Natural, Insurance-Covered Reconstruction at Kent Hospital — Advanced Microsurgery Without Traveling to Boston
Restoring Comfort and Confidence After Implant or Radiation Complications
For women in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, breast reconstruction is an essential part of healing after breast cancer treatment. However, many women experience problems after implant-based reconstruction — especially when radiation was part of their therapy.
Capsular contracture, chronic pain, implant hardening, or visible distortion are common reasons why women seek a better, long-lasting solution. Fortunately, there’s a natural alternative — the DIEP flap — performed close to home at Kent Hospital in Warwick by the experienced team at The DIEP Group.
Our board-certified, fellowship-trained microsurgeons perform over 200 DIEP flap breast reconstructions each year, making us one of the most experienced programs in the entire Northeast.
“After radiation, my implants became hard and painful. I was told I’d have to go to Boston for a DIEP flap. The DIEP Group did it right here in Rhode Island — my results are soft, natural, and pain-free.”
— Samantha L., Pawtucket, RI
What Is the DIEP Flap Procedure?
The DIEP flap (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator flap) is the gold standard for breast reconstruction using your own skin and fat from the lower abdomen. Unlike older TRAM flap surgeries, it spares the abdominal muscles, providing a faster recovery and preserving your strength.
Your own tissue is transplanted to the chest and microsurgically connected to blood vessels, creating a soft, warm, natural breast that moves and feels like your own body — without implants or foreign material.
Key Benefits of DIEP Flap Reconstruction
- Natural tissue reconstruction — No silicone or saline implants.
- Permanent solution — No replacements or exchanges required.
- Ideal for radiation-damaged skin — Softens tight, scarred tissue.
- Flat, toned abdomen — Similar to a tummy tuck.
- Fully covered by insurance — Protected under federal law (WHCRA).
Why Pawtucket Patients Choose The DIEP Group
1. Local Access to National-Level Microsurgery
Patients in Pawtucket, Central Falls, and Lincoln no longer need to travel to Boston for advanced breast reconstruction.
The DIEP Group performs complex microsurgical procedures at Kent Hospital in Warwick, a modern facility just a short drive from Pawtucket.
2. High-Volume Expertise
Our surgeons perform more than 200 DIEP flaps every year, bringing unmatched experience to every case — including implant replacements and radiation-related reconstructions.
3. Personalized Care From Start to Finish
From consultation to recovery, our team handles insurance approvals, preoperative planning, and long-term follow-up. Every patient receives individualized attention and clear communication throughout their journey.
“They took care of everything — insurance, surgery, follow-ups. I finally feel comfortable in my own body again.”
— Christina D., Pawtucket, RI
When to Consider Switching From Implants to DIEP Flap
You may be a great candidate for DIEP flap reconstruction if you:
- Have painful, hard, or uneven implants (capsular contracture).
- Have implant rippling or visible deformity after radiation.
- Experienced implant infection or implant rupture.
- Want to remove recalled Allergan textured implants.
- Prefer a natural, lifelong reconstruction with no foreign materials.
Unlike implants, DIEP flaps use your own tissue — so there’s no risk of future replacement, leakage, or implant-related illness.
“I had implants for ten years, and they felt cold and hard. My DIEP flap reconstruction feels natural and warm — like it’s truly part of me.”
— Michelle F., Pawtucket, RI
The DIEP Flap Process at Kent Hospital
Step 1 – Consultation
Your surgeon will review your history, examine your abdomen and chest, and discuss your goals. A CT angiogram is ordered to map your abdominal blood vessels and determine the safest surgical plan.
Step 2 – Surgery
The procedure is performed at Kent Hospital, just 25 minutes from Pawtucket.
- Length: 6–8 hours
- Hospital stay: 2 days
- Mobility: Most patients walk the next morning
- Pain: Significantly less than muscle-based flap procedures
Step 3 – Recovery
Because no muscle is taken, recovery is smoother and less restrictive. Most women return to light activities in two weeks and to full activity in 6–8 weeks.
Step 4 – Refinement
Optional refinements such as fat grafting, nipple reconstruction, or scar revision can be performed several months later for perfect symmetry.
Insurance Coverage for DIEP Flap Reconstruction
All breast reconstruction procedures — including DIEP flap — are required by law to be covered by insurance under the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA).
Our insurance team assists with:
- Preauthorization and medical documentation
- Submitting photos and notes
- Managing appeals if necessary
Accepted Commercial Insurance Plans in Rhode Island
- 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.)
“My insurance approved everything the first time. The DIEP Group made it so easy.”
— Vanessa G., Pawtucket, RI
Benefits After Radiation Treatment
Radiation therapy often causes tightness, pain, and poor healing in the chest skin. Implants can make these symptoms worse.
The DIEP flap replaces radiated, scarred tissue with healthy, living fat and skin from the abdomen — restoring softness, flexibility, and warmth.
Patients often report improved comfort and symmetry, as well as significant emotional relief.
What Results Can You Expect?
Women from Pawtucket who undergo DIEP flap reconstruction at Kent Hospital often experience:
- Soft, natural-looking breasts
- Relief from implant tightness and pain
- Improved balance and posture
- A smoother, flatter abdomen
- Renewed self-confidence
“It feels incredible to wear clothes comfortably again. My results look so natural, no one would ever know I had reconstruction.”
— Emily R., Pawtucket, RI
Why Choose The DIEP Group
Experience
Over 200 DIEP flap surgeries per year, making our surgeons among the most experienced microsurgical teams in New England.
Excellence
Our results rival those of major Boston academic hospitals — with local convenience and personal, accessible care.
Empathy
We understand that reconstruction is deeply personal. Our patients receive emotional support, meticulous attention, and compassionate care.
“The DIEP Group changed my life — not just my appearance. I feel whole again.”
— Jessica P., Lincoln, RI
Serving Pawtucket and Northern Rhode Island
The DIEP Group proudly serves patients from Pawtucket, Central Falls, Lincoln, Cumberland, North Providence, and surrounding areas, as well as nearby Seekonk and Attleboro, MA.
All surgeries are performed at Kent Hospital in Warwick, Rhode Island, just a short drive away.
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
- 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 or near Pawtucket, Rhode Island, and are seeking natural, permanent breast reconstruction after implants or radiation, contact The DIEP Group today.
🏥 The DIEP Group
All surgeries performed at Kent Hospital in Warwick, Rhode Island
📞 203-200-0828
