Performed by The DIEP Group at Portsmouth Regional Hospital
Natural, Insurance-Covered Breast Reconstruction for New England Women
Women across New Hampshire and Southern Maine who are preparing for or recovering from mastectomy no longer need to travel to Boston for natural breast reconstruction.
At The DIEP Group, our fellowship-trained microsurgeons specialize exclusively in DIEP flap breast reconstruction — the most advanced, natural, and permanent method of rebuilding the breast using your own tissue.
We perform these surgeries at Portsmouth Regional Hospital in Portsmouth, NH, serving women from Manchester, Nashua, Concord, Dover, and Keene to Portland, Biddeford, and York, Maine. Our goal is simple: to restore confidence, comfort, and wholeness through insurance-covered, natural reconstruction that feels and looks like your own body.
What Is DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction?
DIEP stands for Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator flap — a microsurgical procedure that uses your own skin and fat from the lower abdomen to rebuild the breast after mastectomy.
Unlike older TRAM flap methods that remove or damage abdominal muscle, DIEP flap surgery preserves all muscle, resulting in less pain, faster recovery, and stronger long-term core support.
Your surgeon transfers living tissue from the abdomen to the chest and reconnects tiny blood vessels under a microscope, creating a soft, warm, natural-feeling breast that lasts for life.
Why Women in New Hampshire and Maine Choose DIEP Flaps
1️⃣ Natural Results Without Implants
Your new breast looks, moves, and feels natural — not firm or cold like silicone implants.
2️⃣ Permanent, Lifelong Reconstruction
Because the tissue is living, DIEP flaps age naturally with your body and never require replacement.
3️⃣ Ideal for Radiated Skin
After radiation, implants often harden or shift. DIEP flaps restore comfort by bringing healthy, vascularized tissue to the chest.
4️⃣ Safe for Implant Replacement
Many women who experience complications or have recalled textured implants switch to DIEP flap reconstruction for long-term peace of mind.
5️⃣ Added Abdominal Benefit
DIEP flap surgery contours the lower abdomen — leaving a smoother, flatter shape similar to a tummy tuck.
Insurance Coverage for DIEP Flap Surgery in New Hampshire and Maine
A frequent question we hear is:
“Will my insurance cover DIEP flap reconstruction?”
✅ Yes. 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 procedures, and revisions.
The DIEP Group manages the entire insurance process for you, including:
- Preauthorization and documentation of medical necessity
- Submission of clinical photos and surgeon letters
- Appeals if necessary
Common Private Insurance Plans Accepted
- Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield (NH & ME)
- Harvard Pilgrim Health Care
- Tufts Health Plan
- Aetna
- Cigna
- UnitedHealthcare (UHC)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have DIEP flap reconstruction years after my mastectomy?
Yes. Reconstruction is covered by insurance even decades later, regardless of when your mastectomy occurred.
Can I replace implants with DIEP flaps?
Absolutely. Many women switch to DIEP flaps due to discomfort, capsular contracture, or recalled implants.
Is DIEP flap surgery safe after radiation?
Yes. DIEP flaps are especially beneficial for patients who’ve had radiation, improving comfort, flexibility, and cosmetic outcome.
Will I lose abdominal strength?
No. Your abdominal muscles are preserved entirely during the procedure.
How long is recovery?
Most patients return to light activity within 2–3 weeks and full activity within 6–8 weeks.
Serving New Hampshire and Southern Maine
Our Portsmouth-based team performs DIEP flap surgery for patients across:
New Hampshire:
Portsmouth • Manchester • Nashua • Concord • Dover • Rochester • Derry • Salem • Keene • Bedford
Maine:
Portland • South Portland • Biddeford • Saco • York • Kittery • Wells • Scarborough • Sanford
Women from across both states — and even from northern New England — travel to Portsmouth Regional Hospital for access to expert DIEP flap microsurgery not widely available elsewhere in the region.
Why Choose The DIEP Group
- Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons specializing in microsurgical breast reconstruction
- High surgical volume across multiple New England hospitals – over 200 DIEP flaps performed yearly
- Hospital-based procedures at Portsmouth Regional Hospital
- Full insurance management from approval to appeals
- Natural, lifelong results without implants
- Compassionate, individualized care from consultation through recovery
The DIEP Group has become a leading destination for women throughout New Hampshire and Maine seeking natural, permanent breast reconstruction after mastectomy or failed implant reconstruction.
Internal Links — Explore DIEP Reconstruction Near You
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
- Derry & Salem, NH – DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
- Portland, ME – DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
- Biddeford, Saco, York & Kittery, ME – DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
- Rochester, NH – DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
Take the Next Step
If you live in New Hampshire or Southern Maine and want a natural, insurance-covered breast reconstruction, contact The DIEP Group today to schedule your consultation.
The DIEP Group
Surgeries performed at Portsmouth Regional Hospital, Portsmouth, NH
203-200-0828
