Insurance-Covered, Natural Reconstruction by The DIEP Group — Performed at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany
Reconstruction That Restores Confidence and Comfort
For women in Troy, New York, breast reconstruction after mastectomy or failed implant surgery is a deeply personal journey. Many women want results that look and feel natural — without the long-term issues or maintenance associated with implants.
At The DIEP Group, we specialize in DIEP flap breast reconstruction, an advanced microsurgical procedure that uses your own skin and fat to rebuild the breast naturally. The result is soft, warm, and permanent — with the added benefit of gentle abdominal contouring.
Our fellowship-trained, board-certified microsurgeons perform this procedure at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany, just a short drive from Troy. As one of the only teams performing DIEP flap breast reconstruction in all of Upstate New York, we provide big-city expertise with small-city accessibility.
Why Women in Troy Choose DIEP Flap Reconstruction
Women throughout the Capital Region come to The DIEP Group for one reason — they want a lasting, natural alternative to implants.
Our patients often choose DIEP flap reconstruction to:
- Replace painful or recalled implants (such as Allergan Biocell).
- Resolve capsular contracture, where scar tissue makes implants hard or painful.
- Correct radiation-related changes or asymmetry.
- Eliminate the need for future implant exchanges or maintenance.
- Enjoy a completely natural breast that ages with them and feels like their own.
Even if your mastectomy or reconstruction was years ago, DIEP flap surgery is covered by insurance at any time — whether as a first reconstruction or a revision.
“After two implant replacements and constant pain, I was ready for something permanent. The DIEP Group gave me natural results that feel amazing. I wish I’d done this sooner.”
— Melissa H., Troy, NY
What Makes the DIEP Flap Different
The DIEP flap (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator flap) reconstructs the breast using skin and fat from your lower abdomen while preserving the muscles. This muscle-sparing approach results in a natural, balanced outcome and a smoother recovery.
Key Benefits for Troy Patients
- Completely Natural Reconstruction – No implants, no foreign material.
- Permanent Result – The new breast ages and changes with your body.
- Soft and Warm – Feels natural and lifelike.
- Flatter Abdomen – Similar to the aesthetic result of a tummy tuck.
- Safe After Radiation – Restores damaged or scarred skin.
- Fully Covered by Insurance – Protected by the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act.
Your DIEP Flap Journey with The DIEP Group
Step 1 – Consultation
Your journey begins with a personal consultation, either in person or virtually. We discuss your goals, evaluate your medical history, and perform imaging — including a CT angiogram — to map the abdominal blood vessels that make this procedure possible.
Step 2 – Surgery
All procedures for patients in Troy and surrounding areas are performed at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany, a short 20-minute drive away.
- Procedure length: 6–8 hours
- Hospital stay: 2 days, with walking encouraged the next morning
Step 3 – Recovery
Because your abdominal muscles remain intact, pain is minimal, and mobility returns quickly.
- Light activity: ~2 weeks
- Full recovery: 6–8 weeks
Step 4 – Refinement
After healing, optional procedures such as fat grafting, nipple reconstruction, or minor symmetry adjustments can perfect your final result.
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 includes both immediate and delayed reconstruction — even decades after a mastectomy.
Our team handles every part of the process, from submitting medical documentation to obtaining preauthorization and appeals if needed.
Common Insurance Providers in the Troy Area
- CDPHP (Capital District Physicians’ Health Plan)
- BlueCross BlueShield of NENY
- MVP Health Care
- Aetna
- UnitedHealthcare
- Empire BlueCross BlueShield
- Cigna
(The DIEP Group does not participate with Medicaid, Medicare, Fidelis, or Tricare.)
The DIEP Group Advantage
The DIEP Group brings unmatched expertise, compassion, and results to women across Upstate New York.
Experience & Expertise
- Over 200 DIEP flap procedures performed every year
- Board-certified microsurgeons with specialized training in autologous reconstruction
- Experience in implant-to-flap conversions 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 throughout the Capital Region
Trust & Compassion
- Hundreds of verified 5-star patient reviews
- Comprehensive insurance coordination
- Long-term patient relationships focused on comfort and satisfaction
“The DIEP Group made me feel completely cared for. Their team explained everything and handled my insurance. I finally feel natural and comfortable again.”
— Susan M., Lansingburgh, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the DIEP flap different from implants?
The DIEP flap uses your own living tissue instead of silicone. It looks, feels, and moves naturally — with no future maintenance.
Can I switch to a DIEP flap after having implants?
Yes. Many patients replace old, painful, or recalled implants with a permanent DIEP flap.
Is it covered by insurance?
Yes. All stages are fully covered by insurance under federal law.
How long will I be in the hospital?
Most patients stay two days at St. Peter’s Hospital and walk the next morning.
Will my abdomen look different?
Yes. You’ll have a flatter, smoother contour — similar to a gentle tummy tuck.
Serving Troy and the Capital Region
The DIEP Group proudly serves women from Troy, East Greenbush, Watervliet, Cohoes, and the surrounding communities, offering insurance-covered, natural-tissue breast reconstruction 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
- 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 or near Troy, NY, and want a natural, long-lasting reconstruction after mastectomy or failed implants, contact The DIEP Group today.
🏥 The DIEP Group
Surgeries performed at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany
📞 203-200-0828
