Natural, Insurance-Covered Breast Reconstruction by The DIEP Group — Advanced Surgery at Kent Hospital in Warwick, Just Minutes Away
Advanced Breast Reconstruction for Providence Women — Without Traveling to Boston
For women in Providence and surrounding Rhode Island communities, breast reconstruction is one of the most meaningful steps in recovery after mastectomy or implant-related problems. Yet many patients are told that the most advanced, natural type of reconstruction — the DIEP flap — is only offered in Boston.
That’s no longer true.
The DIEP Group, one of the Northeast’s most experienced microsurgical teams, performs DIEP flap breast reconstruction right here in Rhode Island at Kent Hospital in Warwick, less than 20 minutes from downtown Providence.
Our surgeons perform over 200 DIEP flap reconstructions every year, helping women throughout the state restore comfort, confidence, and natural form — without the travel, waiting lists, or impersonal experience of large academic centers.
“I was told I’d have to go to Boston for DIEP flap surgery. Then I learned The DIEP Group does it right here in Rhode Island. I had my surgery at Kent Hospital, and the results are amazing.”
— Kaitlyn M., Providence, RI
What Is DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction?
The DIEP flap (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator flap) is a cutting-edge breast reconstruction procedure that uses your own skin and fat from the lower abdomen — not implants — to rebuild the breast.
Unlike older flap surgeries that take muscle (such as the TRAM flap), the DIEP flap spares the abdominal muscles, resulting in less pain, faster recovery, and preserved core strength.
The tissue is transplanted to the chest using microsurgical techniques, reconnecting tiny blood vessels under a microscope. The result: a soft, warm, and natural breast that feels like your own — and ages naturally with your body.
Key Benefits of the DIEP Flap
- Natural tissue reconstruction – No silicone or saline implants.
- Permanent results – No need for future implant replacements.
- Safe after radiation – Restores soft, healthy skin.
- Flatter, tighter abdomen – A bonus benefit similar to a tummy tuck.
- Covered by insurance – Protected by the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA).
Why Providence Patients Choose The DIEP Group
1. Advanced Microsurgery, Right in Rhode Island
The DIEP Group brings Boston-level microsurgical expertise to Kent Hospital in Warwick, eliminating the need for Providence patients to travel long distances for specialized care.
Our team includes board-certified, fellowship-trained plastic surgeons with decades of combined experience performing complex autologous (natural tissue) reconstructions.
2. High Volume = Proven Outcomes
With over 200 DIEP flap procedures performed annually, we’re one of the highest-volume programs in New England. High surgical volume directly correlates with better success rates and lower complication risks.
3. Compassionate, Personalized Care
At The DIEP Group, every patient receives individualized attention — from the first consultation through recovery. We help coordinate insurance approval, travel logistics, and follow-up appointments so the process feels smooth and supportive.
“I felt like my surgeon really listened. They explained everything in detail, and I never felt rushed. The care at Kent Hospital was excellent.”
— Melissa J., East Providence, RI
When to Consider a DIEP Flap
You may be a great candidate for DIEP flap reconstruction if you:
- Have had a mastectomy or lumpectomy and want natural reconstruction.
- Have painful, hard, or radiated implants.
- Want to remove recalled Allergan textured implants.
- Want to avoid future implant replacements or capsular contracture.
- Have sufficient abdominal tissue for reconstruction.
Your DIEP Flap Journey
Step 1 – Consultation
We begin with a comprehensive consultation (in person or via telehealth). We’ll review your surgical history, medical background, and goals. A CT angiogram of your abdomen helps us plan surgery by identifying the strongest blood vessels for reconstruction.
Step 2 – Surgery at Kent Hospital
All procedures are performed at Kent Hospital in Warwick, a full-service hospital with a dedicated microsurgical operating team and advanced recovery protocols.
- Surgery length: 6–8 hours
- Hospital stay: 2 days
- Recovery: Walking the morning after surgery
Step 3 – Recovery
Because no muscle is taken, recovery is quicker and less painful than older methods. Most Providence-area patients return to light activity in two weeks and resume full normal activity by 6–8 weeks.
Step 4 – Refinement (Optional)
Minor refinements like fat grafting, nipple reconstruction, or scar revision may be done later to enhance shape or symmetry.
Insurance Coverage for DIEP Flap Reconstruction in Rhode Island
DIEP flap reconstruction is fully covered by all major commercial insurance plans. Federal law requires insurance companies to cover breast reconstruction after mastectomy — including procedures performed months or years later, as well as revisions and implant replacements.
You don’t need to wait until implants fail or cause pain — you can choose a DIEP flap at any time.
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 team handles everything — from medical necessity letters to insurance appeals — so Providence patients can focus on recovery.
“The insurance team was amazing. They took care of every detail and got my surgery approved without me lifting a finger.”
— Rachel S., Cranston, RI
Results That Transform — Naturally
The DIEP flap not only rebuilds the breast — it restores balance and comfort to your body.
What Providence Patients Love About Their Results
- Soft, natural feel that’s part of your body
- Permanent reconstruction — no more implant exchanges
- Improved comfort in clothing and bras
- Flatter, smoother abdomen
- Freedom from implant-related anxiety
“I finally feel like myself again. The results are natural, and I’m so glad I didn’t have to travel to Boston for this level of care.”
— Angela R., Providence, RI
Why Choose The DIEP Group
Experience
Our surgeons are leaders in autologous reconstruction, performing hundreds of DIEP flaps each year across New England — including Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire.
Excellence
We use the latest microsurgical techniques, 3D vessel mapping, and enhanced recovery protocols to deliver consistent, high-quality results.
Empathy
Our patients describe their journey with The DIEP Group as personal and transformative. We listen, educate, and support every step of the way.
“They didn’t just reconstruct my breast — they gave me my confidence back.”
— Linda F., Warwick, RI
Serving Patients Across the Providence Area
The DIEP Group proudly serves women from:
Providence, Cranston, East Providence, Pawtucket, Johnston, Warwick, and all surrounding areas — as well as nearby parts of Massachusetts such as Seekonk, Attleboro, and Fall River.
All surgeries are performed at Kent Hospital in Warwick, conveniently located for patients throughout Rhode Island.
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 Providence or nearby towns, and you want natural, long-lasting reconstruction after mastectomy or failed implants, contact The DIEP Group today.
🏥 The DIEP Group
All surgeries performed at Kent Hospital in Warwick, Rhode Island
📞 203-200-0828
