives specialized, expert care.
Board-Certified Microsurgeons
All DIEP Group surgeons are board-certified in plastic surgery and fellowship-trained in microsurgical reconstruction — a level of precision achieved by only a small percentage of surgeons nationwide.
Local Hospital Access
All procedures in Western Massachusetts are performed at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, allowing patients to recover close to home while receiving world-class care.
DIEP Flap vs. Implants — A Permanent, Natural Solution
Implant-based breast reconstruction is common, but it’s not ideal for everyone — especially after radiation or prior complications. Many women choose to switch from implants to DIEP flaps because:
- Implants can become hard, painful, or cold.
- They require replacement every 10–15 years.
- Radiation can distort implant results.
- Recalled textured implants pose health risks.
Why DIEP Flaps Are the Gold Standard
- Feel and move like natural tissue
- No risk of implant rupture or recall
- No animation deformity
- Lifelong durability
- Aesthetic abdominal benefit
“My implants never felt like part of me. After switching to DIEP flaps with The DIEP Group, I finally feel whole again.”
— Angela T., Worcester, MA
When DIEP Flap Reconstruction Is Covered by Insurance
Under the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998, insurance companies must cover breast reconstruction after mastectomy — including DIEP flap surgery.
Whether your reconstruction is immediate, delayed, or a revision after implant failure, it’s all covered by insurance.
Common Insurance Plans in Massachusetts
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
- Tufts Health Plan
- Harvard Pilgrim Health Care
- UnitedHealthcare
- Aetna
- Cigna
- UHC Oxford
Our insurance coordinators manage all preauthorizations, documentation, and appeals — making reconstruction accessible and stress-free for every patient.
DIEP Flap Surgery at Baystate Medical Center
All surgeries for Western and Central Massachusetts patients are performed at Baystate Medical Center, a leading tertiary care hospital with dedicated microsurgical nursing teams and advanced flap monitoring technology.
Typical Hospital Stay
Patients stay for two days after surgery for close observation and comfort.
Our team visits daily to ensure your recovery is smooth and supported.
Who We Serve in Western Massachusetts
The DIEP Group proudly serves women across:
Springfield, Pittsfield, Amherst, Northampton, Worcester, Westfield, and surrounding towns.
Many of our patients travel from hours away because no other center in Western Massachusetts offers our level of DIEP flap expertise and surgical volume.
“I live in Pittsfield and thought I’d have to go to Boston for my surgery. Instead, I had my DIEP flap right here at Baystate with The DIEP Group — best decision I’ve made.”
— Renee P., Pittsfield, MA
The DIEP Group Difference
- Board-certified plastic and reconstructive microsurgeons
- Over 200 DIEP flaps performed yearly
- Hospital-based surgery at Baystate Medical Center
- Comprehensive insurance support
- Dedicated patient care from consultation through recovery
- Exceptional aesthetic and functional results
We understand that reconstruction isn’t just about restoring anatomy — it’s about restoring your confidence, comfort, and sense of self.
Conclusion — Bringing Boston-Level Reconstruction to Western Massachusetts
You don’t have to travel to Boston to receive the highest level of care.
At The DIEP Group, our experienced microsurgeons provide cutting-edge DIEP flap breast reconstruction close to home — for women across Springfield, Worcester, Amherst, Pittsfield, and beyond.
“The DIEP Group made me feel safe, cared for, and understood. I can finally move forward with confidence.”
— Janet D., Westfield, MA
The DIEP Group – Western Massachusetts
Baystate Medical Center – Springfield, MA
203-200-0828
