Natural, Insurance-Covered Breast Reconstruction at Kent Hospital in Warwick, RI — No Need to Travel to Boston
A Natural Solution for Women on Massachusetts’ South Coast
For women living in Fall River, Somerset, Swansea, and Westport, finding advanced, natural breast reconstruction after mastectomy or failed implants can be challenging. Many patients are told their only option is to travel hours north to Boston.
That’s no longer the case.
At Kent Hospital in Warwick, Rhode Island, just over the state line, The DIEP Group performs insurance-covered DIEP flap breast reconstruction — the most advanced, natural form of breast reconstruction available today.
Our fellowship-trained microsurgeons perform over 200 DIEP flaps each year, making us one of the most experienced and trusted reconstructive teams in the Northeast.
“I’m from Fall River and didn’t want to travel to Boston for surgery. The DIEP Group handled everything in Rhode Island, and my results are amazing — I finally feel like myself again.”
— Michelle R., Fall River, MA
What Is a DIEP Flap?
The DIEP flap (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator flap) uses your own skin and fat from the lower abdomen to reconstruct the breast after mastectomy.
Unlike older TRAM flaps that sacrifice muscle, the DIEP flap preserves your abdominal muscles, resulting in:
- Less pain
- Faster recovery
- Long-term core strength
- Better cosmetic results
The reconstructed breast is soft, warm, and natural, and it ages with your body — gaining or losing volume as you do.
DIEP Flap Benefits for South Coast Women
- No implants or maintenance required
- Natural, permanent results
- Safe after radiation
- Flatter abdomen (tummy tuck benefit)
- Fully covered by insurance
Why South Coast Patients Choose The DIEP Group
1. Local Access to Advanced Reconstruction
Women in Fall River, Westport, Swansea, and Somerset can have advanced, natural breast reconstruction without driving to Boston. Our surgeries are performed just across the border at Kent Hospital in Warwick, RI — typically less than an hour’s drive.
2. High-Volume Experience
Our surgeons perform over 200 DIEP flaps annually, providing unmatched expertise in microsurgical breast reconstruction. This experience directly translates to better outcomes and shorter recovery times.
3. Compassionate, Personalized Care
From insurance approval to recovery, The DIEP Group team supports you every step of the way. We provide personal communication, meticulous follow-up, and outstanding results.
“They made everything so easy — from insurance approval to post-op care. I wish I had known about The DIEP Group sooner.”
— Erin D., Somerset, MA
When to Consider DIEP Flap Reconstruction
You may be a great candidate if you:
- Had a mastectomy and want a natural, implant-free reconstruction.
- Have painful, hard, or asymmetrical implants after breast cancer.
- Received radiation and developed tight or thickened skin.
- Want to remove recalled Allergan textured implants.
- Desire a permanent solution that feels and looks natural.
“I had radiation after my mastectomy, and my implant got hard and painful. The DIEP Group gave me soft, natural results that feel like my own body again.”
— Kathy L., Swansea, MA
The DIEP Flap Surgery Experience at Kent Hospital
Step 1 – Consultation
We start with an in-depth consultation to review your goals and medical history. A CT angiogram is performed to map your abdominal blood vessels for precise planning.
Step 2 – Surgery
Your procedure takes place at Kent Hospital, a trusted center equipped for advanced microsurgical reconstruction.
- Surgery duration: 6–8 hours
- Hospital stay: 2 days
- Walking: The next morning
- Pain: Minimal due to muscle preservation
Step 3 – Recovery
Most women return to light activities within 2 weeks and resume full activity in 6–8 weeks.
Step 4 – Refinement
Additional stages, if needed, include fat grafting, nipple reconstruction, and scar optimization for symmetry and refinement.
Insurance Coverage for DIEP Flap Reconstruction
Under the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA), insurance companies must cover breast reconstruction following mastectomy — including DIEP flap surgery and all necessary revisions.
Common Massachusetts and Rhode Island Plans
- Blue Cross Blue Shield (MA & RI) and Anthem
- Tufts Health Plan
- UnitedHealthcare
- Aetna
- Cigna
- Harvard Pilgrim
(We do not participate with Medicaid, Medicare, Neighborhood Health Plan, Fidelis, MassHealth, or Tricare.)
Our dedicated insurance coordinators handle all preauthorizations and appeals to ensure smooth approval before surgery.
“My insurance covered everything. The team took care of all the paperwork and even appealed on my behalf when needed.”
— Lauren P., Westport, MA
Why Choose DIEP Flap Over Implants
Compared to implants, the DIEP flap offers:
- A natural, permanent result
- Warm, soft texture
- No risk of rupture, leakage, or replacement
- No foreign materials in the body
- Improved comfort in clothing and swimwear
- Better aging with time
Many South Coast women also appreciate the tummy tuck benefit that flattens and firms the abdomen after using excess lower abdominal tissue for reconstruction.
Why Choose The DIEP Group
Unmatched Expertise
The DIEP Group performs over 200 DIEP flaps annually, providing patients across the Northeast with consistent, outstanding outcomes.
Convenience for South Coast Patients
Located at Kent Hospital in Warwick, we’re just a short drive from Fall River and the entire South Coast region — providing Boston-level expertise without the travel.
Patient-Centered Care
Our surgeons, nurses, and coordinators are dedicated to restoring both your physical comfort and emotional confidence.
“The DIEP Group gave me my confidence back. I finally feel whole again.”
— Nina G., Fall River, MA
Serving South Coast Massachusetts and Nearby Areas
The DIEP Group proudly serves women from:
Fall River, Somerset, Swansea, Westport, Dartmouth, and surrounding towns.
All DIEP flap breast reconstructions are performed at Kent Hospital in Warwick, Rhode Island, just 45 minutes from Fall River and surrounding communities.
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 Fall River or the South Coast of Massachusetts, you don’t need to travel to Boston for expert DIEP flap breast reconstruction. Contact The DIEP Group today to learn about your insurance-covered options.
🏥 The DIEP Group
All surgeries performed at Kent Hospital in Warwick, Rhode Island
📞 203-200-0828
