Mastectomy surgery signifies a new chapter in your life that is free from cancer. But it can take some time to adjust to your new lifestyle and body. For women who have chosen not to have reconstructive surgery, custom breast forms can help you make a smooth transition and give you back your confidence after breast cancer.
Why Choose a Custom Breast Prosthesis
Many breast cancer survivors prefer custom made breast prostheses over off-the-shelf breast forms as they offer a wide range of benefits that include:
Contoured Design
Custom breast forms are designed to contour to the shape of your chest wall as the back of the form mirrors the surgical site. This allows for a more comfortable fit and prevents the prosthesis from rubbing and irritating scar tissue and sensitive skin.
Due to the contoured design, custom breast forms are suitable for restoring shape after a wide variety of breast surgeries from a radical mastectomy to a lumpectomy.
No Shifting
As the form sits flush against your body, you will not experience any shifting or movement as with off-the-shelf breast forms. You can wear your custom form inside pocketed mastectomy bras which also support your remaining breast tissue. Or, you can wear it directly on your chest wall using a skin-friendly adhesive.
Better Symmetry
Opting for customized breast forms allows you to find a form that matches your remaining breast tissue for better symmetry and balance. This will allow you to wear your clothes more comfortably and prevent any posture issues that could cause neck and back pain.
More Realistic
Unlike foam or fiberfill prostheses, custom silicone breast forms mimic the look and feel of your natural breast. During the development of your form, you choose a skin tone that perfectly matches your own and your chest will be scanned so that your custom form offers the same slope and drape as your other breast.
Alternatively, for women who have had a double mastectomy, you can choose the shape that best fits your body.
How Your Custom Breast Form is Made
A certified mastectomy fitter can guide you through the process of creating custom breast prostheses to find the perfect fit and type for your body. During your initial consultation, the fitter will lay out the benefits of a custom breast form and go over what you can expect while wearing it. At this time you will choose a skin tone and be introduced to the scanning process.
At your next appointment, your fitter scans your chest using state-of-the-art 3D scanning technology. The data is then sent to a team of design engineers who create a custom made breast to your exact measurements.
At your final appointment, you will be fitted for your prosthesis using the same bra you were scanned in to ensure the correct fit. You can also take this opportunity to try on other types of post-surgical mastectomy bras.
Contact Us to Schedule Your Consultation
Custom breast forms are the most comfortable way to regain symmetry after a mastectomy. Although they are slightly more expensive than off-the-shelf forms, they are a worthwhile investment in your physical and emotional well-being.
Most insurance companies cover the cost of a custom breast prosthesis and bra. Our staff at A Fitting Experience Mastectomy Shoppe can help verify your benefits, obtain a prescription and bill your insurance company. Call us on (954)-568-8904 to schedule a professional fitting for your custom breast form or to discuss your post-mastectomy needs.