Insurance-Covered, Natural Breast Reconstruction by The DIEP Group — Performed at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany
Restoring Confidence After Mastectomy or Implant Failure
For women in Schenectady and the greater Capital Region, breast reconstruction after mastectomy is about more than restoring appearance — it’s about healing, comfort, and confidence.
At The DIEP Group, our fellowship-trained microsurgeons specialize in DIEP flap breast reconstruction, an advanced, insurance-covered procedure that restores the breast using your own natural tissue.
As one of the only teams performing DIEP flap reconstruction in all of Upstate New York, we’re proud to offer world-class microsurgery right here in the Capital District — performed locally at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany.
Whether you’re recovering from a mastectomy, dealing with radiation-related implant issues, or seeking a natural, permanent alternative to implants, The DIEP Group offers unmatched experience and results.
What Is DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction?
The DIEP flap (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator flap) is considered the gold standard in modern breast reconstruction. It uses skin and fat from the lower abdomen — without removing any muscle — to rebuild the breast.
The result is a soft, warm, and natural breast that feels like your own. This procedure also refines the abdominal contour, providing an added aesthetic benefit.
Benefits of DIEP Flap Reconstruction
- 100% Natural Tissue – No silicone, no maintenance, no foreign materials.
- Permanent Result – No future implant exchanges required.
- Safe After Radiation – Ideal for women with radiation damage or scarred tissue.
- Natural Feel and Warmth – Moves and feels like your own body.
- Abdominal Contouring – Similar to a tummy tuck for improved body shape.
- Covered by Insurance – Protected under federal law (WHCRA).
Why Schenectady Women Choose DIEP Flap Over Implants
Many women come to The DIEP Group after experiencing implant complications — problems that often worsen over time.
Common Reasons for Implant Removal
- Capsular Contracture – Hard, painful implants due to scar tightening.
- Radiation Damage – Skin tightening or asymmetry following radiation therapy.
- Implant Leakage or Rupture – Silicone breakdown over time.
- Recalled Textured Implants – Safety concerns such as the Allergan Biocell recall.
- Unnatural Appearance or Cold Feel – Dissatisfaction with aesthetic outcome.
The DIEP flap offers a lasting, natural alternative — no implants, no replacements, and no maintenance.
“I had radiation after my mastectomy, and my implants were hard and painful. The DIEP Group gave me soft, natural results — I finally feel like myself again.”
— Janine W., Schenectady, NY
Your DIEP Flap Journey in the Capital Region
Step 1 – Consultation
We begin with a personalized consultation — either in person or by telehealth. Your surgeon reviews your history, discusses your goals, and arranges a CT angiogram to map your abdominal blood vessels for safe microsurgical planning.
Step 2 – Surgery at St. Peter’s Hospital
Surgeries are performed at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany, one of the Capital Region’s most advanced hospitals, fully equipped for microsurgery.
- Surgery time: 6–8 hours
- Hospital stay: 2 days (walking begins the next morning)
Step 3 – Recovery
Because your abdominal muscles are preserved, recovery is smoother and less painful than older reconstruction methods.
- Light activity: ~2 weeks
- Full recovery: ~6–8 weeks
Step 4 – Refinement
Optional touch-ups such as fat grafting, nipple reconstruction, or scar refinement can enhance symmetry and appearance.
Insurance Coverage for DIEP Flap Reconstruction
DIEP flap reconstruction is fully covered by insurance under the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA). This applies whether surgery is performed immediately after mastectomy or years later.
Our insurance team handles all preauthorization and documentation to ensure stress-free approval.
Common Insurance Providers in the Schenectady Area
- CDPHP (Capital District Physicians’ Health Plan)
- MVP Health Care
- BlueCross BlueShield of NENY
- Empire BlueCross BlueShield
- UnitedHealthcare
- Aetna
- Cigna
(We do not participate with Medicaid, Medicare, Fidelis, or Tricare.)
The DIEP Group Advantage
Experience & Expertise
- Over 200 DIEP flap procedures performed annually
- Board-certified microsurgeons specializing in autologous reconstruction
- Experts in implant removal, revision, and post-radiation reconstruction
Authoritativeness
- Surgeries performed at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany
- Among the only DIEP flap providers in Upstate New York
- Trusted by oncologists and breast surgeons across the Capital Region
Trust & Compassion
- Hundreds of verified 5-star reviews
- Personal, patient-centered approach
- Comprehensive insurance coordination and follow-up
“The DIEP Group changed my life. I had multiple failed implant surgeries after radiation, and now I finally have natural results that look and feel like me.”
— Laura D., Niskayuna, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch from implants to the DIEP flap?
Yes. Many women choose DIEP flap surgery after years of discomfort or maintenance issues from implants.
How long is the hospital stay?
Most patients stay two days, with light walking encouraged the next morning.
Can I have this surgery if I had radiation?
Yes — in fact, DIEP flap reconstruction is ideal for replacing radiated tissue with healthy, living skin and fat.
Is it covered by insurance?
Yes. It’s covered under federal law, and we handle preauthorization on your behalf.
Will my abdomen look different afterward?
Yes. The donor site is tightened, producing a flatter contour similar to a mini tummy tuck.
Serving Schenectady and the Capital District
The DIEP Group proudly serves women from Schenectady, Niskayuna, Rotterdam, Scotia, and the surrounding Capital District, offering insurance-covered, natural-tissue breast reconstruction close to home at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany.
- Albany, NY – DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
- Colonie, NY – DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
- Troy, NY – DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
- Clifton Park, NY – DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
- Saratoga Springs, 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 Schenectady or the Capital Region, schedule your consultation today to learn how The DIEP Group can help you achieve lasting, natural reconstruction.
🏥 The DIEP Group
Surgeries performed at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany
📞 203-200-0828
