Advanced, Natural Breast Reconstruction at SUNY Upstate Medical University Hospital
Introduction: Advanced Breast Reconstruction Is Now Available in Syracuse
For women facing mastectomy or living with the long-term effects of breast cancer treatment, breast reconstruction is a deeply personal decision. Increasingly, patients are seeking natural, implant-free breast reconstruction that looks, feels, and ages like their own body.
DIEP flap breast reconstruction is now available in Syracuse, New York, performed locally at SUNY Upstate Medical University Hospital by The DIEP Group, one of the highest-volume DIEP flap practices in the country.
Patients in Central New York no longer need to travel to New York City, Rochester, or Buffalo to access this advanced microsurgical procedure. High-level DIEP flap reconstruction can now be performed close to home, with local follow-up, continuity of care, and the safety of a nearby surgical team.
What Is DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction?
DIEP (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator) flap breast reconstruction is a microsurgical procedure that uses a woman’s own skin and fat from the lower abdomen to create a new breast after mastectomy.
Unlike older techniques:
- No muscle is removed
- Abdominal strength is preserved
- The reconstructed breast is warm, soft, and natural
- Results are permanent and do not require implant replacement
Using an operating microscope, surgeons reconnect tiny blood vessels to restore circulation to the transferred tissue, creating a living breast reconstruction that integrates naturally with the body.
Why Many Women Prefer DIEP Flap Over Implants
Patients considering breast reconstruction often compare implants with autologous (tissue-based) options. DIEP flap reconstruction offers several key advantages:
- No implants that can rupture, leak, or require future exchange
- No risk of capsular contracture
- Better tolerance of radiation therapy
- A breast that changes naturally with weight gain or loss
- Long-term durability without maintenance surgeries
For many women, DIEP flap reconstruction offers peace of mind and a more natural long-term solution.
Why Having DIEP Flap Surgery Locally in Syracuse Matters
Breast reconstruction is not a one-day event – it involves surgery, hospitalization, follow-up visits, and long-term care. Having your reconstructive surgeon locally available provides important advantages.
Benefits of Local Reconstruction in Syracuse:
- Easier access to your surgeon before and after surgery
- Safer management of urgent concerns or complications
- No long-distance travel during recovery
- Family and support system nearby
- Seamless coordination with oncology and medical teams
Traveling hours away for surgery may seem manageable initially, but becomes extremely challenging if any urgent postoperative issue arises. Receiving care locally at SUNY Upstate ensures continuity, safety, and convenience.
Surgery at SUNY Upstate Medical University Hospital
All Syracuse-area DIEP flap surgeries are performed at SUNY Upstate Medical University Hospital, a leading academic medical center serving Central New York.
This setting provides:
- Advanced microsurgical operating rooms
- Experienced anesthesia and ICU teams
- Comprehensive postoperative monitoring
- A hospital equipped for complex reconstruction
Patients typically stay two nights in the hospital following DIEP flap surgery.
Who Is a Candidate for DIEP Flap Reconstruction?
You may be a candidate if you:
- Are undergoing mastectomy or had one in the past
- Want breast reconstruction without implants
- Have had radiation therapy
- Have experienced implant complications
- Desire a natural look and feel
DIEP flap reconstruction can be performed:
- At the time of mastectomy
- Months or years later (delayed reconstruction)
There is no expiration date on reconstruction.
Patient Experience
“I was relieved to learn I didn’t have to travel to New York City for this level of care. Having my DIEP flap reconstruction done in Syracuse made recovery so much easier, and the results feel completely natural.”
— Patient from Central New York
Why Choose The DIEP Group for Reconstruction in Syracuse
Choosing the right surgical team is critical for complex microsurgery.
The DIEP Group offers:
- Over 250 DIEP flap reconstructions performed each year
- Exclusive focus on microsurgical breast reconstruction
- Extensive experience with radiation and revision cases
- Team-based approach for safety and consistency
- Proven outcomes in complex reconstructions
High surgical volume matters—experience translates directly into precision, safety, and reliable results.
Serving Syracuse and Central New York
The DIEP Group proudly serves women from:
- Syracuse
- DeWitt
- Fayetteville
- Manlius
- Cicero
- Liverpool
- Baldwinsville
- Camillus
- Clay
- Onondaga County and surrounding areas
All reconstruction for this region is performed locally at SUNY Upstate Medical University Hospital.
Contact The DIEP Group – Syracuse, NY
If you’re considering DIEP flap breast reconstruction in Syracuse or Central New York, expert care is now available close to home.
📞 Call: 203-200-0828
🌐 Website: thediepgroup.com
📍 Surgery Location: SUNY Upstate Medical University Hospital, Syracuse, NY
Consultations are available for:
- Immediate or delayed reconstruction
- Implant-related complications
- Radiation-associated reconstruction
- Natural breast reconstruction without implants





