Natural, Insurance-Covered Breast Reconstruction at Portsmouth Regional Hospital
Advanced, Natural Breast Reconstruction for Women in New Hampshire’s Northern Seacoast
Women from Rochester, Somersworth, Farmington, Milton, and Barrington no longer need to travel to Boston for expert breast reconstruction. At Portsmouth Regional Hospital, the microsurgical specialists of The DIEP Group perform advanced DIEP flap breast reconstruction — restoring natural softness, comfort, and confidence for women after mastectomy.
Whether you’re recovering from cancer surgery, experiencing implant complications, or simply seeking a more natural solution, our team provides insurance-covered, muscle-sparing reconstruction close to home.
What Is a DIEP Flap Reconstruction?
The DIEP flap (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator flap) is a state-of-the-art microsurgical procedure that rebuilds the breast using your own abdominal skin and fat, while preserving all abdominal muscles.
This living tissue is transferred to the chest, reconnected under a microscope, and shaped into a soft, warm, and natural-feeling breast. Because the tissue remains alive, the result lasts a lifetime — with no implants to replace or maintain.
Benefits of the DIEP Flap Include:
- Natural texture, warmth, and movement
- Improved comfort after radiation or implant failure
- Long-term durability — no future implant exchanges
- Flatter, smoother abdominal contour
- Fully covered by insurance for eligible patients
Why Rochester Patients Choose The DIEP Group
Women in the Rochester and northern Seacoast area choose The DIEP Group for their specialized experience and reputation for natural, lasting results.
1️⃣ Natural Results Using Your Own Tissue
No silicone, no foreign materials — just your own living tissue, sculpted into a natural breast shape.
2️⃣ Relief from Implant Complications
Capsular contracture, recalled textured implants, and pain after radiation are all corrected through this natural reconstruction approach.
3️⃣ Dual Benefit — Breast Restoration & Abdominal Contouring
DIEP flap surgery provides not only natural breast reconstruction but also gentle lower-abdominal tightening and smoothing similar to a tummy tuck.
4️⃣ Lifelong Durability
The tissue is permanent, aging naturally with your body — no future implant exchanges or risks of rupture.
5️⃣ Insurance-Covered Procedure
All breast reconstruction, revisions, and symmetry procedures are covered by insurance under federal law.
Insurance Coverage for DIEP Flap Reconstruction in New Hampshire
Many women in Rochester and Strafford County ask if DIEP flap reconstruction is covered by insurance. The answer is yes — always.
The Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA) guarantees coverage for all breast reconstruction after mastectomy, including DIEP flap reconstruction, revisions, and symmetry surgery.
Our insurance coordination team assists with:
- Medical documentation and imaging submission
- Preauthorization requests
- Appeals, if required for approval
Common Private Insurance Plans in the Rochester 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.)
The DIEP Flap Surgery Process
Step 1 – Consultation and Surgical Planning
During your consultation — either virtual or in-office — our microsurgeons review your history, goals, and imaging. A CT angiogram identifies the best blood vessels for the flap.
Step 2 – Surgery at Portsmouth Regional Hospital
Your procedure is performed under general anesthesia at Portsmouth Regional Hospital, located less than 30 minutes from Rochester.
The lower abdominal tissue is transferred to the chest, and the blood vessels are connected using a surgical microscope.
Hospital stay: approximately 2 days. Most women begin walking the morning after surgery.
Step 3 – Recovery and Aftercare
Most patients resume light activity in 1–2 weeks and full activity within 6–8 weeks. You’ll receive comprehensive scar care and recovery guidance.
Step 4 – Refinement Phase (Optional)
Minor contour adjustments, fat grafting, or nipple reconstruction can be performed later to perfect shape and symmetry.
Who Is a Candidate for DIEP Flap Reconstruction?
You may be a good candidate if you:
✅ Are planning or have undergone a mastectomy
✅ Have prior implants that are painful, hard, or recalled
✅ Have radiation damage or poor implant results
✅ Have adequate lower abdominal tissue for transfer
✅ Want a permanent, natural reconstruction
Even women with C-section scars or prior abdominal surgeries may qualify after imaging confirms suitable blood vessels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is DIEP reconstruction covered even years after a mastectomy?
Yes. Insurance covers DIEP reconstruction at any point, even decades after your original surgery.
How is recovery different from implant surgery?
Recovery is slightly longer but more complete — no implant maintenance, no replacements, and fewer long-term complications.
Can I do this if I’ve had radiation?
Yes. The DIEP flap brings new, healthy tissue to restore skin flexibility and comfort.
Will this affect my abdominal muscles?
No. The DIEP flap spares all abdominal muscles, preserving core strength.
Where will my surgery take place?
All surgeries are performed at Portsmouth Regional Hospital, equipped with advanced microsurgical technology.
Patient Testimonial – Rochester, NH
“I had implants for years, but after radiation they became tight and uncomfortable. The DIEP Group helped me switch to natural reconstruction, and I feel like myself again. The surgery went smoothly, and I was walking the next morning.”
— Katherine S., Rochester, NH
Why Choose The DIEP Group
- Board-certified microsurgeons with specialized DIEP expertise
- High surgical volume across multiple New England hospitals – over 200 DIEP flaps performed yearly
- Hospital-based care at Portsmouth Regional Hospital
- Full insurance coordination and approval support
- Proven track record of excellent outcomes and patient satisfaction
- Natural, long-lasting results using your own tissue
Serving Women Across Strafford County
We proudly serve patients from Rochester, Somersworth, Milton, Farmington, Barrington, and nearby New Hampshire towns, offering advanced, 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
- 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 Rochester or northern New Hampshire and are exploring natural breast reconstruction, contact The DIEP Group today to schedule your consultation.
The DIEP Group
Surgeries performed at Portsmouth Regional Hospital
203-200-0828
