Natural, Insurance-Covered Reconstruction by The DIEP Group — Close to Home at Kent Hospital in Warwick
Rebuilding Confidence With Natural Breast Reconstruction
For women in Coventry, Johnston, West Warwick, Scituate, and North Scituate, the journey through breast cancer treatment often ends with the question — how do I feel whole again?
While some patients choose implants after mastectomy, many find them uncomfortable or unnatural over time. Others experience problems such as implant hardening (capsular contracture), shifting, or pain after radiation.
For these women, DIEP flap breast reconstruction offers a life-changing, natural alternative — and it’s available close to home at Kent Hospital in Warwick, performed by The DIEP Group, one of the most experienced microsurgical teams in the Northeast.
Our surgeons perform over 200 DIEP flap reconstructions every year, helping women across Rhode Island and Southern New England restore comfort, confidence, and natural results.
“I live in Coventry and was ready to give up after two failed implant surgeries. The DIEP Group did my surgery at Kent Hospital, and now everything feels and looks natural again.”
— Ellen S., Coventry, RI
What Is a DIEP Flap?
The DIEP flap (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator flap) procedure rebuilds the breast using your own abdominal skin and fat — not implants — to create a soft, warm, and natural breast.
Unlike older methods that remove muscle, the DIEP flap preserves your abdominal muscles, reducing pain and recovery time while maintaining your core strength.
The result is a natural, permanent reconstruction that feels like your own body — and includes the added benefit of a flatter, firmer abdomen similar to a tummy tuck.
Why Women Prefer DIEP Flap Reconstruction
- Natural look and feel — No silicone or saline implants.
- Permanent solution — No need for implant exchanges or replacements.
- Safe after radiation — Ideal for restoring damaged tissue.
- Improved abdominal contour — Tightens the lower abdomen.
- Covered by insurance — Mandated under the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA).
Why Central & Western Rhode Island Patients Choose The DIEP Group
1. Advanced Microsurgery Without Leaving Rhode Island
Patients in Johnston, Coventry, and West Warwick no longer need to travel to Boston or out of state for advanced reconstruction. The DIEP Group performs these complex surgeries right here in Rhode Island at Kent Hospital in Warwick, just a short drive from home.
2. Over 200 DIEP Flaps Per Year
Experience matters — and high volume leads to higher success rates. With more than 200 DIEP flap reconstructions annually, our surgeons bring unmatched precision and skill to every case.
3. Compassionate, Whole-Patient Care
We believe reconstruction is about more than surgery — it’s about rebuilding confidence and peace of mind. Our team coordinates every detail, including insurance approvals and postoperative support.
“They really listened and explained everything. I never felt like I had to fight for good care — they handled everything.”
— Patricia R., West Warwick, RI
When to Consider DIEP Flap Reconstruction
You may be a candidate if you:
- Have painful or hard implants after mastectomy.
- Received radiation therapy and developed tight, damaged skin.
- Want to remove recalled Allergan textured implants.
- Desire a permanent, natural reconstruction that won’t require future maintenance.
- Want to avoid implants altogether and use your own tissue instead.
“After radiation, my implant was tight and painful. The DIEP Group used my own tissue, and I can finally move and sleep comfortably again.”
— Maria T., Johnston, RI
Your DIEP Flap Procedure at Kent Hospital
Step 1 – Consultation
We begin with a detailed consultation (in person or via telehealth) to review your surgical history and goals. A CT angiogram is performed to map your abdominal blood vessels for the safest and most efficient surgery.
Step 2 – Surgery
Your DIEP flap surgery is performed at Kent Hospital in Warwick, where our team has a dedicated microsurgical setup.
- Surgery duration: 6–8 hours
- Hospital stay: 2 days
- Mobility: Walking the morning after surgery
- Pain control: Minimal, as no muscle is removed
Step 3 – Recovery
Most women return to light activity within two weeks and resume normal routines within six to eight weeks.
Step 4 – Refinement
Optional refinement procedures like fat grafting, nipple reconstruction, or scar revision can be done later to perfect the results.
Insurance Coverage for DIEP Flap Reconstruction
DIEP flap reconstruction is fully covered by insurance under federal law. You do not need to have implant problems to qualify — reconstruction is covered at any time after mastectomy or lumpectomy.
Common Rhode Island Insurance 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.)
Our insurance coordinators handle preauthorizations, medical documentation, and appeals when necessary.
“I was shocked how easy the process was. The DIEP Group worked directly with my insurance, and everything was approved.”
— Jessica L., Scituate, RI
Benefits After Radiation or Implant Complications
If you’ve had radiation, implants can harden and cause pain or visible distortion. The DIEP flap replaces radiated or scarred skin with healthy tissue, improving softness, symmetry, and long-term comfort.
Women who switch from implants to DIEP flap reconstruction often describe their results as more natural, more comfortable, and emotionally freeing.
“My reconstruction feels like part of me now — not something foreign.”
— Lisa M., North Scituate, RI
Why Choose The DIEP Group
Experience
Our team’s 200+ annual DIEP flaps make us one of the highest-volume microsurgical breast reconstruction programs in the Northeast.
Convenience
Kent Hospital is less than 30 minutes from most Central and Western Rhode Island towns — providing Boston-level expertise close to home.
Empathy
We treat every patient as an individual. From consultation to recovery, you’ll feel supported, informed, and cared for.
“Everyone was so kind and professional. I couldn’t believe this level of expertise was available right here in Rhode Island.”
— Sandra B., Coventry, RI
Serving Central & Western Rhode Island
The DIEP Group proudly serves patients from:
Coventry, Johnston, West Warwick, Scituate, North Scituate, and surrounding areas.
All surgeries are performed at Kent Hospital in Warwick, RI, conveniently located for patients across the state.
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 Central or Western Rhode Island and want natural, permanent breast reconstruction after mastectomy, radiation, or failed implants, contact The DIEP Group today.
🏥 The DIEP Group
All surgeries performed at Kent Hospital in Warwick, Rhode Island
📞 203-200-0828
