Frequently Asked Questions
What is a breast prosthesis?
What is a mastectomy/surgical bra?
Do I have to wear a pocketed bra with my breast form?
Do I need a special prosthesis for swimming?
Will insurance cover the cost of products?
How often can I receive a new prosthesis and surgical bras?
What is the difference between a full prosthetic and a partial prosthetic?
What can I wear immediately following surgery?
How soon after surgery can I be fitted?
What should I bring to my appointment?
What can I expect at my fitting?
What are the advantages of having a breast prosthesis?
How long will my silicone prosthesis last?
Will anyone know I am wearing a breast form?
I have had a lumpectomy or reconstruction but I do not have perfect balance. Will a prosthesis help?
How do I clean my breast prosthetic?
My weight has fluctuated since I was last fitted with a prosthetic. Will I be eligible for a new prosthesis?
I have had my prosthetic for quite some time, when is it time for a replacement?
What is a breast prosthesis?
A breast prosthesis or breast form is a silicone breast form that sits in a pocket of a mastectomy bra. Some prosthetics are made of foam or fiberfill.
What is a mastectomy/surgical bra?
A mastectomy bra (sometimes referred to as a surgical bra) is a bra with pockets sewn into the cups to hold the breast prosthesis in place. These bras are available in many styles and colors.
Do I have to wear a pocketed bra with my breast form?
A pocketed bra will insure that the prosthesis will stay in place. However, some women prefer to wear a non surgical bra. We can adapt your favorite bras or swimsuits by adding a pocket to them.
Do I need a special prosthesis for swimming?
Although silicone prosthesis will not be damaged by salt water or chlorinated water, a lighter-weight swim form is recommended to prevent your swimsuit from stretching.
Will insurance cover the cost of products?
The majority of insurance companies will cover some or all of the cost of post breast surgery products. We will contact your carrier for specific coverage and bill your insurance company directly for added convenience.
How often can I receive a new prosthesis and surgical bras?
Medicare will allow a breast form every two years and three or four bras every year. Other insurance companies’ coverage varies. Please check with your individual carrier.
What is the difference between a full prosthetic and a partial prosthetic?
A full prosthesis is used for a woman who has had a mastectomy without having reconstructive surgery. A partial prosthetic is used for women who have had a lumpectomy, some breast reconstructive surgery, breast abnormalities or breast implant expansion.
What can I wear immediately following surgery?
A soft fiber-filled breast form is suitable to be worn in a mastectomy/surgical bra. We also recommend a surgical camisole which can be worn immediately after surgery as well as during radiation treatment. The camisole comes with a soft fiber-filled breast prosthesis.
How soon after surgery can I be fitted?
About 4 – 6 weeks, your surgeon will decide when you have healed enough to wear a prosthetic.
What should I bring to my appointment?
You will need your insurance card and a prescription from your doctor for a prosthetic and bras. We can request a prescription faxed to our office for your convenience.
What can I expect at my fitting?
You will first be measured while wearing your bra. After finding the mastectomy bra with the correct style and fit you will then be fitted with a breast form that is best suited for you.
What are the advantages of having a breast prosthesis?
A breast prosthesis gives symmetry cosmetically. Following a mastectomy some women develop shoulder, back and neck discomfort. The weight of a prosthesis helps improve posture, alleviating discomfort and pain.
How long will my silicone prosthesis last?
With proper care silicone prosthesis can last for several years. All forms carry a one or two year manufacturer's warranty.
Will anyone know I am wearing a breast form?
With a proper fit, no one will know you are wearing a breast prosthetic.
I have had a lumpectomy or reconstruction but I do not have perfect balance. Will a prosthesis help?
Yes. A partial prosthetic is sometimes used to compensate after breast surgeries such as a lumpectomy, some reconstructions and as a temporary aid during the implant expansion process.
How do I clean my breast prosthetic?
Simply wash with warm water and a mild soap and gently pat dry. Never use harsh chemicals or cleaners.
My weight has fluctuated since I was last fitted with a prosthetic. Will I be eligible for a new prosthesis?
Yes. Most health insurances will cover a properly fitted prosthetic as well as bras if medically necessary.
I have had my prosthetic for quite some time, when is it time for a replacement?
Because the manufacturers of breast forms are always improving their products, a breast form should be replaced every few years as your insurance allows.
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