Amoena has a wide variety of breast prostheses to choose from. Gain some insight on how to select the perfect Amoena breast prosthesis for you in this helpful guide.
Many women are opting for a double mastectomy to treat breast cancer. Mastectomy is a surgical procedure that involves removing one or both breasts to treat breast cancer. Remember to take care of yourself and learn about recovery tips that can help ease any discomfort.
Being diagnosed with breast cancer can be exacting. It can also be exhausting to learn that only breast removal could treat the condition. Luckily, you can still get your natural body and breast shape with a breast prosthesis.
But you need to pick a proper prosthesis that fits well. Keep in mind that your breast form also has medical benefits as it can help prevent bad posture and lymphedema.
In this post, we're going to cover some of the crucial tips to consider when shopping for an Amoena breast prosthesis bra.
4 Tips on How to Select the Perfect Amoena Breast Prosthesis
1. Work With Your Doctor
As noted before, a breast prosthesis is more of a medical solution than a cosmetic one. As such, it's essential to involve a medical professional when selecting the correct form.
At first, your doctor will assess your skin condition following your surgery. This helps to ensure no open wounds or drainings at the site. Next, the fitter will suggest the best breast forms and prostheses for your post-mastectomy recovery if you have removed both breasts.
2. Proper Fitting
Amoena products come with letters and numbers that make it easier to pick the right fit.
If you've removed both breasts, the ideal prosthesis size will depend on your body shape, clothes, and personal preferences. For example, if you purchase large forms for your frame, it will be difficult to wear your existing clothes.
Choosing the suitable breast forms depends on several factors, which include:
Cup Fullness
If you removed one breast, the cup full of the remaining breast should make things a bit easier for you. The fullness can be shallow, average, or full. You'll need to stand in front of a mirror to determine your cup's fullness.
In some cases, your doctor might give you images for reference. For those with both breasts removed, you have the option of picking breast form that you feel looks great.
Keep in mind that the cup size will affect how you look at the end. Some sizes are likely to project more than others. Also, pay attention to the concave on the back of the forms.
Shape
Your remaining breast will also determine what breast prosthesis shape will be ideal for you. Common shapes include symmetrical, asymmetrical, extra, and universal.
The symmetrical shape is the ideal option if you've had a standard mastectomy. Most doctors will likely recommend an asymmetrical breast form for those who have had lymph nodes or tissue removed under their arm.
If the surgery involved the removal of both breasts, you could pick a shape that you feel is great.
Bra Size
Before buying a mastectomy bra there there are factors to consider from fabric to comfort, be sure to review our 5 tips to consider.
The fit of your bra is also vital in determining how natural your breast prosthesis will fit. Your fitter will measure your bra size using specific points on your chest wall and around your rib cage.
If you do not have access to a professional bra fitter, you could try our post surgery fitting guide -- Six Weeks Post-Op: Your Amoena Bra Fitting Guide.
3. Know the Types and Materials
When shopping for breast forms, you need to understand the different materials and types, and this can include:
Silicone
The popular options are the silicone forms, which are worn externally and can be more costly than other options. Doctors usually advise patients to only where silicone forms after they've healed well.
Additionally, they feel better and more natural for daily use, and you can find lightweight to heavy options. Remember that choosing the right weight is vital as some can feel too much while walking around.
Even with great care, silicone prostheses can be damaged. You'll need to replace them as needed.
Non-Silicone
There are also non-silicone options, which include foam and fiberfill. In most cases, your doctor will recommend these after your surgery. They're also great if you live in areas with hot weather and for workouts.
Non-silicone forms are much lighter than silicone options, so they will likely cost less.
When it comes to types of breast forms, you have options such as:
- Attachable breast forms: These options use adhesive strips to attach securely to your chest wall.
- Post-surgical soft form in camisole: This is a wearable breast that fits in a camisole garment, and you can wear it following the surgery.
- Partial breast prosthesis: This is a shell that you can wear over your breast tissue to enhance the size and appearance of your breast.
As you can see, some materials and types are heavier than others. Lightweight options might be ideal for you if you're always on the go. Also, those who like engaging in fitness activities like swimming and exercise will find lightweight forms great.
4. Costs
Prices for breast forms vary widely depending on the material and other factors like quality and size. For high-quality products, you can expect a price tag of $100 to over $500. Silicone options can be between $240 to $400.
However, you can get cheap options like fiberfill forms, costing as little as $10. If you can't afford your desired choice, your insurance plan may cover a percentage of the cost.
Nevertheless, you must prove that your prosthesis is a medical prescription for your insurer to pay. Also, custom options are available, and they can come at premium costs.
Breast Prosthesis — Final Thoughts
Amoena breast forms are designed to deliver optimum performance and comfort. However, that doesn't mean every option there suits your needs. It would be best to find a breast prosthesis that fits your body silhouette.
If you're shopping alone, take the time to try different forms and bras to find the right option. Measuring your chest wall before shopping and examining your breasts can be helpful in proper selection.
Do you have questions about Amoena's breast prosthesis? Be sure to reach out to us.
Finally, check out our wide assortment of Amoena mastectomy bras and breast forms here.
References:
- https://www.statnews.com/2017/08/29/double-mastectomy-breast-cancer/
- https://www.healthline.com/health-news/nipple-sparing-mastectomies#Low-risk-of-breast-cancer-recurrence
- https://www.facingourrisk.org/XRAY/nipple-sparing-mastectomy
- https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/treatment/surgery-for-breast-cancer/mastectomy.html
