Insurance-Covered, Natural Breast Reconstruction by The DIEP Group — Performed at St. Peter’s Hospital
Rebuilding Confidence Through Advanced, Natural Reconstruction
For women across Albany and the Capital Region, breast reconstruction after mastectomy represents not just physical healing — but emotional renewal and self-confidence. At The DIEP Group, we specialize in DIEP flap breast reconstruction, an advanced microsurgical procedure that rebuilds the breast using your own skin and fat instead of implants.
Unlike traditional implant-based reconstruction, the DIEP flap produces a natural, soft, warm breast that ages with you — without the long-term maintenance or risks associated with implants.
As one of the only teams performing DIEP flap breast reconstruction in all of Upstate New York, our board-certified microsurgeons provide world-class expertise and outcomes right here in Albany — no need to travel to New York City or Boston.
What Is DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction?
The DIEP flap (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator flap) procedure uses living tissue from your lower abdomen to recreate the breast after mastectomy. Unlike older flap techniques, it preserves your abdominal muscles, which means faster recovery, better strength, and a smoother contour.
This method restores natural balance while enhancing body shape — a reconstructive and aesthetic benefit in one procedure.
Benefits of DIEP Flap Reconstruction
- Completely Natural – Uses your own skin and fat, not implants.
- Soft, Warm, and Permanent – The breast looks and feels natural for life.
- Safe After Radiation – Replaces damaged tissue with healthy, vascularized skin and fat.
- No Future Replacements – No risk of rupture, leakage, or capsular contracture.
- Improved Abdominal Contour – Donor area is smoothed and tightened, similar to a tummy tuck.
- Fully Covered by Insurance – Protected under the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA).
Why Women in Upstate New York Choose The DIEP Group
For years, women in Albany, Troy, Schenectady, and Saratoga Springs had to travel to major metropolitan hospitals to access advanced microsurgical breast reconstruction. The DIEP Group changed that.
We are proud to be one of the only surgical teams performing DIEP flap breast reconstruction across all of Upstate New York, bringing top-level expertise closer to home.
Our patients often come to us for:
- Failed implant reconstruction or poor cosmetic outcomes.
- Hard or painful implants from capsular contracture.
- Problems after radiation therapy (tightness, asymmetry, or pain).
- Recalled textured implants (such as Allergan Biocell).
- Desire to switch from implants to a natural, lifelong solution.
Even if your mastectomy or previous reconstruction was done years ago, DIEP flap reconstruction is always covered by insurance, whether performed immediately or delayed.
Your DIEP Flap Journey in Albany
Step 1 – Consultation
Your journey begins with a personalized consultation, either in person or via telehealth. We review your surgical history, discuss your goals, and arrange a CT angiogram to map your abdominal blood vessels for surgical planning.
Step 2 – Surgery at St. Peter’s Hospital
All DIEP flap surgeries for our New York patients are performed at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany, a leading regional medical center with advanced microsurgical operating suites and specialized nursing care.
- Surgery duration: 6–8 hours
- Hospital stay: 2 days, with walking encouraged the next morning
Step 3 – Recovery
Because your abdominal muscles remain intact, recovery is smoother than older flap surgeries.
- Light activity: 2 weeks
- Return to work: 3–4 weeks (sedentary)
- Full recovery: 6–8 weeks
Step 4 – Refinement
Optional fat grafting, nipple reconstruction, and minor symmetry adjustments can refine results for optimal aesthetic balance.
Insurance Coverage for DIEP Flap Reconstruction
All DIEP flap procedures — whether immediate, delayed, or revision — are fully covered by insurance under the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA).
Our administrative team handles every step, including documentation, preauthorization, and appeals when necessary.
Common Insurance Plans in Upstate New York
- BlueCross BlueShield of Northeastern NY
- MVP Health Care
- Aetna
- Cigna
- UnitedHealthcare
- Empire BlueCross BlueShield
- CDPHP (Capital District Physicians’ Health Plan)
- Independent Health
(The DIEP Group does not participate with Medicaid, Medicare, Fidelis, or Tricare plans.)
Experience, Expertise, and Compassion
At The DIEP Group, our team combines high-volume microsurgical expertise with compassionate, personalized care.
Experience & Expertise
- Over 200 DIEP flap procedures annually across five states
- Board-certified, fellowship-trained microsurgeons
- Specialization in complex revision and post-radiation reconstruction
Authoritativeness
- Surgeries performed at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany
- Among the only DIEP flap providers in all of Upstate NY
- Trusted referral partners for oncologists and breast surgeons throughout the region
Trust & Compassion
- Hundreds of verified 5-star patient reviews
- Individualized preoperative and postoperative support
- Full insurance coordination and lifelong follow-up
“At The DIEP Group, we don’t just rebuild the breast — we restore confidence, balance, and peace of mind.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Is DIEP flap reconstruction covered by insurance?
Yes. All stages are covered under federal law, and our team manages every step of the preauthorization process.
Can I have a DIEP flap after radiation or implant reconstruction?
Absolutely. The DIEP flap restores radiated or scarred tissue with new, healthy skin and fat.
Do I have to live in Albany to have surgery?
No. Patients travel from all across Upstate New York, including Utica, Poughkeepsie, and Saratoga Springs, for surgery at St. Peter’s Hospital.
How long will I stay in the hospital?
Most patients stay two days after surgery, with walking encouraged the next morning.
Will my abdomen look better after surgery?
Yes. The donor area is tightened, producing a flatter, smoother contour similar to a tummy tuck.
Patient Testimonial – Albany, NY
“After radiation and failed implants, I finally feel like myself again. The DIEP Group’s surgeons were incredible — compassionate, skilled, and patient. My results look completely natural, and I’m so grateful I didn’t have to travel hours for this level of care.”
— Linda M., Albany, NY
Serving Patients Across Upstate New York
The DIEP Group proudly serves women from Albany, Colonie, Troy, Schenectady, Saratoga Springs, Utica, Hudson, Amsterdam, Clifton Park, and Poughkeepsie, offering insurance-covered, natural breast reconstruction performed locally at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany.
- Colonie, NY – DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
- Schenectady, NY – DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
- Troy, NY – DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
- Clifton Park, NY – DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
- Saratoga Springs, NY – DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
- Amsterdam, NY – DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
- Utica, NY – DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
- Poughkeepsie, NY – DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
Schedule Your Consultation
If you live anywhere in Upstate New York and are considering natural, insurance-covered breast reconstruction, contact The DIEP Group today to schedule your consultation.
🏥 The DIEP Group
Surgeries performed at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany, NY
📞 203-200-0828
