Custom Prothesis

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I am just curious if anyone has a custom prothesis.  My surgeon told me it may be worth it to look into getting them.  I have a great fitter/boutique where I am being treated.  Also, my insurance covers them 100% under durable medical equipmentLaughing.  Just wondering if anyone else has gone this route.

Melanie.

Comments

  • Erica3681
    Erica3681 Member Posts: 1,916
    edited September 2007

    I've seen occasional posts here by women who have tried and liked custom forms and some by women who haven't. Hopefully, they'll see your post and respond.

    I've looked at the Radiant Impressions form--for me, it wouldn't be appealing because it's silicone and it's meant to be worn directly against the skin. That doesn't work for me because I find it sticky and sweaty (I wear an Airway Tritex, which is silicone with a microfiber back, so it's cool and comfortable against the skin).

    Do you have a very uneven chest wall after surgery? The fitter at Dana Farber's boutique told me that the custom forms are best for people whose surgery result leaves lots of unevenness. Otherwise, she said, the custom forms really aren't necessary. Still, if your insurance covers them, it sounds like they'd be worth checking out. I think Radiant Impressions will let you "try out" a non-custom version of their form. That way, you could see if the material feels good against your chest.

    Barbara 

  • mellen1226
    mellen1226 Member Posts: 29
    edited September 2007

    Erica:

    Thanks for your response.  Basically the fitter that I am using has told me the same thing that you either love them or hate them.  I am not unhappy with my forms now.  I figure since insurance will pay for them, I might as well give them a chance.    It is interesting that your fitter told you that people with unevenness have the best luck with the customs.  My fitter and surgeon both told me the exact opposite.  They both felt that I would have good results because I have no unevenness (I am bilateral).  I am a little leary about having them directly against my skin and your idea to try them out is a good one.  Thanks again, you are always a wealth of information!

    Melanie

  • Diana_B
    Diana_B Member Posts: 287
    edited September 2007

    Hi Melanie:



    I just wanted to tell you that I have a custom prosthesis and really love it. I have an off-the-shelf one as backup, just in case, but for me it doesn't compare.



    The custom breast has the "look" of my body. In other words, it looks like me.



    Btw, I have a very flat chest wall.



    Please feel free to PM me if you want more information.



    Cheers,

    Darya

  • Erica3681
    Erica3681 Member Posts: 1,916
    edited September 2007

    Darya,

    Do you wear the custom form directly against your skin? How does that feel? And can you wear it in various bras, or do you have one that it was designed to fill?

    Barbara 

  • Diana_B
    Diana_B Member Posts: 287
    edited September 2007

    Hi Barbara,



    Yes, I wear the prosthesis directly against my skin. It feels fine to me - I never really thought about it or noticed. It doesn't move much either. The silicone on the back is a bit sticky - toothy, you might say, so it doesn't slip - but I don't find it sweaty. My scar is exactly replicated on the back so it sits nicely on my chest.



    I wear it with an underwire bra. It was designed to match my other breast in an underwire bra. I can't remember why it was done that way, but I like it because I always found those bras the most attractive.



    Basically I can wear almost any ordinary store underwire bra. However, it goes too high for the real demi-cup type bras ie it would peak out above.



    Regards,

    Darya

  • Diana_B
    Diana_B Member Posts: 287
    edited September 2007

    Hi Barbara,



    Yes, I wear the prosthesis directly against my skin. It feels fine to me - I never really thought about it or noticed. It doesn't move much either. The silicone on the back is a bit sticky - toothy, you might say, so it doesn't slip - but I don't find it sweaty. My scar is exactly replicated on the back so it sits nicely on my chest.



    I wear it with an underwire bra. It was designed to match my other breast in an underwire bra. I can't remember why it was done that way, but I like it because I always found those bras the most attractive.



    Basically I can wear almost any ordinary store underwire bra. However, it goes too high for the real demi-cup type bras ie it would peak out above.



    Regards,

    Darya

  • Erica3681
    Erica3681 Member Posts: 1,916
    edited September 2007

    Thanks, Darya. One more question--what brand is your prosthesis?

  • JustOne
    JustOne Member Posts: 226
    edited September 2007

    This is so interesting, Darya.  Did you get your custom prosthetic at a regular fitter? I'm due for a new one and wondering where you are fitted. I know it must have been a molded cast to your chest wall, but just how do you go about getting one?  It sounds wonderful.

    ~Pam

  • Diana_B
    Diana_B Member Posts: 287
    edited September 2007

    The thing is, I had it made here in Toronto by Irene Healy of New Attitude.



    She has a process whereby she sculpts your new breast. It took quite a long time and I had to go to her studio at least 10 times when it was being made.



    To me, you can feel the fact that it was sculpted by human hands- it's like it's alive with human energy.



    She told me women come up from the States to have it done. Perhaps she works more intensively with you if you're from out of town ie. so it won't take as long.



    My boyfriend finds the commercial breast softer ie. more like a real breast. But I much prefer my custom because it has the character of my body and it makes me feel "whole" again and not self-conscious.



    Unfortunately, I can't find my digital camera or I'd post a picture of it.

  • mellen1226
    mellen1226 Member Posts: 29
    edited September 2007

    Darya:

    Thanks so much for responding.  The boutique where I was treated helps in coordinating everything.  I have looked at a sample and they do look very real.  I am excited about giving them a try.  I would like to wear normal bras again.  I am starting the mold casting next week so hopefully that goes well.  I have been told it takes about 8 weeks to get the finished product.  I will let you all know how I like it once I get them!  Again, thanks for all your responses.

