After surgery, your surgeon will recommend the appropriate time for you to start wearing a breast prosthesis. This largely depends upon the post-operative healing process and the type of mastectomy that was performed.While we appreciate that many women in the post-mastectomy phase of recovery are quickly ready to get back to normal or at least establish a “new normal”, it is a good idea to wait at least five to six weeks post-surgery to ensure all swelling has gone down.Your measurements will not be accurate if you are swollen.

You should wear what you normally wear in your everyday life. Part of the fitting is seeing how your clothes fit and look when you are wearing the prosthesis. A snug-fitting, design-free top will offer you the best idea of how proportional and symmetrical the breast prosthesis is to your body.

Breast prostheses are available in different shapes, sizes and skin tones.You will be fit to a shape that best conforms to your body shape and matches your existing breast (for unilateral patients).The forms are not sized like a bra so you can’t count on getting a form that fits by referencing your bra size.Our fitters can help you find a style and size that works best for you.

Some forms are symmetrical, so they can be used on either side, and some forms are designed to be asymmetrical (used only on your right or left side).

Some are made of silicone and some are made of fiberfill. A silicone breast prosthesis is closest to imitating breast tissue in weight and drape. A good prosthesis will also have some movement similar to your real breast. Some silicone breast prostheses are designed to be worn in the pocket of a mastectomy bra and some are designed to adhere directly to the chest wall.

Steve Green Medical O&P has a wide variety of breast prostheses and breast forms and our fitters are knowledgeable in what each form has to offer.The fitters will help you find a prosthesis that’s the proper shape, size and weight for your lifestyle and your body.

Fit and comfort of a prosthesis is very individual.The prosthesis is designed to mimic the weight of the existing breast and the existing breast can be surprisingly heavy.The industry has come a long way in offering silicone prostheses that are lighter weight and cooler.Our fitters can show you the latest in lightweight silicone prostheses.

Simply washing them with a mild soap, towel drying them and putting them in their box when they are not being worn is all the care and maintenance they need.

Medical aid companies typically provide coverage for one prosthesis every two years for unilateral patients or two prostheses every two years for bilateral patients. Because of that two-year limit, it is very important to be sized correctly.If you are sized incorrectly, you will not be eligible to re-submit for the correctly sized prosthesis for two years.That is why we recommend waiting until all of your swelling has gone down.

Your doctor will need to write a prescription for “mastectomy bras” and a “breast prosthesis” if you plan to submit these products to your medical aid.

Your fitting for the breast prosthesis will include a mastectomy bra fitting.The fitter will measure you to determine your bra band size and your cup size.If you have had bilateral surgery, you will tell the fitter the cup size you want to be. Steve Green Medical O&P offers many options for mastectomy bras including seamed, seamless, moulded cup, camisole bras, and sports bras.

Our goal at Steve Green Medical O&P is to ensure your breast prosthesis and mastectomy bra needs are met properly and in a stress-free manner. A proper fitting at the right time is the best way to attain that goal.