How soon after breast surgery can I be fitted with a prosthesis?

About six to eight weeks after breast surgery it will be time to see the postmastectomy fitter. Women who experienced breast conserving surgery will also benefit from a postmastectomy fitting as there are partial prostheses to help fill in the missing portion of their breast and provide symmetry. 

 

What is the expected lifetime of a silicone breast prosthesis?

Amoena®, Trulife®, and American Breastcare® silicone breast prostheses are warranteed against manufacturer’s defects for two years from the date of purchase. The warranty does not cover damage to the prosthesis from punctures or erosion to the skin of the prosthesis from perfume or lotions. Premium breast prostheses may last longer than two years with proper care. It is still a good idea to see a Certified Mastectomy Fitter yearly to have a fit assessment, as women’s bodies change with age and weight.

 

My prosthesis feels heavy.  Is it too large?

The first thing to evaluate in this situation is the fit of the bra. Bras have a lifespan of three to six months of constant use before they need to be replaced. If the bra doesn’t adequately support the prosthesis and hold it snugly against the chest wall, then the straps of the bra end up supporting the weight of the prosthesis and pulling down on the shoulder area.

 

Is a lighter weight breast prosthesis appropriate for me?

Many women who cannot tolerate a weighted silicone prosthesis find that a light weight prosthesis is much more comfortable. Some medical conditions such as lymphedema or osteoporosis of the spine warrant a light weight prosthesis.

 

I had a lumpectomy, breast conserving surgery or reconstruction. Is there a prosthesis for me?

The Balance™ family of breastforms are partial prostheses or "shells," made of the same high quality silicone used in premium Amoena® prostheses. The difference is that Balance™ is much thinner, and can go over a breast that just needs a little more fullness in front or on the side to provide symmetry.  The triangular model #533 and the teardrop model #531 from Trulife® may also do very well in making the silhouette more even and natural.

 

How do I clean my breast prosthesis?

Amoena® Soft Cleanser and TruKleen® by Trulife® are recommended for daily use. Skin oils can break down the outer skin of a breast prosthesis and shorten the useful life of the prosthesis. It is a good idea to clean the prosthesis every night and store it in it’s cradle.

 

Is there any way to make wearing my breast prosthesis cooler in warm weather?

Wearing the breast prosthesis inside the bra pocket keeps the prosthesis off the skin. This creates more ventilation to evaporate perspiration. Another solution is to wear a CoolPad® to block the heat transfer from the prosthesis to the chest wall. Some women claim that a lighter weight prosthesis feels cooler. It is very important to wear a bra that supports the breasts and prosthesis and keeps them from resting on the abdomen, as constant moisture in this area can create skin irritation. You can also try the new climate control breast form by Amoena. It uses Phase Change Material (PCM) technology to keep a woman cool when her body temperature rises and keeps her warm when her body temperature lowers. It is personal comfort.

 

What is lymphedema?

Lymphedema can strike anyone who has lymph nodes that have been damaged or removed. It seems to hit breast cancer patients in higher numbers, especially in those who have nodes removed from the underarm area.

To understand what lymphedema is, it helps to know that the word is derived from a combination of the words “lymph” and “edema.” “Lymph,” also known as lymphatic fluid, is the mostly clear fluid that carries white blood cells through your lymphatic system. You probably already know that your circulatory system is an intricate system of blood vessels made up of arteries, veins, and capillaries designed to circulate blood to all areas of your body. In the same sense, your lymphatic system is a network of vessels and nodes that allows lymphatic fluid to interact with body tissues and the bloodstream, providing the lymphocytes that are a keystone of your immune system. “Edema” is the medical term for swelling anywhere in the body that is caused by a buildup of fluids. Therefore, “lymphedema” is, literally, a buildup of lymph that causes swelling in the body.

There are two types of lymphedema: primary and secondary. Primary lymphedema, whose causes are poorly understood, can occur at birth or appear well into adulthood. It can also be caused by defects that develop in the circulatory system. But the type of lymphedema most likely to affect breast cancer survivors is known as secondary lymphedema. Secondary lymphedema is more common than primary lymphedema and can be caused by any kind of trauma to the lymphatic system.

 

To clearly understand what happens in lymphedema, it helps to think of the lymphatic system as a series of very busy roads that effectively route traffic only when all roads are open. Then, think of what would happen if some of these roads were closed, removed or otherwise became impassable while the level of traffic stayed the same. Lymphedema occurs when lymphatic fluid can no longer travel effectively through a segment of the lymphatic system and instead spreads into the surrounding tissues, causing swelling.

 

During surgery for breast cancer, it is almost certain that one or more lymph “nodes” and lymph vessels will be removed to determine if and how far the breast cancer has spread. This removal causes routing problems for lymph in the affected area. To further complicate matters, breast cancer patients are also frequently treated with radiation, which causes scarring and other damage to lymph nodes and vessels. In both cases, the injury caused to the lymphatic system places breast cancer patients at increased risk for lymphedema.

 

In some breast cancer patients, lymphedema develops almost immediately after surgery. In others, it may develop many years later or not at all. It is not possible to predict who will and who won’t face this disorder, but it is estimated that between one quarter and one third of all breast cancer survivors will eventually be affected.

 

Though there is currently no cure for lymphedema, it can be controlled through treatment if detected early, and there are steps that can be taken that may lessen the risk of developing lymphedema in the first place. Breast cancer survivors should familiarize themselves with the symptoms of lymphedema, and learn the tips that may help to prevent it altogether.

 

What can I expect during a fitting?

About six to eight weeks after breast surgery it will be time to see the postmastectomy fitter. Women who have had a mastectomy should be able to wear a weighted prosthesis at this time since their incision should be healed. Women who experienced breast conserving surgery will also benefit from a postmastectomy fitting as there are partial prostheses to help fill in the missing portion of their breast and provide symmetry. Most private insurance plans have coverage for breast prostheses and bras. If you are in doubt about your coverage, call the number on your insurance card and inquire.