    Melanie

  • Erica3681
    Erica3681 Member Posts: 1,916
    edited September 2007

    Darya, I actually spoke with Irene Healy before my surgery last October. She has two locations in the U.S.--Rochester and Philadelphia. She did say that a return visit would be necessary, but more like two or three visits, total, not ten, so maybe she streamlines the process for out of towners (she herself would be personally involved, even at these non-Canadian locations). I came away feeling that her work looks wonderful but that it seemed especially appropriate for women (like you, I think?) with a single mastectomy, as her technique enables her to match the other breast so well. Plus, it seemed based around a "favorite" bra, which I didn't have. But I'm still interested in it as an option.

    Barbara

  • Diana_B
    Diana_B Member Posts: 287
    edited September 2007

    Melanie, I'd love to hear how it goes and if you end up liking the customs.



    Barbara, perhaps you're right - I have had only a single mastectomy. Also, maybe Irene takes photos and uses them to help her when she's not working on people from here.



    Regarding the bra thing, I didn't have one either. In fact I'd stopped wearing bras the last few years. But then when all this happened I decided if I'm going to have to wear a bra, I'm going to get the sexiest, nicest ones on the market. Take that, world! (she says feebly)

  • JanClare
    JanClare Member Posts: 305
    edited September 2007

    I'm currently in the process of getting the approval to have a bilateral Radiant Impressions prosthesis made. I've reached the limit for my out-of-pocket expenses, so if they approve it they will pay 100%. I figured- why not get it?? I have a very uneven and concave surgical site, plus swelling and pain under armpit that makes most bras uncomfortable. Most of the time, I don't wear anything and I'm perfectly fine with that. But if I have the Radiant Impression, I can put it on with the adhesive and not wear any bra, which would be good for some fashion looks where a concave chest just does not work! LOL!

    I don't plan to have reconstruction, so we approached the insurance company from several angles. That I have a uneven surgical site, pain, swelling that makes most of the off the shelf prosthesis uncomfortable, and that I don't plan to have reconstruction (which would be much more expensive) at this time.

    I've already been in for several preliminary exams/ appointments. One of the things to do was to pick out the kind of bra I wanted to be molded with- so I made sure to get a lower cut bra as that means the prosthesis will fit into the that bra and will not show. Then I can more easily wear lower cut fashions. I also had to pick out a set of regular forms that fit well into the bra as they would be used as the basis for the shape of my prosthesis. When the molding process is all done, I will get to keep the regular forms and use them if I wish. I picked out a set that has some sort of "fluid" back that molds better to my uneven chest wall- but I'm not really sure what kind they are.

    They will also match my skin tone/color and will create nipples according to my wishes. (If you are only having one breast done, they will mold from your remaining nipple and match that) They will even put on freckles and veining if you want.

    When I go back (in about 1 1/2 weeks- and if they have approval) they will do the molding- which is supposed to take about 3 hours total. I'm told that once they mold you, there is no talking, laughing, deep breathing, until everything is set. That's going to be hard, because I really like my fitter and she and I just laugh all the time.

    Once I get everything, I'll post photos. The bilateral is different from regular forms because it is just one big piece- both sides are connected together by a small piece in the middle.

    Hope this helps.

  • Beth
    Beth Member Posts: 21
    edited November 2007

    I had a custom prosthesis that my insurance company paid for also, around $4500.  I am glad I was able to get it, but tired of it and threw it into the trash, i was tired of sweating and it sliding inside of my bra.

  • SusaninSF
    SusaninSF Member Posts: 1,213
    edited November 2007

    Anyone just do a custom nipple to stick onto their prosthesis? My prosthesis is a pretty good match except for the nipple.

    - Susan

  • Erica3681
    Erica3681 Member Posts: 1,916
    edited November 2007

    Beth,

    Now that you've thrown out the custom form, do you wear another kind of prosthesis.

    Barbara

    BreastFree.org 

  • Beth
    Beth Member Posts: 21
    edited November 2007

    I threw away the prosthesis after I had a prophylactic mastectomy and had expanders put in.  Wore cotton puffs for both sides for a couple months, while my incisions were healing and now wear nothing now that the expanders have been expanded to full capacity (600cc's, large A cup-44A).  I hate the way this looks however enjoy the freedom of not having to wear a bra.  Now I've scheduled a bilateral expander exchange for permanent implants as a Christmas gift to myself.

  • psage
    psage Member Posts: 4
    edited December 2007

    Feeling more than a little despondent, I would like to know if there are any plus size ladies in the 50 to 56 G cup size who have gotten satisfactory prostheses?  I have the left breast but need the right and I find it a daunting project, trying to find something that fits.  They apparently do not make them big enough.

    Would love the custom, I think, but location and cost are out of the realm of possibility and I doubt my insurance would pay for it.

    D.

  • mellen1226
    mellen1226 Member Posts: 29
    edited December 2007

    Hi everyone:

    I have not been around in a while but I just wanted to tell you all that I got my custom prosthesis about a week ago and love "them".  They are very comfortable and I can wear them with any bra.  It took a while to get them but I am so happy that my surgeon talked me into doing the custom.

    It was an interesting process.  In early September I went to my boutique which is located in Baltimore and they helped me decide on a size.  I went just about a "C".  They had a local artist come in and do the plaster cast and photographs.  I was a little nervous about that part of it but she was great and has done it several times.  She made me feel totally comfortable.  The casting took about 2 hours.  Once that was complete the cast was sent to the "makers" in Kentucky.  It took about 3 months to get them back but the wait was worth it.  They are made to my chest wall and they are very comfortable.  I did not mind my "off the shelf" prosthesis but these are great.

    As far as the cost, my insurance covered them in full without a hassle.  They fall under a durable prosthesis. 

    I wish you all a happy holiday!

    M.

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