Post Mastectomy Services
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Non-surgical image reconstruction is offered by Comprehensive Prosthetics and Orthotics, and it focuses on the non-surgical choices available for women seeking to meet the psychological and physiological recovery needs following a lumpectomy, mastectomy, or breast reconstructive surgery.
Our women’s services specialist is an ABC-certified mastectomy/lymphedema fitter, trained in the fitting of breast prostheses after breast surgery. Keep reading to learn more about CPO, our expert Mastectomy service offerings, and what you can expect after receiving treatment.
Request a Free Evaluation
Take the first step in your journey towards returning to your new normal. We are here to help you every step of the way. Schedule a consultation with a mastectomy therapist at your nearest CPO clinic.
Mastectomy
Mastectomy is a surgical operation to remove a breast. About 44% of women diagnosed with breast cancer choose to end up needing a mastectomy performed. Of those 44% only 7% choose to have immediate reconstruction. If you are looking to learn more about all of your options or are curious as to how this will affect your day-to-day life, our experts at CPO are here to help you answer any questions you may have.
Alternative procedures include the option for a lumpectomy. A lumpectomy is a surgical procedure where only the malignant tumor and margin of healthy breast tissue is removed. It is also referred to as a “breast-conserving surgery.” Lymph nodes may also be removed during a lumpectomy.
What Are The Options For The Remaining 37% Of Women?
For those who do not seek immediate reconstruction, they may seek out a breast prosthesis. A breast prosthesis is a contoured device resembling breast tissue and made of silicone or foam. It is to be worn inside a pocketed bra. This device helps to regain balance along the chest wall and recreates a patient’s pre-surgery appearance.
What Are My Options For Regaining Balance?
A partial breast prosthesis is a thin silicone or foam insert designed to fit over the remaining breast tissue to create balance with the non-surgical breast.
Healing Stages
Depending on how much time has passed since the surgery, patients will utilize various prostheses or bras to help with recovering from a Mastectomy. CPO specializes in various orthotic and prosthetic services that are designed to promote comfort, and mobility, and help you return to your previous quality of life. Keep reading to learn more about the prosthesis and bras worn at various stages of the Mastectomy healing process.
Immediately After Surgery
Camisole/Fiber-Filled Prostheses: A camisole gives minimal support for the non-surgical breast while still providing comfort. This garment comes with removable drainage pouches for post-surgical drainage bulbs as well as a fiber-filled breast form to help recreate symmetry.
These garments are great for post-op and/or during radiation treatments because they are soft and lightweight. This style garment is available in both a short and long style.
Less Than Six Weeks After Surgery
Cotton Stretch Bra: This is a very soft and stretchable garment with a front closure, which allows for minimal arm motion. It also contains pockets to help hold the prosthesis in place. This garment is recommended for low levels of activity. Weighted or Non-Weighted Foam.
Prostheses: These prostheses are used during the final stages of healing when comfort and ease are still a primary need. The weighted prosthesis allows just enough weight to keep the prosthesis down in the pocket of the bra and prevents the prosthesis from “floating.” However, these garments can also be worn during low activity at any point throughout the patient’s life.
More Than Six Weeks After Surgery
Traditional Fashion Bra: Once the patient is completely healed, it is recommended they return to a post-mastectomy fashion bra. CPO offers all pocketed garments in a variety of styles and colors.
Silicone Prostheses: The silicone breast prosthesis offers the most natural feel and look for women who have had a mastectomy.
Life After Breast Surgery
Just as before the surgery, it is important to build a wardrobe of choices. This includes keeping a variety of styles of bras and prostheses. Multiple options will provide many different combinations that allow for choices according to your daily activity level. Find what makes you feel most comfortable and confident during your post-surgery life.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Spinal curvature
- Shoulder drop
- Balance problems
- Muscle contracture and stretching/neck and back pain
- Clothing to fit inappropriately due to chest wall variations
- The pocketed bra creates security for the prosthesis and allows the form to move with the body
- The mastectomy bra is designed to allow a higher fit under the arm where tissue may be missing
- The straps are set closer in the back to help balance the prosthesis weight
- Side frames help support, anchor, and balance the band around the body
Request a Free Evaluation
Take the first step in your journey towards returning to your new normal. We are here to help you every step of the way. Schedule a consultation with a specialist at your nearest CPO clinic.