Natural, Insurance-Covered Reconstruction by The DIEP Group at Baystate Medical Center
Natural, Lifelong Reconstruction for Worcester Women
For women in Worcester, Shrewsbury, Auburn, and Central Massachusetts, natural breast reconstruction after mastectomy is closer than ever before. The DIEP flap procedure, performed by the expert microsurgeons of The DIEP Group at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, provides a natural, insurance-covered solution that restores confidence, comfort, and body balance — without the long-term concerns of implants.
This advanced microsurgical procedure uses your own living tissue to rebuild the breast, creating results that feel soft, warm, and completely natural. For many patients, the DIEP flap represents both healing and freedom — a one-time, lifelong reconstruction that moves and ages naturally with the body.
Why Worcester Women Are Choosing the DIEP Flap
Patients in Central Massachusetts are increasingly learning that they don’t need to travel to Boston for advanced reconstruction. The DIEP flap combines medical innovation with natural results, and it’s performed just an hour away at Baystate Medical Center.
1: A Natural, Permanent Reconstruction
The DIEP flap uses your own skin and fat — not implants — to recreate the breast. Once healed, the results are long-lasting and maintenance-free.
2: Compatible with Radiation and Prior Implant Surgeries
For women who have had radiation or experienced implant complications, the DIEP flap brings healthy, well-vascularized tissue to the chest, relieving tightness and improving comfort.
3: Abdominal Contouring Bonus
Because the tissue is taken from the lower abdomen, the DIEP flap offers the added benefit of a flatter, firmer abdominal contour — much like a gentle tummy tuck.
4: Fully Covered by Insurance
Under federal law, all forms of breast reconstruction, including DIEP flaps, are covered by insurance. Our team manages every step of the authorization and approval process.
5: Local Access to Top Surgeons
The DIEP Group’s board-certified microsurgeons are among the most experienced in the Northeast, performing hundreds of successful reconstructions each year at Baystate Medical Center.
What Makes the DIEP Flap Different from Implants
While implants remain a common option, many Worcester-area women are choosing to move away from them due to the risk of:
- Hardness (capsular contracture)
- Pain or tightness after radiation
- Leakage or rupture
- Rippling or visible edges
- Recalled textured silicone implants
The DIEP flap avoids all of these issues by using your own tissue, providing results that look, feel, and age naturally — for life.
The DIEP Flap Procedure Explained
The Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator (DIEP) flap is an advanced form of autologous (natural tissue) breast reconstruction. It transfers skin and fat from the lower abdomen to recreate the breast, preserving the abdominal muscles for strength and faster recovery.
Using microsurgery, the surgeon reconnects tiny blood vessels between the transferred tissue and the chest area, ensuring full, healthy blood flow. This meticulous process restores a living, natural breast that feels warm and moves with your body.
Your DIEP Flap Reconstruction Journey
Step 1 – Consultation
The process begins with a comprehensive consultation. Our team reviews your medical history, previous surgeries, and personal goals.
A CT angiogram of your abdomen helps map the best blood vessels for the procedure.
Step 2 – Surgery at Baystate Medical Center
Your DIEP flap reconstruction is performed by our specialized team at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield — a short drive from Worcester.
The procedure lasts approximately 6–8 hours under general anesthesia.
Hospital stay: typically 2 days. You’ll begin walking the next morning.
Step 3 – Recovery
Because your abdominal muscles are preserved, recovery is more comfortable than with older flap techniques. Most patients return to light activity within 2 weeks and full activity within 6–8 weeks.
Step 4 – Refinement
Optional procedures, such as fat grafting, nipple reconstruction, or scar revision, can further refine your results for balance and symmetry.
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 federal law requires all health insurance plans covering mastectomy to also cover reconstruction, including DIEP flaps, symmetry procedures, and any necessary revisions.
Our administrative team assists with every step:
- Preauthorization and required documentation
- Medical necessity letters
- Communication with your insurance provider
- Appeals and follow-up, if needed
Common Private Insurance Plans in Central Massachusetts
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
- Harvard Pilgrim Health Care
- Tufts Health Plan
- Aetna
- Cigna
- UnitedHealthcare
Who Is a Good Candidate for the DIEP Flap?
You may be a candidate if you:
- Have had or plan to have a mastectomy
- Want a natural, lifelong reconstruction using your own tissue
- Have prior implant complications or radiation history
- Have adequate abdominal tissue for transfer
- Prefer to avoid implants or foreign materials
Even women who’ve had previous C-sections or abdominal surgeries often qualify after imaging confirms healthy blood vessels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to travel to Boston for advanced breast reconstruction?
No. The DIEP Group performs advanced microsurgical reconstruction at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield — just about an hour from Worcester.
Can I replace my implants with a DIEP flap?
Yes. Many women choose to switch to DIEP flaps after implant-related discomfort, rupture, or tightness.
Is the DIEP flap covered by insurance?
Yes. All forms of breast reconstruction, including DIEP flaps and revisions, are required by law to be covered by insurance.
Will my abdomen be tighter after surgery?
Yes. Because tissue is taken from the lower abdomen, most women notice a smoother, flatter contour.
How long will I stay in the hospital?
Most patients stay two days and begin walking the next morning.
Patient Testimonial – Worcester, MA
“After my mastectomy, I was told my only option was implants. I wanted something natural and permanent, but didn’t want to go to Boston. The DIEP Group made everything so easy — they handled my insurance, the surgery went perfectly, and my results look and feel amazing.”
— Angela T., Worcester, MA
Why The DIEP Group Is Central Massachusetts’ Leader in Natural Reconstruction
- Board-certified microsurgeons specializing in DIEP flap surgery
- High surgical volume across New England – over 200 DIEP flaps performed yearly
- Surgeries performed locally at Baystate Medical Center
- Advanced care for complex and revision cases
- Full insurance assistance and telehealth consultations
- Natural, lifelong results that restore comfort and confidence
Serving Worcester and Surrounding Communities
The DIEP Group proudly serves women from Worcester, Shrewsbury, Auburn, Leicester, Millbury, and surrounding Central Massachusetts communities, providing insurance-covered, natural breast reconstruction at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, MA.
To explore other areas nearby, visit our local guides:
- Springfield, MA – DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
- Chicopee, MA – DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
- Westfield, MA – DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
- Holyoke, MA – DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
- Amherst, MA – DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
- Northampton, MA – DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
- Pittsfield, MA – DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
- Greenfield, MA – DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
- Leominster, MA – DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
Schedule Your Consultation
If you live in or near Worcester, MA, and are considering natural, insurance-covered DIEP flap breast reconstruction, contact The DIEP Group today to schedule your consultation.
The DIEP Group
Surgeries performed at Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, MA
203-200-0828
