Breast forms

jajjaaj

So I had a double mastectomy chose not to do the reconstruction. Anyhow, we are going on vacation to get out of town and not think of the ongoing treatment. Looking at my dresses, it occurred to me that they look funny without the breast. The fabric sags and folds. I was considering getting some breast forms to fill up my old bras so that my dresses would lay properly. Question is, what kind, where, and inexpensive. I am so confused by everything I see that I have no idea where to start. HELP!!!

Ariom

Hi there! Firstly, what size are you looking at? There are many many options, particularly if you are talking a smaller cup size. I am not in the US but I know that most insurance companies pay for breast forms and bras, but you do need to go to an experienced fitter for those.

If you are just going to wear these forms occasionally, and you are a small size, you can utilize the small "chicken filets" which are silicone pads that fit into a bra and are available from department stores. There are also micro bead forms which can also be used for swimming, in a suit with a pocket. They are very light and can ride up if you have had a BMX. You can make them yourself with a pattern that's available from mastectomysolutions.com, Mary, who runs that site, is a lovely lady, who can make them for you if you don't sew, for a very small charge.

There are also weighted leisure foam forms,like the TruLife 611, which can be purchased for $72.00 a pair through Metromedicalonline, but you need to be fitted first, to get the right size, they run large.

Some women here, buy the Genie style bras and Camisoles, again, usually smaller sizes get better results, especially if they are using either a lightweight form or even just some light padding in the pocket, behind the modesty pad that comes with the bra.

Depending on how often you are going to wear forms, I would suggest trying a Mx specific bra, they are cut differently to a standard bra and will accommodate forms, inside easy access pockets. The straps are cut to stay on the shoulders. There are a huge range of styles available.

Another tip is to avoid what I call "Fall Forward" this can happen when wearing forms in a bra with a top that is a bit too low cut. You lean forward, the bra can fall away from your chest exposing the gap and possibly scars. Fitted T shirts and Tanks help prevent it happening. 

Another thing to consider for Holiday clothing, is the clothing that is available with pockets for forms like Amoena tops, dresses and camisoles. Super comfortable and easy to care for. 

I hope this may be of help you, have a great time on your Vacation!

glennie19

There is a group called Knitted Knockers, which makes soft forms from knitted patterns. If you contact them, they will send you a pair for free. They would appreciate a small donation, as the group is all volunteer and a donation helps to pay for the supplies and postage.

Have you gone to a fitter?  It's good to be sized. As Ariom says, insurance should pay for forms and a few bras a year. Mine will pay for 6 bras a year. Granted I have to meet my deductible,, etc etc, but it still helps. There are a lot of different forms out there, ,silicon, foam, microbeads,, it's good to have a look at what's available and see what you would think you would like. 

Some clothes do drape better with cleavage,, so it's nice to have the options to pull it on when you want to.

Also, try the TLC catalog for options.  Bras and forms.

Bettyboops

hi jajajj,

Ariom is the guru of prosthesis and mastectomy bras! What worked for me was going In person to a mastectomy prosthesis bra fitter in my area. You might google if there are any around you or ask around at support groups etc... That kicked me off into some understanding so I could also use the information the lovely ladies on these discussion groups provide. I really didn't know anything!

If you need something really quick, I would recommend metromedical on line, tell them your old bra size and hopefully, you can order a bra and a form( I like the weighted leisure form for everyday)with the help of someone at metromedical. I know the lady grace lingerie stores also do that if you can find one around. They are also on line. It's hard navigating all that until you have a frame of reference. I would recommend a fitter. 

Best,

jajjaaj

Thank you Bettyboops. After posting that question I decided I needed to just stop, breathe, and wait another time to address it. There was just so much information on the net that I was overloaded. Ugh...

But I like your suggestion about seeing a fitter. They'll have all the answers I'm looking for and can even help me make a decsion. Thanks again.

wrenn

I picked up a bra and forms yesterday finally but have still not worn them. A few months ago I got the heavier ($350. each) forms and they felt natural because of the heaviness but the bra seemed just too tight.

I went back in Dec and tried the light weight ones ($60. each) and they felt better and I got a better fitting bra but they are so light that they move around. I don't think you can really get the right ones without spending time with a proper fitter. The person I went to was amazing but my surgery was so messy that mine just don't fit properly. I am ok being flat except for how far out my stomach is now.

I hope you find something comfortable.

Bettyboops

Hi Wren and Jajj,

Yes, it's a process finding the right prosthesis. I'm finding it's kind of like a journey looking for clothes that fit right etc... I don't think there is an end to it - just evaluating the products out there and how they fit you. You will wear things for a while then they either wear out or you want something a little newer. There are new things on the market every day so the search is on for the long term! I've had good luck with lighter prosthesis as opposed to the heavier ones. I just got custom ones that are about the weight of a weighted leisure foam form which I like. The custom are a lighter version of a silicon form. They have lots of little air holes in the (whipped?) I like them so far but I will still be looking for a new pair of leisure forms to wear inside cami's etc...as well. Good luck with finding just the right things for both of you! There is lots of information on the all things prosthesis topic in case you need more detailed ideas.

Best,