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Gina Andrews
October 27, 2007
After your breast cancer
surgery, you will most likely want a
prosthesis to maintain your pre-surgery shape.
For the first four to eight weeks, until the
surgery site heals, you will be limited to a
post-surgical soft form, which is a
lightweight, removable form worn in a camisole
or tank-style top. Once you are fully healed,
you can choose a silicone or non-silicone
prosthesis to be worn in your bra.
Silicone prostheses are weighted and designed
to simulate natural breast tissue. In addition
to a more natural look and feel, the fact that
they are weighted can help with posture and
balance.
Non-silicone prostheses are
lightweight and made of foam or fiberfill.
Because they are lightweight, they can be more
comfortable than silicone prostheses for
exercise or swimming, or during hot
weather.
If you have had a partial mastectomy, you may
want a shaper or shell, which is a partial
prosthesis designed to be worn over your own
breast tissue for a fuller appearance. These
can be made of foam, fiberfill, or silicone,
and can be worn with a regular fashion bra.
All other prostheses should be worn with a
mastectomy
bra, which is a special type of bra
designed with pockets to hold the prosthesis in
place. Regular fashion bras don't have this
pocket, although you can buy separate bra
pockets that can be sewn into regular fashion
bras to convert them to mastectomy bras.
A good mastectomy bra will run from $30-$50.
Silicone prostheses can range from $180-$400
and non-silicone prostheses from $30-$80. Most
insurance, including Medicare, will cover
mastectomy bras and prosthesis if they have
been prescribed by a doctor. Check with your
insurance carrier before purchasing to
determine what kind of coverage you have. You
will most likely have to submit your doctor's
prescription for the prosthesis.
The fit of your prosthesis and mastectomy bra
should be checked at least once per year.
Proper fit is crucial: With a properly fitted
mastectomy bra, no one will be able to tell
that you wear a prosthesis, and the prosthesis
will not get in your way during normal
activities.
It is best to get fitted by a professional at a
store that specializes in mastectomy bras and
prostheses. Often these shops may be in or near
your local hospital. Ask your doctor or nurse
to recommend a shop to you. You can also ask
your local chapter of the American Cancer
Society.
When going to get fitted, wear or bring a
close-fitting garment, such as a knit top. This
way you can best evaluate the fit of your bra
and prosthesis when trying them on.
It may seem daunting at first, but once you
have a properly fitted bra and prosthesis,
you'll feel better and be more confident in
your look. So make sure you select a bra and
prosthesis that fit well and work for you and
your lifestyle.
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