Insurance-Covered, Natural Breast Reconstruction by The DIEP Group — Performed at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany
Natural Reconstruction with an Artistic Touch
For women in Saratoga Springs and the surrounding Capital Region, the journey through breast cancer often continues long after treatment ends. Many women are looking not just for reconstruction — but for a result that feels natural, restores symmetry, and renews confidence.
At The DIEP Group, we specialize in DIEP flap breast reconstruction, an advanced microsurgical technique that uses your own living tissue — not implants — to rebuild the breast naturally. The result is soft, warm, and permanent, with no future implant exchanges or maintenance required.
Our fellowship-trained microsurgeons perform these procedures at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany, less than an hour from Saratoga Springs. As one of the only microsurgical teams performing DIEP flap reconstruction in all of Upstate New York, The DIEP Group combines cutting-edge expertise with compassionate, personalized care.
What Is DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction?
DIEP flap reconstruction (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator flap) is considered the gold standard for modern breast reconstruction. It uses skin and fat from the lower abdomen — similar to a tummy tuck — to recreate the breast while preserving the abdominal muscles.
This advanced approach provides a natural look and feel, shortens recovery time, and avoids many of the complications associated with implants.
Benefits of DIEP Flap Reconstruction
- Completely Natural – Uses your own tissue, not silicone or saline.
- Permanent Result – No need for replacements or maintenance.
- Soft, Warm, and Natural-Looking – Feels like your own body.
- Improved Abdominal Contour – Creates a flatter, firmer stomach.
- Safe After Radiation – Replaces damaged skin with healthy tissue.
- Fully Covered by Insurance – Protected by federal law.
Why Saratoga Springs Women Choose The DIEP Group
Many women who come to us from Saratoga Springs have already undergone implant reconstruction — sometimes multiple times — and are looking for a more natural, lasting alternative. Others are seeking reconstruction for the first time after mastectomy, or to correct asymmetry or radiation damage.
Common Reasons for DIEP Flap Reconstruction
- Implant Problems: Capsular contracture, leakage, or hardening.
- Radiation Damage: Tight, painful, or discolored skin.
- Recalled Implants: Replacing textured or Allergan Biocell implants.
- Desire for Natural Results: No maintenance, no foreign material.
- Revision Surgery: Correction of poor aesthetic outcomes or asymmetry.
“After radiation, I thought I’d never have soft, natural breasts again. The DIEP Group changed that. The results are amazing — I look and feel like myself again.”
— Rachel K., Saratoga Springs, NY
Natural Results with Added Abdominal Contouring
One of the most appreciated benefits of DIEP flap reconstruction is the flatter, firmer abdomen it provides. Since the tissue used for the reconstruction is taken from the lower stomach area, the procedure naturally contours the midsection — similar to a tummy tuck.
Patients frequently report that not only do they feel more confident in their reconstructed breasts, but they also love their new silhouette and improved balance between their upper and lower body.
“I never realized reconstruction could improve my shape overall. My stomach is flatter, and my clothes fit better than before. It’s truly life-changing.”
— Emily P., Ballston Spa, NY
Your DIEP Flap Experience
Step 1 – Consultation
During your consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your anatomy, review your goals, and discuss whether the DIEP flap is right for you. We’ll order a CT angiogram to map the blood vessels in your abdomen for safe microsurgical planning.
Step 2 – Surgery
Procedures for Saratoga Springs–area patients are performed at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany, one of the Capital Region’s premier surgical centers.
- Surgery time: 6–8 hours
- Hospital stay: 2 days
- Light walking begins the morning after surgery.
Step 3 – Recovery
Because your abdominal muscles remain intact, recovery is faster and less painful than with older flap techniques. Most patients return to light activity within 2 weeks and resume full activity in 6–8 weeks.
Step 4 – Refinement
Optional touch-ups such as fat grafting, nipple reconstruction, or scar refinement can be performed several months later to enhance final symmetry and contour.
Insurance Coverage for DIEP Flap Reconstruction
DIEP flap reconstruction is fully covered by insurance under the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA) — even years after mastectomy. Whether you’re having your first reconstruction or replacing failed implants, your insurance will cover this advanced procedure.
Our team takes care of all insurance preauthorization, documentation, and appeals if needed — ensuring a smooth, stress-free process.
Common Insurance Providers for Saratoga Springs Patients
- CDPHP (Capital District Physicians’ Health Plan)
- BlueCross BlueShield of NENY
- MVP Health Care
- Empire BlueCross BlueShield
- UnitedHealthcare
- Aetna
- Cigna
(We do not participate with Medicaid, Medicare, Fidelis, MassHealth, or Tricare.)
The DIEP Group Advantage
Experience
- Over 200 DIEP flap procedures performed every year
- Board-certified microsurgeons with specialized training in autologous breast reconstruction
- One of the only teams performing DIEP flap reconstruction in all of Upstate New York
Expertise
Our surgeons are leaders in implant removal, post-radiation reconstruction, and revision of failed implant surgeries, offering permanent, natural alternatives that restore softness and confidence.
Trust & Compassion
The DIEP Group has hundreds of 5-star patient reviews from women across the Northeast. We pride ourselves on providing compassionate, individualized care that prioritizes both physical and emotional recovery.
“From the first call to the last follow-up, they made me feel cared for. I never imagined my results could look this natural.”
— Stephanie R., Saratoga Springs, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have DIEP flap surgery if I already had implants?
Yes. Many of our Saratoga Springs patients come to us for revision surgery after years of implant discomfort or maintenance issues.
Is the DIEP flap covered by insurance?
Yes. The procedure is fully covered by law for all patients who have undergone mastectomy, at any time.
How long is the hospital stay?
Most patients stay two days and start walking the next morning.
Will my abdomen be tighter after surgery?
Yes. Most patients notice a flatter, more contoured lower abdomen similar to a tummy tuck.
Can I have surgery after radiation?
Absolutely. DIEP flap reconstruction is the preferred option for replacing radiated or scarred tissue with healthy skin and fat.
Serving Saratoga Springs and Beyond
The DIEP Group proudly serves women from Saratoga Springs, Ballston Spa, Wilton, Malta, Clifton Park, and all surrounding areas, providing insurance-covered, natural breast reconstruction just a short drive away at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany.
- Albany, NY – DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
- Colonie, NY – DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
- Schenectady, NY – DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
- Troy, NY – DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
- Clifton Park, NY – DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
- Amsterdam, NY – DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
- Utica, NY – DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
- Poughkeepsie, NY – DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
Schedule Your Consultation
If you live in or near Saratoga Springs, NY, and are considering breast reconstruction after mastectomy or implant complications, contact The DIEP Group to learn more about natural, insurance-covered DIEP flap reconstruction.
🏥 The DIEP Group
Surgeries performed at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany
📞 203-200-0828
