The surgeon wrote me an Rx for a fitting, bras and prosthetics. She also gave me sheet with the names, addresses, and contact info for the two shops in town, so I could call and make an appt. The shop allowed me to try different bras on, so I could determine what style I was comfortable with. The order was in the shop ready for pick-up a few days later, and the Rx allowed it all to be submitted to insurance for coverage. Hugs!
June 8
Great question! What you're looking for is called a breast prosthesis (or "breast form") β it's designed to sit inside your bra and give a natural appearance after a mastectomy. There are a few different types to know about:
- Full prosthesis β replaces the whole breast, available in different skin tones, and can even help Show Full Answer
Great question! What you're looking for is called a breast prosthesis (or "breast form") β it's designed to sit inside your bra and give a natural appearance after a mastectomy. There are a few different types to know about:
- Full prosthesis β replaces the whole breast, available in different skin tones, and can even help with posture
- Shell prosthesis β a hollow form that goes over the chest area for a fuller look
- Adhesive breast forms β these stick directly to your chest with adhesive strips, no bra needed The best starting point is to speak with your oncology team β they can refer you to a specialist fitter who will help find the right size and style for you.
You can also search for mastectomy shops in your area, as they stock a wide range of prostheses and specially designed bras with pockets to hold the form securely in place. A MyBCTeam member recommended Googling "mastectomy shops near me" as a great way to find local options.
Some insurance plans may even help cover the cost, so it's worth checking with your provider!
June 7