Natural, Insurance-Covered Breast Reconstruction by The DIEP Group at Portsmouth Regional Hospital
Natural, Implant-Free Breast Reconstruction for Southern New Hampshire
For women in Derry, Salem, Londonderry, Windham, and southern New Hampshire, natural breast reconstruction after mastectomy is now available close to home. The microsurgical specialists at The DIEP Group perform advanced DIEP flap breast reconstruction at Portsmouth Regional Hospital, offering natural, permanent, and insurance-covered results.
Many patients from this region previously traveled to Boston for reconstructive surgery. Now, you can receive the same high-level microsurgical expertise within New Hampshire — with personal attention, shorter travel, and seamless insurance coordination.
What Is the DIEP Flap?
The DIEP flap (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator flap) is an advanced type of breast reconstruction that uses your own skin and fat from the lower abdomen to rebuild the breast after mastectomy. The abdominal muscles are preserved, resulting in natural results with a shorter recovery.
The transferred tissue is microscopically connected to your chest blood vessels, allowing it to live and thrive as part of your body — creating a soft, warm, and lifelong reconstruction that feels like your own.
Benefits of the DIEP Flap Include:
- Natural look, feel, and movement
- No implants or risk of leakage, rupture, or replacement
- Long-lasting results that age naturally with your body
- Compatible with prior radiation treatment
- Contouring of the lower abdomen for a smoother appearance
Why Derry & Salem Patients Choose The DIEP Group
Women throughout southern New Hampshire choose The DIEP Group for our surgical precision, compassionate care, and commitment to long-term, natural results.
1️⃣ Natural and Permanent Results
Your breast is reconstructed using your own tissue, creating softness and natural warmth.
2️⃣ Relief from Implant Problems
If you’ve experienced tightness, pain, or distortion from previous implants, DIEP reconstruction restores comfort and a natural feel.
3️⃣ Specialists in Microsurgical Reconstruction
Our board-certified surgeons specialize exclusively in advanced flap surgery — not general cosmetic procedures — ensuring safe, predictable outcomes.
4️⃣ Abdominal Contour Enhancement
Because the tissue comes from your lower abdomen, many women enjoy a flatter, more contoured appearance post-surgery.
5️⃣ Fully Covered by Insurance
All reconstruction and revision procedures are covered under federal insurance law.
Insurance Coverage for DIEP Flap Reconstruction in New Hampshire
Many women in southern New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts ask whether DIEP flap reconstruction is covered by insurance — and the answer is yes.
The Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA) mandates that insurance companies cover all forms of breast reconstruction after mastectomy, including DIEP flap procedures, revisions, and symmetry adjustments.
Our administrative team manages all aspects of the approval process:
- Submission of photos and documentation
- Letters of medical necessity
- Coordination of preauthorization
- Handling of appeals, if needed
Common Private Insurance Plans in the Derry & Salem Area
- Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Harvard Pilgrim Health Care
- Tufts Health Plan
- Aetna
- Cigna
- UnitedHealthcare
(We do not participate with Medicaid, Medicare, Tricare, or MaineCare.)
Your DIEP Flap Reconstruction Journey
Step 1 – Consultation and Imaging
We begin with a detailed consultation — either in person or virtually — to evaluate your goals and medical history. A CT angiogram maps the blood vessels in your lower abdomen for surgical planning.
Step 2 – Surgery at Portsmouth Regional Hospital
Your surgery takes place at Portsmouth Regional Hospital, just under an hour from Derry and Salem. Microsurgical precision ensures natural, living results.
Hospital stay: typically 2 days. Most patients begin walking the morning after surgery.
Step 3 – Recovery and Healing
You’ll return home comfortably after two days. Most women resume light activity in about two weeks and are fully active by six to eight weeks.
Step 4 – Refinement and Symmetry
Optional fat grafting, nipple reconstruction, or scar revision may be performed later for refined results.
Who Is a Candidate for DIEP Flap Reconstruction?
You may be a candidate if you:
✅ Have had or are planning a mastectomy
✅ Want to avoid implants or replace existing ones
✅ Have experienced radiation-related changes
✅ Have adequate lower abdominal tissue
✅ Want a permanent, natural reconstruction
Even if you’ve had prior abdominal surgeries or C-sections, imaging may show that you still qualify.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have DIEP reconstruction years after my mastectomy?
Yes. Reconstruction is covered at any time — even decades later.
Is this procedure compatible with prior radiation?
Yes. The DIEP flap brings in healthy tissue, which improves skin flexibility and comfort.
Can I replace my implants with DIEP flaps?
Absolutely. Many women convert from implants to DIEP reconstruction for comfort and peace of mind.
How long will I be in the hospital?
The average stay is 2 days. You’ll walk and move comfortably the next day.
Do I need to travel often for follow-ups?
Most follow-ups can be done virtually or grouped into convenient in-person visits.
Patient Testimonial – Salem, NH
“After radiation, my implant felt hard and uncomfortable. I found The DIEP Group through a friend, and I’m so grateful I did. My reconstruction feels soft and natural, and I love that it’s permanent. It was worth the short drive to Portsmouth.”
— Maria C., Salem, NH
Why Choose The DIEP Group
- Board-certified microsurgeons specializing in DIEP flap breast reconstruction
- High surgical volume across multiple New England hospitals – over 200 DIEP flaps performed yearly
- Surgeries performed at Portsmouth Regional Hospital
- High success rate and extensive microsurgical experience
- Personalized insurance support for every patient
- Natural, lifelong, implant-free results
Serving Southern New Hampshire and Northern Massachusetts
The DIEP Group proudly serves patients from Derry, Salem, Londonderry, Windham, Hudson, and nearby northern Massachusetts towns, offering natural, insurance-covered breast reconstruction close to home.
Visit our detailed local guides to learn about DIEP flap surgery in your area:
- Portsmouth, NH – DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
- Manchester, NH – DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
- Nashua, NH – DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
- Concord, NH – DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
- Dover, NH – DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
- Keene, NH – DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
- Rochester, NH – DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
- Portland, ME – DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
- Biddeford, Saco, York & Kittery, ME – DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
Schedule Your Consultation
If you live in or near Derry or Salem, NH, and are considering natural, insurance-covered breast reconstruction, contact The DIEP Group today to schedule your consultation.
The DIEP Group
Surgeries performed at Portsmouth Regional Hospital
203-200-0828
