If you have chosen to undergo a mastectomy, lumpectomy, or other breast surgery, you may be wondering when it is best to schedule your post-mastectomy fitting with breast prosthesis suppliers to find your perfect fit post-surgery.
Luckily, there are many certified fitter locations that can help you navigate post-mastectomy wear and find the garments that work for your body.
After any mastectomy surgery, it is important to get properly fitted by fitters at an accredited institution. Doing so will ensure your comfort and help you mitigate your chances of developing potential future health issues, such as spinal curvature that can lead to back, neck, and shoulder pain.
When to schedule a fitting
Your doctor will help you decide the best time post-surgery to schedule a fitting for mastectomy bras and prostheses.
Typically, doctors recommend that patients schedule their first fitting six to eight weeks after the initial surgery to allow your incision site to heal completely. If your incision is not completely healed before your appointment, it might not heal properly, and it could become infected.
When you arrive at your appointment, your fitter will check your surgical sites to ensure that you are healed and ready to be fitted.
Before your garment fitting
Consider looking for a mastectomy fitter location and meeting the certified fitters before your surgery so that you don’t have to worry about doing so during recovery.
Choosing a fitter before will also help you develop a relationship with your fitter and know what bras, breast forms, and other garments are available at their location.
Remember, you and your fitter will be spending a lot of time together, and it is important that you feel comfortable in their care.
During your garment fitting
During your mastectomy fitting with your mastectomy wear and breast prostheses supplier, you will receive a comprehensive and completely private fitting service determine the best products for you.
At the appointment, you can consult with your fitter concerning the different types of mastectomy wear that you will need for your everyday activities.
This includes comfortable everyday options as well as sports, underwire, and compression bras. Visiting a fitter gives you the opportunity to try before you buy and find what works best for your body and style.
Better yet, a professional mastectomy fitter will help you every step of the way. They will take your measurements and help you try on each bra, giving you the opportunity to be honest and upfront about what you do and don’t like to make sure that you leave your fitting content and confident that you have found the right products for your lifestyle.
Return fittings
New prostheses may be needed every two years, as our bodies change over time and yearly fittings for new bras are recommended to ensure that you always have the most comfortable fit.
Every time you buy a new mastectomy bra, it is important to have the fit checked with your certified fitter to make sure that it fits properly and does not put unnecessary strain on your back and shoulders.
With proper planning, your relationship with your mastectomy fitter can be a long and rewarding one and ensure that you are living your best life post-mastectomy.
