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Q: What
is a breast form?
A: A breast form is an external breast prosthesis worn
to restore your natural silhouette. Traditional breast forms
are worn inside the pocket of a post-mastectomy bra.
Attachable breast forms can adhere directly to the chest wall or can
be worn inside a special pocketed bra, if needed. Breast forms
are available in many shapes, sizes and colours to mirror the
natural contours of your own breast and are generally made from
silicone.
Q:
When can I begin wearing a breast form?
A: As soon as you receive permission from your
physician, you can schedule an appointment for a fitting with a
Certified Mastectomy fitter -- in most cases, about six to eight
weeks following surgery. You will need to bring a prescription
from your physician for insurance purposes.
Q:
Why do I need to be custom fitted for a breast form and bra?
A: Every woman's body and treatment protocol is
different. That's why there are many different breast form
concepts, shapes and sizes to accommodate different body types, skin
tones, breast shapes and surgeries -- from mastectomy to lumpectomy.
A Certified Mastectomy Fitter has been specially trained to help you
choose a breast form that will help you regain symmetry and restore
a positive body image. The fitter will also measure you for a
pocketed bra to hold your breast form in place and talk to you about
the benefits of a properly fitting bra and breast form.
Q:
Will wearing a breast form restrict my activities?
A: Not at all. You play tennis, golf, run or
participate in any sport you've always enjoyed. You may want
to increase your wardrope of breast forms to include an attachable
breast form for extra confidence, a swim form for water activities
or a leisure form for times when you're relaxing at home.
Q:
What is the expected lifetime of a silicone breast form?
A: Skin oils can break down the outer layer of a breast
form and shorten its useful life. It is a good idea to clean
your form with a special solution and store it in it's cradle in the
evenings.
Q:
What is the expected lifetime of a silicone breast form?
A: Most breast forms are warranted against
manufacturer's defects for two years from the date of purchase.
The warranty does not cover damage tot eh form from punctures or
from erosion to the outer layer due to perfume or lotions.
Premium breast forms may last longer than two years with proper
care. It is still a good idea to see a Certified Mastectomy
Fitter yearly to have a fit assessment, as women's bodies change
with age and weight. Medicare guidelines state the useful
lifetime expectancy of silicone breast forms as two years.
Non-silicone forms have an expected lifetime of six months. |
