What to Wear After a Mastectomy

How to adjust your clothing after breast cancer surgery (12 Photos)

Meg Hemphill on Sep 28, 2011 at 12:35PM

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Prosthetics and Forms

After a woman undergoes a mastectomy to remove one or both breasts, new clothes may be necessary to accommodate a sunken or asymmetrical chest and scars. Step one is to get a prosthesis (or breast form as it's also known). "A prosthesis can give the body balance," says Allison Carney, of the CancerCare support program. "We recommend that women wait six weeks after surgery so any swelling will be down." She recommends meeting with a fitter, who can help you find the right size, since not all prosthetics match traditional bra sizes. Fitters can often be found in hospital boutiques, specialty stores or department stores like Nordstrom. The prostheses are generally made of silicone, resemble the teardrop shape of the breast and come in a variety of shades to match skin tone. Not all insurance companies cover the cost, which ranges from $30 to $400 each. Organizations such as CancerCare offer free prostheses, so be sure to investigate with your doctor or patient coordinator.

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Filed Under:
- breast cancer,
- breast cancer awareness

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