How To Find The Right Mastectomy Bra

After your breast cancer surgery, some ladies may not know how to find the right mastectomy bras and/or prosthesis. 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 mastectomy bras and prosthesis that fit well and work for you and your lifestyle.
Gina Andrew is a young survivor of breast cancer. She understands what a woman will need after surgery. Gina has started an on-line breast cancer store and carries varieties of mastectomy bras.
Visit Gina's on-line store to find beautiful styles of mastectomy bras, post-surgery wear, breast cancer jewlery and accessories. http://www.beautyenhanced.netBlog: http://www.youngbreastcancersurvivor.blogspot.com
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