Natural, Insurance-Covered Breast Reconstruction by The DIEP Group — Performed at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany
Rebuilding Confidence After Breast Cancer or Implant Failure
For women in Amsterdam, Gloversville, Johnstown, and the greater Montgomery County region, breast reconstruction after mastectomy is more than a medical decision — it’s a deeply personal step toward feeling whole again.
At The DIEP Group, we specialize in DIEP flap breast reconstruction, the most advanced form of natural, autologous breast reconstruction available today. Using your own skin and fat (not implants), the DIEP flap restores the breast naturally and permanently — with the added bonus of a flatter, smoother abdomen.
Our fellowship-trained microsurgeons perform this procedure at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany, just about 45 minutes from Amsterdam. As one of the only microsurgical teams performing DIEP flap breast reconstruction in all of Upstate New York, The DIEP Group is proud to bring this life-changing option to women across the Capital Region and Mohawk Valley.
Why Women from Amsterdam Choose DIEP Flap Reconstruction
Women come to us for many reasons — some want to replace implants that no longer feel comfortable, while others are seeking reconstruction for the first time after mastectomy. Whatever the reason, DIEP flap reconstruction offers natural results that last a lifetime.
Top Reasons to Choose the DIEP Flap
- 100% Natural Reconstruction – Uses your own living tissue.
- No Implants or Maintenance – Permanent, natural results.
- Soft and Warm – Feels and moves like natural breast tissue.
- Flatter Abdomen – Provides body contouring similar to a tummy tuck.
- Ideal After Radiation – Restores damaged or scarred skin.
- Fully Covered by Insurance – Protected under federal law.
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.
“I had radiation and implant problems for years. The DIEP Group gave me natural, soft results that look and feel amazing — and I love how my stomach looks flatter too.”
— Nicole F., Amsterdam, NY
What Makes the DIEP Flap Different
Unlike traditional implant reconstruction, the DIEP flap (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator flap) uses skin and fat from your lower abdomen — while preserving your abdominal muscles. This leads to a faster recovery, less pain, and long-lasting, natural results.
It’s both a reconstructive and rejuvenating procedure: while rebuilding your breasts, it also improves the shape of your abdomen, creating a more balanced silhouette.
The DIEP Group Advantage
At The DIEP Group, our mission is to provide every patient with expert care, compassion, and beautiful, lasting results.
Experience
- Over 200 DIEP flap surgeries performed each year
- Board-certified, fellowship-trained microsurgeons with advanced training in breast reconstruction
- One of the only high-volume DIEP flap teams in Upstate New York
Expertise
Our surgeons specialize in:
- Revision of failed implant reconstructions
- Implant removal and replacement with natural tissue
- Correction of capsular contracture and asymmetry
- Reconstruction after radiation or scarred skin
Trust & Compassion
We understand how emotional the reconstruction journey can be. From consultation to recovery, our team provides clear communication, compassionate care, and ongoing support.
“I was nervous to go through another reconstruction after implants, but The DIEP Group made me feel completely at ease. My results are beautiful — natural, soft, and completely mine.”
— Caroline R., Johnstown, NY
Your DIEP Flap Journey
Step 1 – Consultation
We start with a detailed consultation to review your history, discuss your goals, and assess your candidacy. Imaging such as a CT angiogram maps your abdominal blood vessels to plan a safe, precise surgery.
Step 2 – Surgery
Procedures are performed at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany, one of the region’s leading surgical centers.
- Surgery length: 6–8 hours
- Hospital stay: 2 days
- Light walking the morning after surgery
Step 3 – Recovery
Because the abdominal muscles are preserved, recovery is smoother and less painful than with older techniques.
- Light activity: 2 weeks
- Full recovery: 6–8 weeks
Step 4 – Refinement
Optional procedures like fat grafting, nipple reconstruction, or scar revision can be performed later for symmetry and finishing touches.
Insurance Coverage for DIEP Flap Reconstruction
DIEP flap reconstruction is fully covered by insurance under the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA). This includes both immediate reconstruction after mastectomy and delayed reconstruction, even years later.
Our staff handles all the paperwork, including photo documentation, medical necessity letters, and preauthorization to ensure your procedure is approved.
Common Insurance Providers in the Amsterdam Area
- CDPHP (Capital District Physicians’ Health Plan)
- MVP Health Care
- BlueCross BlueShield of NENY
- Empire BlueCross BlueShield
- Aetna
- Cigna
- UnitedHealthcare
(We do not participate with Medicaid, Medicare, Fidelis, MassHealth, or Tricare.)
Abdominal Contouring — A Bonus Benefit
In addition to restoring your breast naturally, the DIEP flap refines your midsection — removing excess lower abdominal skin and fat.
This provides a gentle body-contouring effect that many patients describe as “a mini tummy tuck.” It’s one of the most appreciated benefits of the DIEP flap and contributes to improved body confidence and balance.
“My stomach is flatter and smoother, and my reconstructed breasts feel completely natural. It’s truly the best of both worlds.”
— Jenna L., Gloversville, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have DIEP flap surgery after implants?
Yes. Many Amsterdam-area patients choose DIEP flap reconstruction after years of implant complications or maintenance.
Is it covered by insurance?
Yes. It’s fully covered under federal law. Our team manages preauthorization and appeals for you.
How long will I stay in the hospital?
Most patients stay two days at St. Peter’s Hospital and begin walking the next morning.
Will my abdomen look different?
Yes. Most patients notice a flatter, tighter abdomen similar to a tummy tuck.
Can I have this surgery after radiation?
Yes — in fact, DIEP flap reconstruction is ideal for replacing radiated or scarred tissue with healthy skin and fat.
Serving Amsterdam, Fulton, and Montgomery Counties
The DIEP Group proudly serves women from Amsterdam, Gloversville, Johnstown, Broadalbin, and surrounding communities, offering natural, insurance-covered DIEP flap breast reconstruction performed locally at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany.
Explore our other blogs:
- Albany, NY – DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
- 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
- Utica, NY – DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
- Poughkeepsie, NY – DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
Schedule Your Consultation
If you live in or near Amsterdam, NY, and are considering natural breast reconstruction after mastectomy or implant complications, contact The DIEP Group today to learn more about the DIEP flap procedure.
🏥 The DIEP Group
Surgeries performed at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany
📞 203-200-0828
