Natural, Insurance-Covered Reconstruction at Kent Hospital in Warwick, RI — Expert Surgery Without Traveling to Boston
A Natural, Permanent Breast Reconstruction Option for Women in New Bedford
For many women in New Bedford, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, and Acushnet, breast reconstruction after mastectomy or failed implant surgery often feels out of reach. Local hospitals may not offer advanced microsurgical options, and patients are frequently told they must travel to Boston for DIEP flap reconstruction.
That’s no longer true.
At Kent Hospital in Warwick, Rhode Island, just over an hour from New Bedford, The DIEP Group performs insurance-covered DIEP flap breast reconstruction — the gold standard for natural, implant-free breast restoration.
Our surgeons are fellowship-trained in advanced microsurgery and perform over 200 DIEP flaps each year, making The DIEP Group one of the highest-volume and most experienced teams in the Northeast.
“After my mastectomy, I was told my only choice was implants or going to Boston. I found The DIEP Group instead — they did my surgery in Rhode Island, and the results are incredible.”
— Melissa R., Dartmouth, MA
What Is a DIEP Flap?
The DIEP flap (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator flap) procedure uses your own abdominal skin and fat to recreate the breast after mastectomy. This advanced approach restores a soft, natural, and warm breast — without implants — and also improves the contour of your lower abdomen.
Unlike older TRAM flap procedures, the DIEP flap preserves your abdominal muscles, reducing pain, maintaining core strength, and improving recovery time.
Benefits of the DIEP Flap for South Coast Women
- Completely natural results — uses your own living tissue.
- No implants to replace or rupture — permanent, lifelong results.
- Ideal after radiation — restores softness and healthy tissue.
- Tightens and flattens the abdomen — similar to a tummy tuck.
- Covered by insurance — protected under federal law (WHCRA).
Why Women from New Bedford and Dartmouth Choose The DIEP Group
1. Advanced Reconstruction Without Traveling to Boston
Women across the South Coast — including New Bedford, Fairhaven, and Acushnet — can now access expert, natural breast reconstruction close to home. Our surgeries are performed at Kent Hospital in Warwick, less than 90 minutes away, saving patients from the long travel and congestion of Boston hospitals.
2. High-Volume Expertise
With 200+ DIEP flap procedures each year, The DIEP Group is among the most experienced microsurgical reconstruction teams in the region. Experience translates directly into superior results and lower complication rates.
3. Comprehensive, Compassionate Care
We manage everything — from your insurance preauthorization to follow-up appointments — so you can focus on healing and regaining confidence.
“They handled all my insurance paperwork and made me feel so supported. I couldn’t believe I didn’t have to go to Boston for this.”
— Karen F., Fairhaven, MA
Who Is a Candidate for DIEP Flap Reconstruction
You may qualify if you:
- Have had a mastectomy or lumpectomy and want a natural reconstruction.
- Suffer from painful, tight, or distorted implants.
- Have undergone radiation and need healthy new tissue for softness and comfort.
- Want to remove recalled Allergan textured implants.
- Prefer a permanent, natural reconstruction using your own tissue.
“My implants never felt right, and radiation made things worse. The DIEP Group gave me back a natural shape — and peace of mind.”
— Elena P., New Bedford, MA
The DIEP Flap Process at Kent Hospital
Step 1 – Consultation
Your journey begins with a detailed consultation and imaging (CT angiogram) to identify the best abdominal blood vessels for flap transfer.
Step 2 – Surgery
Performed at Kent Hospital, where our team has a dedicated microsurgery setup:
- Surgery time: 6–8 hours
- Hospital stay: 2 days
- Walking: Within 24 hours
- Pain: Minimal — no muscle is removed
Step 3 – Recovery
Most women return to light activity within two weeks and resume full routines within six to eight weeks.
Step 4 – Refinement
If desired, secondary procedures such as fat grafting, nipple reconstruction, or symmetry adjustments can fine-tune the final result.
Insurance Coverage for DIEP Flap Reconstruction
Under the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA), insurance companies must cover breast reconstruction after mastectomy, including DIEP flap reconstruction and any symmetry or revision procedures.
Accepted Commercial Insurance Plans
- Blue Cross Blue Shield (MA & RI) and Anthem
- Aetna
- UnitedHealthcare
- Cigna
- Tufts Health Plan
- Harvard Pilgrim
(We do not participate with Medicaid, Medicare, Neighborhood Health Plan, Fidelis, MassHealth, or Tricare.)
Our insurance team manages every aspect — documentation, authorization, and appeals if needed — to ensure smooth approval.
“I thought insurance wouldn’t cover it, but they explained everything and got it approved quickly.”
— Laura C., Acushnet, MA
Why Choose DIEP Flap Over Implants
The DIEP flap offers many advantages over implant-based reconstruction:
- Feels natural — soft and warm like natural breast tissue.
- Permanent — no need for future surgeries or replacements.
- No risk of leakage or rupture.
- Improves abdominal contour — similar to a mini tummy tuck.
- No implant-related complications such as capsular contracture or rippling.
“It feels like my own body again. I can finally forget about the surgeries and just live normally.”
— Paula G., Dartmouth, MA
Why Choose The DIEP Group
Expertise
With over 200 DIEP flap surgeries each year, our surgeons are among the most experienced in New England.
Convenience
Located just across the state line, Kent Hospital is easy to reach for South Coast patients, providing Boston-level reconstruction closer to home.
Comprehensive, Caring Approach
We focus on restoring comfort, confidence, and self-image — not just the physical reconstruction.
“They gave me my confidence back. I’m so glad I found The DIEP Group.”
— Tina B., New Bedford, MA
Serving New Bedford and the South Coast
The DIEP Group proudly serves women from:
New Bedford, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, Acushnet, and surrounding South Coast towns.
All DIEP flap reconstructions are performed at Kent Hospital in Warwick, Rhode Island — providing advanced care just over an hour away.
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 New Bedford or the South Coast of Massachusetts, you don’t need to travel to Boston for advanced breast reconstruction. Contact The DIEP Group to explore natural, insurance-covered DIEP flap options today.
🏥 The DIEP Group
All surgeries performed at Kent Hospital in Warwick, Rhode Island
📞 203-200-0828
