How to Have a Successful Mastectomy Fitting

By Karna Morton, Certified Mastectomy Fitter

Last Updated: Aug 1, 2007
Articles & News : Articles : Prosthesis & Accessories

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You have had a mastectomy, your chest wall looks unusual, and you have so many emotions running through your head.  This is very normal.  Six to eight weeks post-op your surgeon will usually let you know if you and your chest wall are ready for a prosthesis.  Once you get the “green light” to go ahead, contact a local, reputable company and ask to speak with a certified mastectomy fitter.  Getting your prosthesis is an important step for you.  You will be able to wear clothes more comfortably and it may help you feel stronger psychologically.

During the initial telephone conversation, ask the fitter as many questions as you need in order to get comfortable with her and her qualifications.  If she seems kind, understanding and knowledgeable, ask to book an appointment for a fitting.  Normally a fitting will take approximately one hour in a private fitting room.  The fitting room should be very private with a door that locks, and if there are windows, there should be blinds that remain closed. Products should also be located in the fitting room, so that no interruptions occur. The timeframe may vary depending on the client.  A professional and understanding fitter will allow as much time as is required to achieve a good comfort level with the client.

The mastectomy fitting needs to be a successful, pleasant and stress-free experience.  The goal of any fitter is to make the client look and feel wonderful. Remember, a successful fitting begins with a properly fitted mastectomy bra ensuring the breast form remains in place. They are of excellent quality and are offered in a wide variety of styles and colours.

All mastectomy bras come complete with pockets on the inside of the bra for the breast form to slide into.

Comfort, confidence and security will be at the top of the list with regard to choosing a breast form.  A breast form should be soft and natural looking.  Breast forms are now available in a variety of shapes, styles and weights.  Your fitter will discuss these options and help you to select one that is best suited for your needs.

Classic breast form

Some women will choose the regular weight breast form, and others will choose the light weight form.  Depending on the size and shape of the natural remaining breast, a fitter will then advise the client what the better fit will be.

Another option is a self-adhering or attachable breast form.  These breast forms are becoming very popular with a lot of women.  They are available in regular weight and light weight, and can be worn with any style bra, not necessitating a mastectomy bra. With the attachable forms, you will need to take more time in preparing the chest wall and cleaning the adhesive back. 

Leisure forms offer comfort right after surgery, and are ideal for casual wear. Swim forms are also available made with a clear silicone hollow concave back to minimize weight.

A fitting room should be fully stocked with a wide variety of products and sizes in an attempt to have the client fitted the same day.  However, on occasion, there may be the need to order a product that will best suit the client. A chart or data base is maintained for every mastectomy client, noting products and styles purchased for future reference. My goal as a mastectomy fitter is to make certain my client leaves happy and feeling great about herself and the products that she has selected.

Karna Morton, Certified Mastectomy Fitter
Family 1st Medical Limited
8995 Commercial Street
New Minas, NS  B4N 3E3
1-800-565-2021 or 681-0202
http://www.family1stmedical.ns.ca

Originally published February 1, 2005

 

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