What type of mastectomy have I had?
A mastectomy is surgery to remove a breast. It is performed either to treat or to prevent breast cancer.
There are four main types:
Total mastectomy - removal of breast tissue and nipple
Modified radical mastectomy - removal of the breast, most of the lymph nodes under the arm and often the lining over the chest muscles
Lumpectomy - surgery to remove the tumor and a small amount of normal tissue around it
Radical mastectomy - the removal of the breast, lymph nodes and chest muscles. This is no longer common
Which surgery you have depends on the stage of cancer, size of the tumour, size of the breast and whether the lymph nodes are involved.
What is a breast prosthesis?
A breast prosthesis or breast form is an artificial breast that is used after a surgery in which the breast has been altered or removed. Whether the loss of the breast is permanent or temporary, a breast form can be worn to simulate the natural breast and body shape. Full breasts and partial breasts, known as equalizers, can be purchased to balance the appearance depending on what type of surgical procedure was performed. These forms come in a variety of materials (usually silicone, foam or fiberfill) and they can be worn inside a bra or attached to the body with a special adhesive.
What types of breast prostheses are available
Amongst others:
External silicone breast prosthesis. This type of device is made of silicone and is designed to model natural breast tissue. The device is weighted to help prevent shoulder drop and poor balance.
Non silicone breast prosthesis. This prosthesis is a lightweight breast form made of foam or fiberfill and can be worn right after a mastectomy. It can also be worn during exercise and swimming.
Attachable breast. An attachable breast is fastened to the chest wall using adhesive strips.
Partial breast prosthesis. Also called an equalizer or enhancer, this device is made of foam, fiberfill, or silicone. It's designed to be worn over a woman's own breast tissue to create a fuller appearance after a part of her breast is removed, as in the case of lumpectomy.
Why would I need a breast prosthesis?
Many women who have been treated for breast cancer have had a surgery that leads to an alteration in their physical appearance. Sometimes these alterations are permanent; they may be temporary if reconstruction is scheduled for a later time. The common types of surgeries include:
Lumpectomy - removal of a breast tumour and some of the breast
Modified/Simple Mastectomy - removal of the breast tissue
Radical Mastectomy - surgical removal of breast tissue and underlying muscle
A silicone breast prosthesis is weighted and simulates the natural breast. One of its advantages is that it helps your body be symmetrical again and remain in balance. When the body is out of balance following a surgery of this kind, other muscle-skeletal problems can develop. Back, neck and shoulder problems are common as well as a tendency for one shoulder to drop downward and inward while the other rises up. Women also often report that the bra rides up or moves around if there is no weighted breast form on one side of the bra.
What are the advantages of having a breast prosthesis?
Wearing a breast prosthesis is a personal
choice. Many women want to wear one because they want to wear the
same clothing that they wore prior to the surgery and they want to
look symmetrical. There are other advantages to having a breast
prosthesis.
It can:
Give you warmth
Protect your chest and scars
Help balance your posture
Keep your bra from shifting or riding up
Help prevent problems with curvature of the spine, shoulder drop and muscular pain in the neck and back
Special bras are made that have pockets to hold the prosthesis. There are many attractive bras that come in varying colors (e.g., white, ivory, black, & nude/beige) that can be fitted at the time of the prosthesis. New products are always becoming available (in different shapes, weights, etc.) so it is a good idea to visit us to see if there have been any advances since your last fitting.
How soon after surgery can a breast form be worn?
It is a good idea to consult your physician. It varies for each woman depending on her surgery and healing. Most women will be able to wear a prosthesis (breast form) within 2-8 weeks after her surgery. Camisoles that have soft attachable prostheses can be worn immediately after surgery until the surgical site is healed.
At the first fitting appointment, it's recommended that a woman wear a form-fitting garment such as a knit top so she can see how the shape and size of the breast form matches the other breast. With the proper fitting, a prosthesis is undetectable to observers.
The Naturalwear range provides breast prostheses that are 35% lighter than
conventional silicone forms as well as weighted prostheses. All products has a 2 year guarantee and carry the ISO Mark of International Standards.
Paying for Your
Breast Prosthesis and Post-Mastectomy Bra
Most
medical aids will cover the cost of the breast prosthesis every two
years and mastectomy bra up to every three months. This depends on
the chosen medical aid and option. Some require a prescription from
a doctor. Mastectomy bathing suits are usually not covered. If a
medical aid does not routinely cover a prosthesis, it is sometimes
useful to petition coverage. On average, prostheses need to be
replaced every one to two years and post-mastectomy bras every three
months to a year.
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