Fitting Room > All About Pocketed Mastectomy Bras It's time for Your Fitting | After-Breast-Surgery Products | What to Look for in a Mastectomy Fitter | All About Mastectomy Bras | All About Silicone Breast Prostheses | Medicare & Insurance Reimbursement for After Care Products What Is a Pocketed Bra? ... the pocketed bra is designed to hold a breast prosthesis. Read all about silicone breast prostheses A pocketed, or sometimes referred to as a surgical or mastectomy bra is similar in many ways to the bras you may have worn in the past. There are many styles and several colors to choose from. The pocketed bra is designed to hold a breast prosthesis (silicone or other), to create a balanced and natural appearance. All mastectomy bras come with pockets sewn in on both right and left sides. Getting the Proper Fit A mastectomy bra is designed higher in the front and often is higher under the arms. It has special pockets sewn inside the cups to hold the prosthesis. A good fit begins with the right bra. When your bra is properly fitted, your prosthesis should stay securely in place and you should not notice the weight of the silicone prosthesis. When the silicone prosthesis is fitted to you, it will weigh approximately the same as your natural breast. If the prosthesis feels heavier, the bra may not be the correct size or fit. The more snug to the body the bra fits, the less weight and movement you will have, and the more support you will achieve. During your fitting, if there are areas inside your bra cup that the prosthesis does not fill, there are fitting aids available at minimal cost, in many shapes and sizes that can be sewn in to smooth out the folds. Some bra styles come with little pockets sewn in under the arm to hold a specific brand of fitting aid. When you choose to wear a lighter weight silicone prosthesis, or a fabric or foam breast form you may find that the bra will ride up, or pull to one side. This occurs when there is not an equal amount of weight on the natural side and the surgery side. The only solution is to find a breast form with more weight to hold the bra in place. If both breasts have been removed, you will still need to be measured and fitted for a bra in the correct circumference size. The cup size is negotiable, so you can choose to be as large or as small as you wish. It is best to keep in mind that your bust size should be in proportion to the size and shape of your body. Your fitter can help make recommendations. When you have completed your fitting you will want to make sure that the bra feels comfortable yet snug around the rib cage, and that the prosthesis fills the cup. Projection and fullness of the prostheses should match the remaining breast. Check to see that the bra is centered in the front, and the top of the bra cup is filled out to match the remaining breast. Continued Care & Fit ... most insurance companies & Medicare will reimburse for replacement products. Read more about Medicare reimbursement Bras generally stretch with time and wear, they rarely shrink. After you have been wearing your bra and prosthesis for awhile, if the bra becomes loose fitting, or feels like it has stretched and is not offering enough support, the first thing you should do is check the adjustments. As the bra is worn and laundered, the shoulder straps may loosen causing the bra to pull downward, which affects its ability to offer lift and support. Try tightening them. If you have been fastening the back adjustment hooks in the middle row, try moving to the end, or tightest option. These small adjustments should address your concerns. If after trying both options, the bra still does not feel comfortable, it is best to discuss other options with your fitter. Over time your bra and prosthesis fit can be affected by weight gain and weight loss. If you feel that your bra fit is no longer comfortable or appropriate, and your prosthesis is now either too small or too large, it is time to make an appointment with your fitter. Under such circumstances, most insurance companies and Medicare will reimburse for replacement products at any time, even if you are not yet eligible for new products. Call your fitter for more information. Bra Care Pocketed bras should be cared for and laundered like any other fine washable. Wash by hand, or on delicate cycle inside a mesh lingerie bag, in cool water. Always air dry, do not put bras in the dryer, it will cause them to discolor, stretch and lose their shape.

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