Natural, Insurance-Covered Breast Reconstruction at Portsmouth Regional Hospital
Natural Breast Reconstruction for Women in the Monadnock Region
Women from Keene, Swanzey, Peterborough, and Jaffrey no longer need to travel far for advanced, natural breast reconstruction. The microsurgical specialists of The DIEP Group perform DIEP flap breast reconstruction at Portsmouth Regional Hospital, providing women across the Monadnock region with natural, permanent, and insurance-covered results.
Whether you’ve recently had a mastectomy or are struggling with implants after previous surgery, our surgeons specialize in restoring softness, comfort, and confidence — using your own tissue instead of synthetic materials.
What Is the DIEP Flap Procedure?
The DIEP flap (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator flap) is a microsurgical procedure that uses your own skin and fat from the lower abdomen to reconstruct the breast. Unlike older flap techniques, the DIEP flap preserves the abdominal muscles, allowing faster recovery and better long-term strength.
The transplanted tissue is reconnected under a microscope, becoming part of your body and creating a soft, warm, and natural-feeling breast.
Why Patients Prefer the DIEP Flap
- Looks and feels natural — warm, soft, and lifelike
- Fully natural and long-lasting — no implants required
- Compatible with prior radiation or failed implant reconstruction
- Provides subtle abdominal contouring benefits
- Covered by insurance under federal law
Why Keene Patients Choose The DIEP Group
Women throughout the Monadnock region trust The DIEP Group for our specialized expertise in natural breast reconstruction and our commitment to patient-centered care.
1️⃣ Natural and Lifelong Results
The DIEP flap uses your own living tissue — no foreign materials or implant exchanges.
2️⃣ Relief from Painful Implants
Hard, painful, or rippled implants (especially after radiation) can be replaced with soft, natural tissue that restores comfort.
3️⃣ Experienced Microsurgeons
Our board-certified surgeons focus exclusively on microsurgical reconstruction, performing DIEP flaps with precision and consistent success.
4️⃣ Combined Benefit
Because the tissue is taken from the lower abdomen, most women also notice a smoother, flatter belly similar to a gentle tummy tuck.
5️⃣ Covered by Insurance
All reconstruction, revisions, and symmetry adjustments are covered under federal insurance law.
Insurance Coverage for DIEP Flap Reconstruction in New Hampshire
Many women in Keene and Cheshire County wonder if advanced procedures like the DIEP flap are covered by insurance. The answer is yes — it’s required by law.
Under the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA), all group health plans that cover mastectomy must also cover reconstruction — including DIEP flap surgery, symmetry, and revisions.
Our insurance team works directly with your provider to handle:
- Preauthorization and documentation
- Medical necessity letters
- Appeals if required
Common Private Insurance Plans in the Monadnock Region
- 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 Journey
Step 1 – Consultation and Imaging
We begin with a detailed consultation — either virtually or in person — to discuss your history, goals, and prior surgeries. A CT angiogram identifies the ideal blood vessels for your flap.
Step 2 – Surgery at Portsmouth Regional Hospital
Your DIEP flap surgery is performed at Portsmouth Regional Hospital, approximately 1.5 hours from Keene. The abdominal tissue is microsurgically transplanted to recreate your breast with precision.
Hospital stay: 2 days on average. You’ll be walking the morning after surgery.
Step 3 – Recovery
You’ll return home comfortably after two days. Most women resume light activity in two weeks and full activity within six to eight weeks.
Step 4 – Refinement and Symmetry
At a later stage, small refinements such as fat grafting, nipple reconstruction, or scar revision can further enhance results.
Who Is a Candidate for DIEP Flap Reconstruction?
You may be an excellent candidate if you:
✅ Have had a mastectomy or are planning one
✅ Want a natural, implant-free reconstruction
✅ Have experienced radiation or implant problems
✅ Have adequate abdominal tissue
✅ Prefer a permanent result with no future exchanges
Even women who’ve had prior abdominal surgeries or C-sections may still qualify after imaging confirms suitable blood vessels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to travel for every follow-up?
No. Most preoperative consultations can be done virtually, and follow-ups are often grouped to minimize travel.
Can I switch from implants to DIEP reconstruction?
Yes. Many patients convert from implants — especially those with discomfort, asymmetry, or recalled textured implants.
How long is the hospital stay?
Two days on average. Most women begin walking the next morning.
Is this covered by insurance years after mastectomy?
Yes — reconstruction is covered at any time under WHCRA.
Will I lose core strength?
No. The DIEP flap preserves all abdominal muscles.
Patient Testimonial – Keene, NH
“After years of discomfort with implants, I finally chose to have natural reconstruction with The DIEP Group. The difference is amazing — I feel comfortable, confident, and completely myself again.”
— Lisa M., Keene, NH
Why Choose The DIEP Group
- Board-certified microsurgeons specializing exclusively in DIEP flaps
- High surgical volume across multiple New England hospitals – over 200 DIEP flaps performed yearly
- Surgeries performed at Portsmouth Regional Hospital
- Advanced techniques with consistently excellent results
- Personalized patient care and insurance support
- Natural, permanent results with no implants
Serving the Monadnock and Southwestern NH Communities
We proudly serve women from Keene, Swanzey, Peterborough, Jaffrey, and surrounding towns, offering natural, insurance-covered breast reconstruction at Portsmouth Regional Hospital.
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
- Rochester, NH – DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
- Derry & Salem, 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 Keene, NH, and are exploring 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
