How
soon after surgery can I wear a breast prosthesis?
An approximate time can be from 4 to 8 weeks, after the
chest wall has healed and soreness decreases. The American
Cancer Society recommends that for a first fitting you
be measured and fit by a certified fitter. Perhaps that
is not possible. If you live too far away, don't drive,
etc., we recommend you consider trying our adjustable
and unique Equitex
# 1657 prosthesis by Airway,
with adjustable cup size and projection.
Why
do I need to wear a weighted prosthesis after surgery?
After a mastectomy the body is no longer in balance and
studies have shown that women can develop 'shoulder droop'
on the affected side and sometimes even back and neck
pain. A weighted breast form will help to restore balance
and symmetry.
Can
I wear my prosthesis in my old bras?
Sometimes, if the prosthesis is a smaller size and the
bra fits snuggly. However, a mastectomy bra already has
cups sewn in to hold your form in place. These bras are
designed wider under the arm and a more generous pocket
to provide a secure fit so the form will not shift and
is fully encompassed.
What
is the prosthesis made of?
Silicone gel. This will move and feel very much like a
natural tissue would. The silicone can not be absorbed
through the skin. When properly fit it is undetectable.
How
long does a breast form last?
With proper care, an average is between 2 - 5 years. Your
prosthesis should be washed frequently with mild soap
and lukewarm water. This will remove perspiration and
body oils, to help keep its color and shape. Store your
form in the box it came in, referred to as the "cradle".
Can
I wear my prosthesis in a bathing suit I had before my
surgery?
Only if you have pockets sewn in to secure the prosthesis
and support the form properly - or you will lose it!!
Check out our specially constructed pocketed bathing suits
by Classique
and Jodee
for worry free fun in the sun.
Why
do I need a swim-form?
Our swim form is hollowed out silicone, it is non absorbent,
and will not "weigh down" the cup of your suit
when wet. Occasionally some women will even use this form
in their pocketed bras as a cool and lightweight alternative.
Check out our swim-form by ABC
# 930.
Will
weight gain or loss affect my fit?
Absolutely! Certainly not 5 or 10 pounds, but if the weight
change is significant you may need to try a different
size.
I've
had bilateral surgeries, am wearing identical breast forms,
but still appear uneven. What can I do?
No two surgeries are alike. You may want to try a different
size or shape to compensate for residual tissue on one
side or the other.
I
feel "lopsided" even though I am wearing the
correct size breast prosthesis. What can I do?
Try shortening the bra strap on the natural side and lengthening
it on the prosthetic side.
My
bra rides up. What can I do?
Try lowering your straps, next try a snugger fit. You
may want to check out our Jodee
Celebration Bra with its mid-line snuggle band.
I
have indentations on my shoulder from the strap. What
can I do?
Always look for a bra with a wider strap. Check out the
cushioned
straps on our Jodee
# 3201 Sheer Comfort bra. Pair this with our Ultra
light Jodee prosthesis #51, 35% lighter than a standard
form.
My
prosthesis and bra always seem to "gap" on the
side of my radical surgery. What can I do?
Try one of our double layer breast forms by Ultra
light Jodee prosthesis #51. The back of the form has a very soft layer
of gel which adjusts to the contours of an uneven chest
wall. Couple this with our American
Breast Care Camisole bra #108 featuring a beautiful
stretch lace panel across the chest wall. This can be
a great solution to effectively camouflage a common problem
area.
We at Prima Boutique Online are committed
to our customers and strive to offer you the best possible
shopping experience. We welcome any questions you may
have and want to hear from you. E-mail
Us and tell us
what you think.
