FAQ - The Fitting

Below are my answers to questions that are listed in the back of the Cancer Council booklet "Breast Prostheses and Reconstruction - A guide to options after breast surgery" - This is an excellent resource and I highly encourage you read it. I use both the words breast form and prosthesis throughout the page, but they are referring to the same thing.   

How long will the fitting take?

Your appointment is booked for 1 hour - it could take less time - it may take more - I don't book appointments back to back so there is some buffer time. If you think you'll need more than an hour, let me know, I'm happy to accommodate your needs.  

Can I bring a support person to the fitting?

Absolutely, I highly encourage you do - they know you better than me and will act as your second pair of eyes, and will give you honest feedback (hopefully!), and of course be there for support. 

If I don't want to remove my bra, is it possible to be measured for a prosthesis and/or pocketed bra without doing so?

Yes - I have been trained to measure with a measuring tape (which can be done over a bra, including a post op bra) and by sight, so there is no need to remove the bra in front of me, I will simply leave the room when you need to change into your new bra, and then assess the size of your new bra by sight. The prosthesis size is based on your bra size, and we do the fitting in a soft cup bra so that we can see the shape clearly. If you're not happy for me to put the prosthesis in the pocket I can show you how to do it before I leave the room. 

Do you have a wide range of styles and colours? Can you order other styles or colours if the ones in stock aren't suitable?

Yes - I specialise in mastectomy bras and breast forms and the reason I started this service was to bring more brands and styles of mastectomy bras to Bendigo and surrounding areas, so women would have somewhere they can try on a range of bras and breast forms to find the perfect fit. I also have brand catalogues that you can flip through, and I am more than happy to order in a style you want to try (and you don't have to buy it if it doesn't suit you). 

What if I find the prosthesis too heavy or hot?

We have a few options: you can try an extra-light weight prosthesis which is 40% lighter than a standard prosthesis. This is the lightest weight available, and I stock it at Fittings by Ashleigh. 

If you haven't worn an Amoena breast form you can try an Amoena form, which has Comfort+ in it. Comfort+ is a technology that ensures constant and gentle temperature regulation between the body and form. It is made up of rapeseed oil-based wax, which is micro-encapsulated: heat from your body transfers to the wax (known as phase-change material), where it melts the wax into liquid which then stores the heat. Once you cool down, it will release the heat back to your body, changing the liquid back into a solid form. 

Our third option is to try an Amoena Energy form - this has 30% more Comfort+ in it, and it has three-dimensional pearls on the back of the form to ensures air circulation and allows moisture to evaporate. 

Contact me within 10 days of purchase and we can discuss how you're finding the breast form. 

Can I also get a swim breast prosthesis? Will I need a special swimming costume?

Yes, I recommend getting a swim form. If you swim rarely, you can swim in your regular prosthesis (not Amoena Adapt Air), although keep in mind the shape may not match your remaining breast in a swim suit. A swim form is made from a pale blue silicone which is chlorine and seawater resistant and dries quickly. It also has a hollow back with raised waves which allows for excellent water drainage and optimal ventilation.

So if you swim regularly a swim form is a must. I also use my swim form in my sports bra, and in my leisure bras, as the shape matches better. Your swimsuit needs to be pocketed, otherwise the prosthesis can float away. Amoena and Anita have some nice swimsuit options. There are some other brands available from other websites at this stage that are pocketed. 

What is the price range of the prostheses and bras you sell?

All prices are on my website - the price range for mastectomy bras is $44.95 - $120, partial forms and swim forms $150-$298, full prostheses $400 to $499.95. Remember in Australia you are entitled to a $400 rebate per prosthesis every 2 years. Your private health insurance may also cover the cost of mastectomy bras and prostheses. So for a prosthesis you will be out of pocket a maximum $100 per prosthesis you buy. 

How long will my prosthesis last? 

This depends on how well you look after your prosthesis - it should last at least 2 years. If it is washed daily, stored in the cradle after being worn, kept away from sharp objects, and worn in the pocket of a correctly fitted bra, then it can last beyond the 2-year mark. However, in Australia, you are entitled to the $400 Medicare rebate for external breast prostheses every 2 years, and lots can change in that time which might require a different type or size of breast form:

  • Body shape, weight loss or gain, breast size, tissue texture
  • Lifestyle/activities

Some signs that a new breast form is needed:

  • You may not find it as comfortable if your chest wall or scarring changes, you might want a different backing. 
  • The form may not hold its shape as well, it might look wrinkled (especially if they've been laid on flat surfaces a lot
  • It may start to smell like what it's been exposed to e.g chlorine water, perfume 
  • There may be signs of wear to the silicone under the polyurethane film
  • The backing of a Contact breast form may start to deteriorate (especially if not being cleaned or removed from chest wall properly)
  • There may be discolouration of the breast form

What is the warranty period for the prosthesis?

Breast forms/prostheses have a warranty period of 2 years (from the date of purchase), except for:

  • the swim form which has a warranty period of 1 year due to potential frequent exposure to pool chemicals  
  • The adhesive gel back layer of the Amoena Contact breast form is not warranted in any respect - their on-going performance is directly related to certain factors beyond the control of Amoena, such as the consumer’s compliance with a daily cleaning regimen using only the Amoena Soft Cleanser, proper care of the form, perspiration levels, skin type, exudates (body oils), moisture, diet and personal hygiene.

If you have bought a breast form from me and you need to activate the warranty please contact me to organise your replacement form.