Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are there any products available that may help before my breast surgery?
- Yes. You may take a post-surgical camisole with you on the day of your breast surgery. The camisole (which is covered by Medicare and most private insurances) will allow you to wear an undergarment with the use of the drain tubes. It helps to restore your shape while allowing you to secure and hold the drain tubes and bulbs.
2. What will I need after my breast surgery?
- After the drain tubes have been removed, the chest wall has healed and your physician has given you clearance, you may receive a post-surgical bra and an external light weight foam prosthesis.
3. What is a breast form (prosthesis)?
- It is an artificial breast made to be worn inside a pocket of a mastectomy bra. It provides a woman with texture, weight and a natural feminine appearance of a breast. Wearing a breast form helps to re-establish self-confidence and self-esteem. Forms come in three different shapes: triangular, teardrop and heart shape. Forms are made from silicone, foam, or fiberfill and are available off-the-shelf or custom made.
4. How do I care for my silicone breast form?
- If you treat your breast form carefully, as you would treat your own skin it may last for years. Be careful not to puncture it wish sharp objects such a pet claws, corsage pins. Finger nails, etc. Your prosthesis should be washed daily in warm soapy water to remove dirt and residue from oils or perspiration. Do not use powder, lotions or perfume near your breast form. Store your breast form in the foam cradle of the box to help maintain its shape and protect from accidental harm.
5. Why do I need a weighted breast form after surgery?
- A patient may select a "light-weight" or a "weighted" form. Choosing a breast form with weight is suggested. A properly fitted breast prosthesis helps restore the patient's weight loss after surgery. With the loss of breast tissue the body tends to lose balance and compensate with a slight curving on the spine and "shoulder drop." The conditions may lead to chronic lower back and neck pain.
6. Will I need to wear a different kind of bra with my breast prosthesis?
- Yes. It is recommended that you wear a mastectomy bra. A mastectomy bra contains a pocket on the inside to keep your breast form in place. It is important thing to choose a bra that fits properly and supports the weight of your breast form adequately. You might find you feel more secure wearing a pocketed mastectomy bra that is designed to hold a breast form. There are many beautiful styles to choose from, including under-wire styles if that's what you prefer.
7. How Do I Care For My Bra?
- Proper care will prolong the life of your mastectomy bra and provide lasting comfort, security and an overall natural look and feel. We recommend hand washing in warm water with mild soap. Hang to dry. Never put bras in dryer. Do not use fabric softeners or bleach.
8. Do I need to make an appointment and if so, how long will I be there?
- Yes, appointments are recommended. Your initial appointment will take approximately 45 minutes to an hour.
9. I had lumpectomy surgery some time ago and recently noticed that one side of my bra doesn't fit well anymore. Can anything be done to correct this?
- Yes! Many times after a lumpectomy, women may experience some asymmetry. It may be noticeable right away, months later and even years later. There is a partial breast prosthesis which slips into the pocket of a mastectomy bra and corrects the asymmetry, and helps to restore the weight and balance.
10. Does insurance cover these products?
- Yes. In Texas, Medicare allows up to 6 mastectomy bras every calendar year and one silicone breast prosthesis per affected breast once every 2 years. The benefits are driven by the diagnosis of breast cancer, not the surgical procedure. Most private insurance covers breast products as well. See the "Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998." Medicaid does not cover breast products in the state of Texas.
11. My breasts are different in shape and size after I decided to get reconstruction. What can I do?
- Just like a patient who has undergone a lumpectomy, you may be fit with a partial breast prosthesis. Sometimes after reconstruction the breast will have a slightly flattened appearance. Most bras in retail shops are not made to fit this flattened shape. Again, Medicare and private insurance cover these breast products if you had a diagnosis of breast cancer.
12. I have lost/gained weight since my reconstruction. Are there products available to correct the asymmetry?
- Weight gain/weight loss may affect the breast tissue. A partial breast prosthesis may be worn to restore the weight, balance and asymmetry. The prosthesis may be worn on the affected or unaffected side.
13. What insurance does A Touch of Pink accept?
- We are currently contracted with Medicare, Medicaid, BlueCross/Blue Shield, Cigna, Fiesta, Boon Champan and many more. A Touch of Pink is consistently contracting with additional insurance companies. Please call the boutique to see if we are contracted with your insurance. As a courtesy, A Touch of Pink will contact your insurance carrier even if they are out of network, to determine your benefits and eligibility.
14. What if I don't have insurance?
- A Touch of Pink will guide you to a resource that may be able to help you.
15. What should I bring?
- A prescription from your physician, all your insurance cards and an identification card.
16. Do you have wigs?
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Mastectomy Boutique
