Breast prostheses can be worn in the pockets found in both cups of mastectomy bras. For instance, if you just had one breast removed during your mastectomy, you might only require one prosthesis. In addition, mastectomy bras come equipped with many specialized features that can ease a person’s discomfort after undergoing this procedure.
Ensure that your breast prosthesis is neither too light nor too heavy nor too loose; otherwise, it may shift about when you engage in activities or possibly slide out of the pocket entirely.
Mastectomy Bras: Fitting
How do you know if a mastectomy bra is a perfect fit?
- The band fits evenly and securely around the entire circumference of the body.
- The straps are not cutting into the shoulders and not slipping off.
- The cup is completely smooth and presses the center front of the breast form and the entire breast in as close to a position as it can get against the body.
Mastectomy Bras: Fitting problems
Band
The band is one of the most critical factors in achieving a proper fit. It accounts for 80 percent of the support your body offers when properly adjusted. Having it that is neither too loose nor too tight would be disastrous. It needs to be uniformly high all the way around, with just enough space for two fingers under the band to provide a secure fit around the narrowest region of your back. The band is too large; if you can pull the bra out further than this, you should try the following size down.
When the band is not snug enough around your waist, it will “ride up,” forming the shape of a rainbow on your back. When this occurs, it is tempting to over tighten your straps to get the desired level of support; nevertheless, when the band is sufficiently tight, it will stay in place without causing discomfort and lessen the amount of strain on the shoulder straps. When you lift your arms over your head while wearing a bra with a band that is too loose, your breast may fall beneath the band and expose the skin underneath.
The central hook of the fastener is where you should adjust the bra to fit correctly. This gives you some breathing room for when you inevitably ‘bloat’ during the course of the day or during certain phases of your monthly cycle. It also gives you some wiggle area to adjust the fit as the bra loses its initial elasticity over time. Make sure the band is snug by raising your arms. The group shouldn’t wiggle or shift around much at all.
Strap
Once you have determined that the size of the band is appropriate for you, the straps will only contribute 20% of the necessary support. You ought to readjust them so that they are not sliding off your shoulders but are also not so tight that they are digging into your back and leaving a red mark there. Please be aware that specific bras will arrive at your house with the straps already in their proper positions. Be sure to ease them out of the position into one that is more comfortable for you.
If the straps are slipping off of your shoulders, they may be too loose; try pulling them tighter while being careful not to over tighten them. It’s also possible that their width is too big for your face. First, make sure that the band is not too loose because a band that is too broad results in straps that are also too wide. If the band is not too wide, the problem may be the style of the bra. You might try wearing a bra that has more straps that are already attached to it.
Additionally, it is recommended that you check the adjustment on a regular basis because washing and wearing might lead them to become less secure with time.
Cup
If you wear a breast form, the cup should cover the entire form, including the top and bottom, while a plunge or half-cupped bra will only cover half of the breast if you don’t wear one.
If there is any wrinkling or extra fabric, the cup is too large, and you should try a size down. There should also be a clean break at the top of the cup, and your breasts or breast form shouldn’t protrude past the front or back. If so, the cup size is probably too small, and you should try something bigger.
Center front
The center front, often known as the gore, should rest as evenly as possible between your breasts. If you are wearing an underwired bra or a well-fitting soft-cupped bra, you will have an easier time accomplishing this goal. It is important to make sure that the band is not pulling away from your body and that there is no space in the middle of your bra where it is not touching your body. If there is a space between the band and the cup, the cup is too tiny; your breasts are pulling the band away from the cup. You should try the size up.
Breast form
If you wear breast forms, it is essential to ensure that your mastectomy bras and cup are fitted to the side of your natural breasts rather than the side of the breast forms. This will ensure the best possible fit. If you lose or gain significant amounts of weight, the size of your natural breasts will shift, and if this happens to you, it is strongly recommended that you get new breast forms to match the new proportions of your body.
Scheduling return fittings
Your insurance may cover the cost of two new bras each year if your doctor writes a prescription for them, so you can feel at ease maintaining a connection with your mastectomy fitter and going in for fittings twice a year. Alterations in body mass can be another justification for setting up a maintenance fitting. If you’ve recently lost or gained even five pounds, you should get measured again to make sure your bra still fits. Even if you don’t think your weight has changed much, it’s always a good idea to get measured and fitted at least once a year.
When you buy a new bra, it’s best to get fitted again to make sure your breast forms fit comfortably inside.
