What is a Mastectomy Fitter?
What does a Certified Mastectomy Fitter do?
Pursuant to a physician’s order, a certified mastectomy fitter measures a patient and properly fits, dispenses and adjusts external breast prostheses, bras and related supplies. They are integral to the physical and emotional well-being of patients, providing instruction and training on how to properly use and maintain post-mastectomy devices.
P.O.P. is proud to offer high quality post Mastectomy products.
Our Mastectomy Fitter is trained in the latest technological advances in custom breast forms.
Frequently Asked Questions about Post-Mastectomy Products
A breast form is an external prosthesis that can be worn inside the pocket of a bra. Breast forms are designed to resemble natural breast tissue and are therefore made of silicone.
Wearing a breast form will help you to restore the weight that’s missing from your chest wall. Even though wearing a breast form can enhance your overall appearance, not wearing one can cause physical alterations as well. A weighted breast form will restore your body’s natural balance. It will prevent spinal curvature, shoulder drop, and lower back and neck pain.
Clean your breast form daily in lukewarm water with mild soap. Dry off with a soft towel. Once clean, store your breast form, nipple side down in the travel case provided.
Your breast form is not covered under warranty if punctured. Since Medicare and most private insurance providers will only cover one breast prosthesis (two if you’re bilateral) every 2 years, then it’s extremely important that you take all necessary precautions to preserve your breast form. This means storing your breast form in the travel case when not in use and staying away from sharp objects.
It is recommended that you opt for a swim form which was designed specifically for swimming. ABC offers 2 swim forms from which you can choose.
Breast forms have a life expectancy of 2 years. Medicare and most private insurances grant you an allowable for a new prosthesis every 2 years. If you have a bilateral, you’re allowed 2 breast forms every 2 years.
If you’re looking for a cooler breast form, the patented Massage Form® was proven to reduce perspiration when compared to a standard back breast form. The special channels on the back layer allow air to circulate between you and the form. View more information about the Massage Forms®.
Our Lightweight breast forms and Ultra Light breast forms are lighter when compared to standard silicone. Ultra Light is an exclusive creation from ABC. Having a weighted breast form is important, but we know that too much weight can become cumbersome. Depending on your preference, ABC provides 3 different types of silicone: standard, lightweight and ultra light. Lightweight and ultra light are respectively 30% and 45% lighter than standard silicone.
Shapers, also known as partials, are designed to restore symmetry, helping you achieve a balanced look and feel. ABC provides a variety of shapers depending upon your need.
No, breast form technology has made great strides. With a proper fitting, you will find the right breast form and bra to make you look balanced and feel confident. As an added measure, it’s helpful to know that our silicone breast forms are completely “huggable”. So don’t worry about the feel of your breast forms. No one will be able to tell. Your breast form will pass the “hug test” with flying colors!
Every woman is different – so is every bra and every best form. It’s best to have a certified fitter help you look at what works best for your size, frame and build.
Before you go for another fitting, you should check with your doctor. You need to have another prescription in order for your insurance cover another breast form(s).
Yes, you can, but you may find it easier to wear a pocketed bra that was designed to hold the weight of a breast form. Other bras may not be able to sustain the weight of the breast form. A post-mastectomy bra gives you the added security that you need.
Immediately following your surgery, you should be seen by a fitter. It is recommended that you get fitted with a non-silicone form. This should be worn for at least 6 weeks after surgery. When your doctor determines that you’re ready for a weighted prosthesis, then he/she will write you a prescription for a silicone breast form. A silicone breast form has a guaranteed life of 2 years.
Silicone is deemed a safe material to use in the production of an external breast prosthesis.
Post-mastectomy bras are designed with a pocket on the inside of the bra cup. This pocket is designed to hold your breast prosthesis in place. Additionally, there are design features that allow for the added weight of a silicone breast form. There are a variety of bras because there are a variety of women. A certified fitter will consult with you to determine which bra works best for you.
Medicare and most insurance providers will usually cover several bras up to a 3 month supply each time. To be certain, ask your doctor to specify the number of bras on your prescription. Also check with your insurance provider before visiting your fitter.
Make sure that you have a prescription from your doctor. This will help the fitter know exactly what you need and what needs to be covered by your insurance. Both a breast prosthesis and post-mastectomy bra require a prescription.
If you experience weight loss or gain and require a new prosthesis and/or bra, you must have a prescription from your doctor. There must be a weight gain or loss of 20 lbs. in order for your doctor to write another prescription. This prescription is required for insurance reimbursement.
Every woman is designed differently. It’s best to be fitted by a certified mastectomy fitter before you purchase your post-mastectomy bra. The fitter will consult with you to determine if a seamless molded cup works better than a soft cup bra. Regardless of how much you think you know about bras, it’s always best to see how it fits on you. When choosing a bra you want to consider three things: comfort, confidence, and ease of wear.
In your search to find the right bra, you will discover that many post-mastectomy bras by ABC are designed to reflect the current fashion trends in the market. There are a number of bras that provide the beauty you want as well as the support you need.

How Graduated Compression Works
How does graduated compression therapy help with the management of venous problems? As a person walks, the contraction and relaxation of the calf muscles around the veins aid in moving blood toward the heart. The external graduated compression of SIGVARIS socks and stockings act as a layer of muscle by gently squeezing the stretched vein walls together, allowing the valves to close. The cavity of the vein is reduced, thereby restoring blood flow to a normal state and aiding overall circulation.
To be most effective, the socks or stockings should be put on at the start of your day and removed before you go to bed. Some people have an inherited weakness of the vein walls or valves which creates additional challenges to venous return. Wearing graduated compression socks or stockings is vital for the prevention and treatment of varicose veins and other circulatory problems.