Q: When should I come to be fitted for my breast surgery products?
A: We recommend you come visit us prior to your surgery if possible in order to be educated on what to expect after surgery and get a post surgery camisole. We would also like to become familiarized with your preferences and needs prior to your fittings with us.
Q: How soon after breast surgery can I wear a prosthesis?
A: Designed By Nature has a post mastectomy camisole that is designed for use in the initial post operative stages. This camisole will discreetly hold your drainage tubes in place and has a foam prosthesis that will give you shape and form in the surgery area. This can be worn until drainage tubes are removed. After that, we have a light and soft temporary prosthesis that can be worn during the duration of your healing time. These fit in a soft and non binding bra. Once you are completely healed, usually 6 - 8 weeks after surgery, you are able to be fit with your permanent silicone breast prosthesis and fashionable post mastectomy bras! This prosthesis will have the natural shape and feel of your remaining breast.
Q: What should I expect during the fitting process?
A: One of our caring, certified fitters will discuss with you what products may be most beneficial for you and that will reflect your taste in style. She will professionally measure your torso and remaining breast for proper size. She will then try on bras and breast forms to achieve the best balance and symmetry. You are free to choose the style of bra and color that you prefer. The fitter will work with you one on one to help you to make the right decisions. She will try on the selected products and fit you with your own clothing and fitting gowns to be sure that you are balanced and happy with your new look! The fitter will respect your privacy and wishes during the fitting.
Q: What kind of bra can I wear after breast surgery?
A: Our ABCOP Accredited fitter will measure you and fit you in the bra type of your choice. We have in stock a large variety of styles, colors, and sizes. For instance, we carry back or front closure bras, seamless bras, molded cup bras, front closure bras, sports bras, leisure and sleep bras, longline and posture bras, lace bras, and more. You will be delighted in the choice we have for you after you have had breast surgery. Most insurance policies will cover these items on a yearly basis.
Q: Will my insurance pay for my bras and prosthesis?
A: Medicare approves a silicone prosthesis every two years, and bras every three months. It is advised that you come see a fitter at least twice a year to check your fitting. Also, private insurance companies do have coverage for these products, but each have to be called for verification before your appointment. At that time we can give you a better estimate of your coverage. "The Women's Health Act of 1998" requires that all insurance companies have coverage for breast prosthesis, bras, and breast reconstruction. You may have co-insurance and deductibles that you may be responsible for at the time of your fitting, which we can notify you of before your appointment.
Q: Is it really necessary to wear a prosthesis after a mastectomy?
A: Wearing a breast prosthesis is for more than just filling out your clothing. It also plays a very important role in your health and recovery. After a mastectomy, your body is imbalanced due to loss of tissue on one side of the body. This can result in your losing your balance, leaning to one side, and shoulder and neck discomfort. A prosthesis is specially designed to rebalance the body, and realign you as you were before having the breast removed. It can help prevent shoulder drop, spinal curvature, and other structural problems in the future. A silicone prosthesis also has a very natural feel, and will restore your pre surgery look and feel of your breast.
Q: What options do you have for a lumpectomy or reconstruction patient?
A: After a lumpectomy, there may be a small area of breast missing, or a large area such as the entire nipple. We have specially made prostheses for these situations. A partial or lumpectomy form is a small prosthesis that is designed to give a slight amount of fill in to the area where the tissue is missing. Also for a reconstruction, you may need a nipple area filled in your bra or balance due to imbalance on one side. These forms are optimum for those types of surgeries, and are discreet and easy to wear.
Q: What should I bring to my fitting?
A: You should bring your insurance cards, prescription for surgical bras and breast prosthesis from your doctor, your favorite bra for reference, and a t-shirt or close fitting sweater. It is recommended that you leave your children and grandchildren at home as this is a special and private time for you.
Q: Are wigs more natural looking and comfortable than in times past?
A: Yes, wigs are much improved over the past decade. We offer several types of wigs, or cranial prostheses. We have machine made, monofilament, and hand knotted wigs in stock. The monofilament and hand hand knotted wigs are the most natural, light, and comfortable in the industry, and give the wearer a new sense of confidence and fashion. They are made from synthetic fibers, with a natural clear cap design. You can even brush the hair straight off your face and it looks so natural! The scalp shows through, and they are custom fitted for comfort. We can custom order your color, size, and style. Come see one of our wig fitters at Designed By Nature for a customized wig fitting!
If you have any particular question, please feel free to contact us!!