Mastectomy FAQs
Mastectomy Products & Breast Prosthesis FAQs
At Silhouette Mastectomy, we know that breast surgery can bring many questions about recovery, breast prostheses, mastectomy bras and post-surgical products. Below are answers to some of the questions our Certified Mastectomy Fitters are frequently asked.
For more detailed information about recovery following breast surgery, visit our Mastectomy 101 — Your Recovery Guide.
What products are available following breast surgery?
There are many products designed to provide comfort, support, shape and symmetry following mastectomy, partial mastectomy, lumpectomy and breast reconstruction.
Depending on your surgery and stage of recovery, these can include:
- Post-surgical and compression bras
- Post-surgical camisoles
- Temporary lightweight leisure breast forms or “puffs”
- Full breast forms and breast prostheses
- Partial breast forms and shapers
- Mastectomy bras
- Pocketed camisoles and clothing
- Mastectomy swimwear
The products appropriate for you will depend on your surgery, stage of healing, lifestyle and personal preferences. Our Certified Mastectomy Fitters can help you understand the different options.
What can I wear immediately after breast surgery?
Your surgeon or healthcare provider should advise you about the type of support or compression appropriate following your particular surgery.
Today, post-surgical compression bras are commonly used during recovery. Unlike an ordinary bra, specially designed compression garments can provide controlled support and stabilization to the surgical area. Depending on the design, targeted compression zones can also support lymphatic drainage and help minimize postoperative swelling and the risk of edema.
Features available in post-surgical and compression bras can include:
- Controlled or targeted compression
- Soft or seamless fabrics for sensitive skin
- Front closures for easier dressing
- Easily accessible or front-adjustable straps
- Pockets for lightweight post-surgical breast forms
- Drain-management options on selected styles
- Comfortable, supportive bands and straps
A post-surgical camisole can be another comfortable option, particularly when easy dressing and drain management are priorities.
Depending on the style, post-surgical camisole features can include:
- Ultra-soft fabrics
- A comfortable, non-restrictive fit
- Smooth interior seams for sensitive skin
- Easy step-in or accessible designs
- Removable drain pouches
- Pockets for lightweight post-surgical breast forms
- Fibre-filled forms to provide temporary shape and symmetry
Always follow the recommendations of your surgeon or healthcare provider regarding compression and post-surgical garments. The following links can provide you most specific information on these garments.
Post-Surgical Bras
Compression Bras
Post-Surgical Camisoles
What is the difference between a post-surgical bra and a compression bra?
Both are designed for use following breast surgery, but they can serve somewhat different purposes.
A post-surgical bra is generally designed to provide gentle support, comfort and easy dressing while the surgical area is healing. Depending on the style, it may include soft fabrics, front closures, breast-form pockets or drain-management features.
A post-surgical compression bra is specifically designed to provide controlled support and compression to the surgical area. Specialized compression zones can help stabilize the operated area, support the healing process and lymphatic drainage, and help minimize postoperative swelling and the risk of edema.
A compression bra is therefore also a type of post-surgical garment — but not every post-surgical bra provides medical compression.
The appropriate garment and level of compression will depend upon your surgery and stage of healing. Always follow the recommendations of your surgeon or healthcare provider regarding post-surgical compression.
What can I wear before I'm ready for a permanent breast prosthesis?
During the early stages of healing, a temporary lightweight leisure breast form, sometimes called a “puff,” can provide comfortable shape and symmetry without the weight of a permanent silicone breast prosthesis.
These lightweight forms can be worn in an appropriate post-surgical bra, camisole or other pocketed garment.
They are intended as a temporary or leisure solution rather than a replacement for an appropriately fitted permanent breast prosthesis once you are healed and ready for one.
When can I be fitted for a permanent breast prosthesis?
Many women are ready for a permanent weighted breast prosthesis once the surgical site is sufficiently healed, often around six to eight weeks after surgery.
Healing varies considerably from person to person, so your healthcare provider's advice and your individual healing should determine when you're ready.
At your fitting, your Certified Mastectomy Fitter will assess the post-surgical chest wall and help select an appropriate breast form based upon your individual surgical outcome, body shape, comfort and lifestyle.
Certified Mastectomy Fitting Service
Mastectomy Recovery Timeline
Do I have to wear a breast prosthesis after a mastectomy?
Wearing a breast prosthesis is ultimately a personal choice. However, a properly fitted breast prosthesis can provide benefits beyond restoring breast shape and symmetry.
Following a single mastectomy, the loss of breast weight on one side can affect body symmetry and posture. An appropriately fitted and weighted breast prosthesis helps restore weight balance and may help reduce postural changes involving the shoulders, neck and upper body.
A breast prosthesis can also restore natural shape under clothing and help many women feel more comfortable and confident following surgery.
This is one reason a permanent breast prosthesis is different from a very lightweight temporary leisure form or “puff.”
What is the difference between a breast form and a breast prosthesis?
The terms breast form and breast prosthesis are often used interchangeably. Both generally refer to an external form worn to replace or restore breast shape following breast surgery.
There are also partial breast forms or shapers designed to restore symmetry following lumpectomy, partial mastectomy, breast reconstruction or other procedures where only part of the breast volume needs to be replaced.
Breast forms are available in many different sizes, shapes, weights and profiles.
How is the correct breast prosthesis selected?
A breast prosthesis should not be selected simply by bra cup size or appearance.
