Natural, Insurance-Covered Breast Reconstruction at Kent Hospital in Warwick, RI — Advanced Surgery Without Traveling to Boston
Bringing Natural Breast Reconstruction to Cape Cod and the Islands
For women across Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket, breast reconstruction options after mastectomy can feel limited. Many local hospitals and surgical centers don’t offer advanced microsurgical reconstruction — and most patients are told their only option for DIEP flap surgery is to travel several hours to Boston.
Now, there’s a closer, more personal alternative.
At Kent Hospital in Warwick, Rhode Island, just across the bridge from Southeastern Massachusetts, The DIEP Group provides insurance-covered DIEP flap breast reconstruction — offering the same advanced microsurgical techniques found at major academic centers, but with the individualized care and accessibility that patients from Cape Cod and the Islands deserve.
Our surgeons perform over 200 DIEP flap reconstructions per year, making The DIEP Group one of the highest-volume and most trusted breast reconstruction teams in the Northeast.
“I live on Cape Cod and didn’t want to travel to Boston for surgery. The DIEP Group was just a short drive to Warwick, and my results are beautiful and natural.”
— Cynthia M., Barnstable, MA
What Is a DIEP Flap?
The DIEP flap (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator flap) is a microsurgical breast reconstruction that uses your own skin and fat from the lower abdomen — not implants — to rebuild the breast after mastectomy or failed implant reconstruction.
This approach restores a soft, warm, and natural breast, while also flattening and tightening the abdomen, similar to a tummy tuck.
Unlike older TRAM flaps that remove muscle, the DIEP flap preserves abdominal muscle integrity, allowing faster recovery and less discomfort.
Why Cape Cod and Island Women Choose DIEP Flaps
- Natural look and feel — no foreign materials.
- Permanent results — no replacements or maintenance needed.
- Safe after radiation — restores soft, healthy tissue.
- Improved abdominal contour — dual benefit of breast and body restoration.
- Fully covered by insurance under federal law.
Why Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard & Nantucket Patients Choose The DIEP Group
1. No Need to Travel to Boston
For years, women in Barnstable, Falmouth, Yarmouth, and Sandwich, as well as Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, were referred to Boston hospitals for advanced reconstruction. Today, The DIEP Group offers the same level of expertise closer to home at Kent Hospital in Warwick, RI, typically within 90 minutes of most Cape Cod towns and accessible via ferry from the islands.
2. High-Volume, Fellowship-Trained Surgeons
Performing 200+ DIEP flap procedures per year, our team’s experience ensures precise, reliable outcomes and the highest success rates.
3. Insurance-Covered, Patient-Centered Care
We handle the entire process — from insurance preauthorization to surgical scheduling and recovery support — so patients can focus on healing.
“The team was incredible — kind, thorough, and so professional. I felt cared for every step of the way.”
— Amanda R., Falmouth, MA
When to Consider DIEP Flap Reconstruction
You may be a candidate if you:
- Had a mastectomy or lumpectomy and want natural reconstruction.
- Have painful or distorted implants after prior surgery.
- Experienced complications after radiation therapy.
- Want to remove recalled textured implants.
- Desire a permanent, implant-free reconstruction.
“After radiation, my implant became tight and painful. The DIEP Group gave me a natural, soft result that feels like my own body again.”
— Sarah D., Yarmouth, MA
The DIEP Flap Process at Kent Hospital
Step 1 – Personalized Consultation
Your care begins with a detailed consultation — in person or virtual — where we review your surgical goals and history. We use CT angiography to plan your surgery precisely and minimize risks.
Step 2 – Surgery at Kent Hospital
All DIEP flap reconstructions are performed at Kent Hospital in Warwick, equipped for advanced microsurgical care.
- Surgery duration: 6–8 hours
- Hospital stay: 2 days
- Mobility: Walking the morning after surgery
- Pain level: Minimal — muscles are preserved
Step 3 – Recovery
Most patients return to light activity within 2 weeks and regular routines within 6–8 weeks.
Step 4 – Refinement
Optional second-stage refinements — such as fat grafting, nipple reconstruction, or scar revision — can enhance symmetry and detail.
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 surgery and any necessary revisions.
Common Insurance Plans in Massachusetts and Rhode Island
- Blue Cross Blue Shield (MA & RI) and Anthem
- Tufts Health Plan
- Aetna
- UnitedHealthcare
- Cigna
- Harvard Pilgrim
(We do not participate with Medicaid, Medicare, Neighborhood Health Plan, Fidelis, MassHealth, or Tricare.)
Our insurance specialists manage the process from start to finish — including appeals if needed — to ensure your reconstruction is approved and fully covered.
“I didn’t have to handle any paperwork — they did it all for me, and my surgery was fully covered.”
— Lydia F., Sandwich, MA
Why Choose DIEP Flap Over Implants
The DIEP flap offers multiple advantages compared to implant-based reconstruction:
- Natural feel — no silicone or saline implants.
- Permanent — no need for replacements.
- Ideal after radiation — repairs damaged tissue.
- No risk of rupture or leakage.
- Improves abdominal appearance — like a mini tummy tuck.
“It’s been a complete transformation — I feel confident again, and my abdomen looks great too.”
— Bethany G., Martha’s Vineyard, MA
Why Choose The DIEP Group
Experience
Our team’s 200+ DIEP flap procedures annually make The DIEP Group one of the most experienced microsurgical teams in the region.
Accessibility
Located at Kent Hospital in Warwick, we’re within easy reach of Cape Cod and the Islands, providing big-city expertise without the distance or hassle.
Compassionate, Patient-Focused Care
We treat each patient as an individual — with personalized attention from consultation to final results.
“They made me feel so comfortable and cared for. I would recommend them to anyone.”
— Emily P., Nantucket, MA
Serving Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard & Nantucket
The DIEP Group proudly serves women from:
Barnstable (Hyannis), Falmouth, Yarmouth, Mashpee, Sandwich, Bourne, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket.
All DIEP flap surgeries are performed at Kent Hospital in Warwick, Rhode Island, providing advanced reconstruction close to home.
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
Schedule Your Consultation
If you live on Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, or Nantucket, you no longer need to travel to Boston for natural, insurance-covered breast reconstruction. 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
