BREAST FORMs - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When can I start to wear a breast form?
This is a personal decision. Many women are ready
for their fitting four to six weeks after surgery. This may vary from three
weeks up until three months, depending on when your body heals and when you
feel you are ready. Make an appointment when you feel comfortable. Your fitting
will take approximately one hour.
What should I bring to my fitting?
1. A top or blouse that is typical of your
wardrobe.
2. Your own bras if you want us to check if they will work for you.
3. A friend for moral support and a second opinion, if you like.
4. Be prepared to pay for your bras and breast form when you come. You must
apply for funding after you have purchased the items.
What happens in my fitting?
You and your personal fitter will go into a private
fitting room where you can discuss your situation and she will establish your
needs. She will ascertain your bra size and bring in a selection of bras based
on your requirements. Your fitter will then show you a selection of breast
forms which you will try in the bra; during this process your fitter will be
finding the best prosthesis possible in size, shape and weight for your body.
Do I need a breast form even if I am small busted?
Yes. A breast form is important for all women, as
the spine needs to be weighted on both sides. When you lose the weight on one
side, the spine will curve to favour the heavier side. This often results in
headaches and backaches as well as a sloped posture.
How do I go about getting a breast form?
You are able to purchase a breast form at anytime
at our store. We carry a variety of shapes, weights and sizes, including
partial breast forms. We recommend you make an appointment with us, unless you
are simply purchasing a replacement for a prosthesis for which you have already
been fit.
What kind of lingerie or bras can I look forward to
after my surgery?
The selection of traditional mastectomy bras has
increased dramatically over the past few years with the demand for smooth,
comfortable t-shirt bras as well as prettier, lacy bras. Many of our customers
never wore beautiful lingerie until after their surgery! Not all women need to
wear traditional surgical bras. Our seamstress can adapt the bra to work with a
pocket sewn in. In fact, many of the new prosthesis on the market are designed
to be worn in bras without pockets. There are even attachable breast forms,
which open up a whole new world in lingerie. Your bra fitting is the most
important part of your post surgery fitting to ensure your prosthesis conforms
properly to your body.
Can I use my prosthesis in a swimsuit?
If you are only toe-dipping around the pool, then
yes, you can use your regular prosthesis in your suit. (You would require a
suit that has a pocket to hold your form in place). If you are swimming
regularly for exercise in chlorine or salt water, we highly recommend the
special swim form that can be purchased from us. This form is specially
designed to withstand more wear and tear, and it is a lighter weight silicone
for active wear. The price for this form is $105.00 and is not covered by the
ADP. However, some insurance companies do cover this as well.
What
kind of swimsuit can I wear?
Swimming is a great exercise and our fitters will help you find
the suit and swim form that is perfect for your body. Swimwear designers have
realized the importance of providing suits for women with mastectomies, and the
selection has never been better; even the world’s top fashion swimwear brands
carry suits that have pockets for swim forms. Should you not find a suit that
you like that already has a pocket in it, our in house seamstress can adapt
some suits to accommodate your swim form.
Please note that we alter swimsuits
purchased at our boutique, however, we do not alter swimsuits or bras that are
purchased from other stores.
How
do I care for my breast form?
Use warm water and mild soap, and gently dry your
breast form. Take care to ensure you do not puncture your form with jewellery
or pins. To protect and maintain the shape of your breast form, always store it
back in its cradle.
What
if my prosthesis breaks?
Your prosthesis is under a
two-year warranty with the manufacturer. If there is a fault with the breast
form and it splits during this time, the manufacturer will replace the form.
They will not replace breast forms that have been damaged from improper care.
We submit the warranty on your behalf, as a service to you.
More Questions?
Please feel free to contact us Lovely Lingerie Woodbridge anytime if you have any other questions? We are happy to schedule an appointment for a consultation to address your personal concerns as well.
