Post Mastectomy Accessories
A Guide to Breast Forms, Prosthesis and Specialist Underwear
A drastic body change can lead to a loss of confidence but mastectomies need no longer make finding clothes difficult thanks to specialist underwear and breast forms.
The decision to have a mastectomy can be the beginning of a frightening and emotional rollercoaster, but once the operation is a distant memory most women will turn their minds to trying to bring a bit of normalcy back into their lives. As superficial as fashion can be it can be just the key to help rebuild confidence when feeling vulnerable or less confident than usual.
Breast Forms
Sometimes also known as prostheses, these are fake breasts designed for women who have uneven breasts or have had a mastectomy. They come in many designs and sizes. They are also available in different materials. Various styles are available including: foam un-weighted, with velcro tabs to stay in place better, weighted, silicone, tear drop shape, triangular, heart shape, partial breast form, asymmetrical to extend under the arm, light weight, with a nipple, glueable, and so on.
Breast forms are very skilfully researched, designed and made and are designed to be a durable part of your everyday wardrobe, so they can cost several hundred dollars. Most women will just have one set of breast forms with perhaps a second for swimwear, so it is highly recommended to buy the first set from a shop rather than over the internet so that the buyer can weigh up all of the options available before deciding which to buy.
Mastectomy Bras
Mastectomy bras are designed for women who have had a partial or full mastectomy; they have pockets to hold the prostheses. As women who buy these bras will each have very individual needs, the first fitting should be done in a shop where a prosthesis will also be discussed. The bras do not come pre-filled, as some women will need just one prosthesis; some will need two, while some may need just a semi-prosthesis on one breast. These bras are also suitable for women with very uneven cup sizes.
Swim Wear
Much like mastectomy bras, you can get swimwear with pockets in the breast panels in which to insert prostheses. You can also get swimming prosthesis, which are waterproof and in some cases have a concave back so as to be lighter and retain their form in the water.
Other Mastectomy Clothing
Not every woman likes to wear a bra, so another option is a slip or vest. Like the bras, these have pockets in which to fit a prosthesis. As mastectomy bras and vests have pockets in which to put breast forms, this means that women can continue to wear their old clothes or can choose to buy a new wardrobe from all of the shops they usually use.
There are also various accessories to help with different outfits such as fake nipples, padding for under bra straps and removable pockets to put into normal fashion bras to put breast forms in.
For browsing choices available and photos of different products you can search the many websites available such as New You Boutique.
