Mastectomy Q&A

Why do I need weighted prosthesis (silicone breast form)?

A breast prosthesis or breast form is designed to restore balance and weight between your right and left size of your body. Having your balance can restored it can avoid future health problems such as spinal curvature, shoulder drop, neck and back pain etc. Wearing a breast form helps to restore self-confidence.

What is a post surgical camisole (with drainage pouches)?

This is a garment that is designed to be worn right after surgery. It has two removable drainage pouches to hold your drainage bag. The post surgical camisole comes with two fiberfill leisure forms – temporary breast forms.

How soon after surgery can I wear my breast form?

Soon after surgery, you can be using a foam form or your fiber-filled breast form – both are a (temporary) non-weighted breast form. It restores shape, is lightweight and will minimize irritation to sensitive tissue. Your physician will inform you when it is the proper time for you to be fitted for a permanent weighted silicone breast form. In general it could be as soon as six to eight weeks after surgery.

 

Are breast forms and mastectomy bras covered by insurance?

Most private insurance companies will pay for all or part of a new full prosthesis and or partial prosthesis every 2 years; coverage for mastectomy bras can range from 2 to 3 bras every 6 months to a year if determined medically necessary. Confirm coverage with private companies. If a woman’s weight changes dramatically she may be permitted to purchase a breast form and mastectomy bras sooner than the normal replacement period. Please confirm coverage with private insurance company for details, a doctors prescription may be needed.

 

Do I need a special bra to wear with my breast form?

A mastectomy bra is especially made for breast prosthesis the have a pocket sewn into the bra cup to support and hold the breast form in place. Without a mastectomy bra leaning forward can reveal gaps between the breast form and the body, the form may have significant moment, even a chance of falling out of a regular bra.

 

How do I know what size of breast form I need?

Amonena Breast Form Sizing Chart Link Here.

Naturalwear Breast Form Sizing Chart Here.

 

How to care for your breast form?

If treated as directed, a breast form is very durable. Care should be taken when handling sharp objects to prevent the outer film of the breast form from being punctured or damaged. A breast form should be cleaned with warm water and a mild soap (such as TruKleen from Camp) and dried gently after use. When not in use, the breast form should be stored in its cradle to maintain the shape of the form and prevent accidental damage. Breast forms are guaranteed against manufacturing defects for two years, swim forms for one year.

 

How do I know what size of bra I need?

Bra sizing chart link here.

 

Wigs Q&A

Are wigs covered by private insurance?

Most private insurance companies will pay for part or full price of the wig if determined medically necessary. Confirm coverage with private companies. A doctor’s prescription in most cases will be needed.

 

How to measure head for a wig?

Wig sizing chart link here.

Can I make my wig bigger or smaller?

Yes you can adjust the size of a wig. Each wig has adjustment hooks or Velcro on near the back of the wig. You can adjust the wig to larger or smaller. Adjust the wig to be snug but not uncomfortably tight.

How do I care for my wig?

Each wig has washing instructions inside the name card. But if you have lost the name card here is the general information:

It is recommended that you use only shampoos, conditioners, and sprays that are specially formulated and designed for synthetic wigs; this will increase the longevity of the wig. Never use over the counter human hair shampoo or other hair care products on synthetic wig fibers. Specially designed wig brushes and comb are only recommended for wigs as well. Generally you wash and condition your wig after every 10-12 wears. Every wig comes with washing instruction printed inside of the name card.

If you have misplaced this card here is a general instruction for washing your wig.

Remove tangles with your fingers and gently brush your wig with wig brush. The only exception is wigs that are very curly – don’t attempt to brush.

Fill a basin with cold water (hot water can damage your wig) and mix about 1 teaspoon of synthetic wig shampoo to the water. Soak 3-5 minutes, and then gently from side to side. Do not rub.

Rinse thoroughly in cold water.

Pat out excess water in a soft towel. Do not squeeze or twist. Allow drying at room temperature by draping wig over a slender canister to allow air circulation such as a wig stand, but do not put a wet wig on a solid styro foam head stand or block, as this will stretch the cap.

Do not brush wig until completely dry.

Do not use hair dryers, blow dryer or curling iron, avoid excess heat. Sudden bursts of heat, such as opening an oven door, will damage your wig.

Spray wig with leave-in conditioner and work through with fingers to maintain shine.

How to style a synthetic wig?

Synthetic wigs are easy to care for. Shorter wigs “shake n go”, meaning all you do is to shake them out to loosen and separate the fibers. The best way to style your hair is with your fingers. Longer hair may need to be brushed out with a wig brush. For curly wigs it is best to use fingers or pick, brushing a curly wig can separate the curls. Brushing or combing a wig while wet can cause the fibers to damage. Never use any heat source to style your wig, such as a hair dryer or curling iron, avoid any burst of heat as well such as opening an oven door. Heat will damage the fiber and ruin your wig.