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Fitting Room > It's Time for Your Fitting |
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 Types of Breast Prostheses
(Prosthesis is singular. Prostheses is plural.)
About six weeks after breast surgery, when you have healed, your doctor will advise you it is time to purchase an external breast prosthesis. You may be confident and comfortable wearing your SOFTEE® Recovery Camisole, but it is important to graduate to a weighted breast prostheses, at least for part of the time, both for your own appearance as well as for restored balance and posture.
Mastectomy bras and prostheses are covered by Medicare and most insurance,
in addition to your SOFTEE® Recovery Camisole. Read more about what your coverage may include.
Breast prostheses are available in a variety of shapes and styles. There are:
- polyester fiber-filled fluff
- foam
- medical grade silicone gel
- custom molded silicone breasts
Your Initial Fitting
Your first, or initial fitting will usually take from 1 to 2 hours. Be sure to allow enough time so you do not feel rushed. It is important for you to be relaxed so you can spend the time necessary to receive the very best fit. It is also a good idea to take one or two of your own shirts or blouses to try on with the different bras and prostheses. If you have a favorite bra take it along too, some styles can continue to be useful if you sew in your own pocket. You can also inquire with your fitter about seamstress services that they may offer. In order to complete the Medicare and/or insurance billing for you, the fitter will need a prescription, your physician's name and address, your Medicare card and/or your insurance I.D. card.
Most specialty boutiques have a hospitality area for family and friends who may wish to accompany, and wait for you. At your request, the fitter is usually happy to have a spouse, partner, family member, or friend join you in the fitting room to offer support.
There are many prostheses manufacturers and choices. It is always best to rely on the expertise of a trained, certified mastectomy fitter to help you find the most suitable brand and style for you.
When your physician decides that you are ready for your fitting, he or she will write a prescription for your bras and prostheses. You may be required to request a referral from your insurance company. Generally the specialty store where you receive your fitting will contact your insurance company for you, or they may ask you to do so. It is recommended that you call ahead to schedule an appointment for your first fitting, and at this time discuss your insurance coverage with the fitter.
Balance & Proper Alignment
The fitting of a weighted breast prosthesis is not only for aesthetic appearances. It is also a therapeutic measure that replaces the weight of the lost breast. When fitted with a breast prosthesis that matches in size to the remaining breast, the weight equilibrium of the body is kept in balance.
Because the human body is essentially symmetrical, imbalance occurs when a breast is removed. This imbalance can cause one shoulder to drop downward and inward and the other shoulder to rise up. When the body is not properly aligned, back, shoulder and neck discomfort may result. A weighted silicone prosthesis restores the body's natural balance by approximating the remaining breast in weight and balance, as well as in projection and width. The silicone breast prosthesis warms to a woman's body temperature and appears smooth and natural under clothing. The weight of the silicone prosthesis will also keep the bra from riding up or pulling to one side.
NOT wearing a breast prosthesis, or wearing one that is too heavy or light can result in the following:
- Spinal curvature
- Shoulder drop
- Muscle contracture, with accompanying discomfort (neck or back pain).
- Balance problems
How soon after a mastectomy can a weighted prosthesis be worn?
As soon as a woman receives permission from her physician, she can schedule an appointment to be fitted with a silicone prosthesis. Usually in four to six weeks. Swelling and tenderness should be gone. You and your Doctor will decide when you are ready. During this recovery time, Ladies First recommends the SOFTEE® TWO and Original SOFTEE® which are ideal for wearing home from the hospital and throughout healing.
SOFTEE® products, surgical bras, and prosthetics are covered by Medicare and most private insurance carriers. You should receive a prescription from your Doctor for all SOFTEE® garments, prosthesis and surgical bras. (Surgical bras are specifically designed with inside pockets to securely hold a weighted prosthesis.)
Medicare Reimbursement
Medicare currently pays 80% of the allowable towards four specialty bras every year, regardless of when you had surgery. They will also pay 80% of the allowable for one prosthesis per year for each surgery side, if needed. If you have secondary insurance, they may pay the 20% Medicare does not cover. If you have private insurance, an HMO or PPO, check with your carrier to see how often they will replace your bras and prostheses and how much they will pay.
After-Breast-Surgery Products & Resources
Most of the businesses who offer The SOFTEE®, prostheses and pocketed bras also carry additional products that you may want or need: pocketed swimwear and lingerie, skin care products for sensitivity during radiation treatments, wigs, caps, hats and scarves for chemotherapy. If they do not stock these items, they can usually refer you to other local providers who do.
To find a specialty mastectomy store or boutique near you, ask your physician and nurses for recommendations, find out where the members of your breast cancer support group go, or look in your telephone book yellow pages under the following listings:
- Bras
- Breast Prostheses
- Hospital Boutiques
- Medical Supply Stores
- Lingerie
- Orthotics and Prosthetics
- Mastectomy Shops
- Prostheses
- Prosthetic Devices
- Wigs
When you call, ask if they have a trained and certified mastectomy fitter.
Interested in other products designed by breast cancer survivor Linda Jackson (creator of the SOFTEE®)? Ask your retailer for other high quality products like the Soft Silhouette® bra, Mastectomy Slip™ & Pocketed Cami™.
Also, your local American Cancer Society office publishes a list of providers in your area, the brands they carry, and usually the retail prices so you can compare. To find the phone number of the ACS chapter in your community you can call 1-800-227-2345.
If you do not have medical insurance that covers these products, and you need financial assistance, you can call the Y-Me Breast Cancer Organization at 1-800-221-2141.
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