Natural, Insurance-Covered Breast Reconstruction by The DIEP Group — A Short Drive to Kent Hospital in Warwick
Restoring Confidence for Women in East Bay and Eastern Rhode Island
For women in East Providence, Bristol, Barrington, Warren, and Tiverton, breast reconstruction after mastectomy is a deeply personal and transformative step in recovery. Many women are told that advanced options like the DIEP flap — the most natural, muscle-sparing form of reconstruction — are only available in Boston.
That’s no longer true.
At Kent Hospital in Warwick, just 20–40 minutes from most East Bay towns, The DIEP Group offers state-of-the-art, insurance-covered DIEP flap breast reconstruction performed by some of the most experienced microsurgeons in New England.
Our team performs over 200 DIEP flaps per year, helping women throughout Rhode Island and Southern Massachusetts achieve soft, natural results using their own tissue — no implants required.
“I live in Bristol and was told I’d have to go to Boston for a DIEP flap. The DIEP Group did my surgery at Kent Hospital in Warwick, and I couldn’t be happier with my results.”
— Caroline F., Bristol, RI
What Is a DIEP Flap?
The DIEP flap (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator flap) procedure reconstructs the breast using your own skin and fat from the lower abdomen, while preserving your abdominal muscles for strength and faster recovery.
This advanced microsurgical procedure uses your own living tissue to rebuild a natural, warm, and soft breast — one that looks, feels, and moves like your own.
Benefits of the DIEP Flap
- Natural reconstruction — No implants or synthetic materials.
- Permanent result — No future replacements or maintenance.
- Ideal after radiation — Restores damaged or tight skin.
- Tummy tuck effect — Flattens and tightens the abdomen.
- Covered by insurance — Required under federal law (WHCRA).
Why East Bay Patients Choose The DIEP Group
1. Expertise Close to Home
Women in East Providence, Bristol, Warren, Barrington, and Tiverton don’t need to travel to Boston for advanced breast reconstruction. The DIEP Group performs these surgeries locally at Kent Hospital in Warwick, offering the same level of expertise found at major academic centers — but with more personalized care.
2. Over 200 DIEP Flaps Per Year
With hundreds of successful DIEP flap reconstructions performed annually, our surgeons are among the most experienced in the region. High volume equals high success — and our patients consistently achieve natural, beautiful results.
3. Compassionate, Personalized Care
We manage everything — from insurance authorization to postoperative care — so our patients can focus on recovery.
“They helped me through every step. I never felt alone — from my first call to the follow-up appointments.”
— Hannah R., Warren, RI
When to Consider DIEP Flap Reconstruction
You may be a great candidate if you:
- Had a mastectomy or lumpectomy and want natural reconstruction.
- Have painful or tight implants, especially after radiation.
- Want to remove recalled Allergan textured implants.
- Have implant asymmetry, capsular contracture, or poor results.
- Want a permanent reconstruction with your own tissue.
“My implants never felt right, and radiation made them hard. The DIEP Group replaced them with my own tissue, and they feel soft and natural again.”
— Melissa G., East Providence, RI
The DIEP Flap Procedure at Kent Hospital
Step 1 – Consultation
Your surgeon will review your medical history, evaluate your abdominal tissue, and discuss your goals. A CT angiogram is ordered to map the best blood vessels for reconstruction.
Step 2 – Surgery
The DIEP flap is performed at Kent Hospital, a trusted medical facility with advanced microsurgical capabilities.
- Surgery time: 6–8 hours
- Hospital stay: 2 days
- Mobility: Walking the next morning
- Pain level: Low, since no muscles are removed
Step 3 – Recovery
Most patients return to light activity in 2 weeks and full normal activity by 6–8 weeks.
Step 4 – Refinement
Optional follow-up procedures — fat grafting, nipple reconstruction, or scar refinement — can fine-tune results for perfect symmetry.
Insurance Coverage for DIEP Flap Reconstruction
DIEP flap reconstruction is fully covered by all major commercial insurance plans, thanks to the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA).
Our insurance team assists with preauthorization, documentation, and appeals when necessary — ensuring coverage approval before surgery.
Common Rhode Island Plans
- 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.)
“They got my surgery approved through insurance without me having to make a single call.”
— Rachel D., Barrington, RI
Benefits After Radiation or Failed Implants
For many East Bay patients, prior radiation or failed implant reconstruction causes:
- Hardness or tightness in the chest
- Painful scar tissue
- Rippling or visible distortion
- Asymmetry between breasts
The DIEP flap replaces radiated, damaged tissue with soft, healthy skin and fat, improving comfort and appearance.
“After years of discomfort from my implants, I finally feel normal again.”
— Stephanie P., Tiverton, RI
Why Choose The DIEP Group
Expertise
Performing over 200 DIEP flaps each year, our surgeons are among the most experienced in New England.
Accessibility
Kent Hospital in Warwick is only a short drive from East Bay and Eastern Rhode Island, making advanced reconstruction care easily accessible.
Empathy
We understand that reconstruction is about more than surgery — it’s about restoring confidence, balance, and peace of mind.
“They didn’t just rebuild my breasts — they helped rebuild my confidence.”
— Linda C., East Providence, RI
Serving East Bay and Eastern Rhode Island
The DIEP Group proudly serves women from:
East Providence, Bristol, Barrington, Warren, Tiverton, and nearby towns in Southeastern Massachusetts including Seekonk and Swansea.
All surgeries are performed at Kent Hospital in Warwick, RI, less than 40 minutes away for most East Bay patients.
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 East Bay or Eastern Rhode Island and are seeking natural, long-lasting breast reconstruction after mastectomy or implant complications, contact The DIEP Group today.
🏥 The DIEP Group
All surgeries performed at Kent Hospital in Warwick, Rhode Island
📞 203-200-0828