An important part of a professional breast prosthesis fitting is a private assessment of your post-surgical chest wall by a Certified Mastectomy Fitter.
Your fitter considers factors including:
- The shape, depth and contours of your surgical site
- Scarring, voids and remaining tissue
- Your natural breast shape when applicable
- Your body shape and proportions
- Breast form size, shape and profile
- Breast form weight
- Correct mastectomy bra fit
- Your lifestyle, comfort and personal preferences
Even following a double mastectomy, the surgical outcome can differ from one side to the other, making an individualized fitting important.
Why Certified Mastectomy Fitters Matter
How do I know if my breast prosthesis fits properly?
A properly fitted breast prosthesis should provide a comfortable, secure and naturally balanced appearance.
During your fitting, your Certified Mastectomy Fitter will compare your overall shape and symmetry under clothing, including the size, fullness, profile, position and drape of the breast form.
One useful final check is to wear a smooth camisole or fitted top over your bra and breast form. Look at your overall symmetry and compare the shape, fullness and position of both sides.
The goal isn't simply to fill a bra cup. It is to find a breast form and bra combination that complements your individual body and surgical outcome and provides a comfortable, natural appearance.
Why do I need a mastectomy bra?
A mastectomy bra has specially designed pockets that hold a breast form securely in the correct position.
The pocket helps keep the prosthesis secure during normal movement and provides a layer of fabric between the breast form and the chest wall. Mastectomy bras are also designed with the fit and support requirements of breast prostheses in mind.
Today's mastectomy bras are available in a wide range of comfortable, supportive and feminine styles.
Not all mastectomy bras are wire-free, so your fitter can help determine which style works appropriately with your breast prosthesis, body and individual needs.
Can I wear a knitted or handmade breast form?
Yes. A knitted or handmade breast form can provide a simple, very lightweight and inexpensive way to create some shape following breast surgery, particularly during early recovery.
However, knitted forms are not moulded to reproduce the shape, drape and profile of a professionally manufactured breast form, and they provide little weight compensation.
Women looking for a more natural appearance while they are healing may prefer a lightweight fibre-filled or leisure breast form. These are specifically designed to provide temporary breast shape and are still relatively inexpensive.
Once your surgical site is sufficiently healed, you may wish to be professionally fitted for a permanent breast prosthesis. An appropriately weighted breast prosthesis can restore both breast shape and weight balance following a unilateral mastectomy.
Different breast forms therefore serve different purposes: a knitted form, temporary leisure form and permanent silicone breast prosthesis should not necessarily be considered equivalent alternatives.
Leisure Breast Forms
Breast Forms & Prostheses
Why does Silhouette Mastectomy carry Amoena breast forms?
Silhouette Mastectomy specializes in Amoena breast forms and breast prostheses because of their extensive selection, quality and long history of breast-form innovation.
Amoena developed the first silicone breast form in 1975 and has since introduced technologies including Light and Xtra Light breast forms, Comfort+ temperature management, Contact adhesive breast forms and Adapt Air adjustable breast forms.
Most importantly for our Certified Fitters, Amoena offers a wide variety of shapes, sizes, profiles, weights and technologies, giving us more options to find an appropriate breast form for each client's individual surgical outcome, body shape and lifestyle.
Learn more about Why We Choose Amoena Breast Forms →
Why Choose Amoena Breast Forms & Prostheses
Do I need an appointment for a breast prosthesis fitting?
Yes — we strongly recommend booking your fitting in advance.
Professional breast prosthesis fittings typically take 30–60 minutes, allowing your Certified Fitter the time and privacy needed to assess your individual needs and compare different breast forms.
We have a dedicated private breast form fitting room, and Certified Mastectomy Fitters are not available during all store hours. If the fitting room or fitter has already been booked, we may not be able to accommodate a walk-in fitting.
Booking in advance helps ensure that both your Certified Mastectomy Fitter and our dedicated fitting room are available for you.
Call (604) 541-1007 to book your free fitting appointment.
Are breast prostheses covered by BC PharmaCare or private insurance?
Silhouette Mastectomy is an enrolled BC PharmaCare mastectomy provider.
BC PharmaCare provides coverage toward eligible breast prostheses following mastectomy and lumpectomy. Current maximum eligible reimbursement is up to $450 per side following mastectomy and up to $350 per side following lumpectomy, subject to PharmaCare plan rules and applicable limits.
Under Fair PharmaCare, the amount actually reimbursed depends on your family's income-based coverage, including applicable deductible and co-payment requirements. PharmaCare coverage must be in place before the breast prosthesis is dispensed.
Coverage for breast prostheses, mastectomy bras and other mastectomy products may also be available through private extended-health insurance, depending on your individual plan.
We recommend checking your PharmaCare and private insurance coverage before your fitting or purchase.
BC PharmaCare & Mastectomy Coverage
How often will BC PharmaCare cover a replacement breast prosthesis?
BC PharmaCare's current regular benefit allows one breast prosthesis per side every two years, or at the end of the manufacturer's warranty. Exceptions to the normal replacement period may be considered, but require PharmaCare pre-approval.
Your actual reimbursement remains subject to your PharmaCare plan rules.
BC PharmaCare & Mastectomy Coverage
How do I care for my breast prosthesis?
Proper cleaning, handling and storage can help maintain the condition and extend the useful life of your breast prosthesis.
Care requirements can vary depending upon the type of breast form. Silicone, Contact, adjustable and leisure breast forms may have different care instructions, so follow the manufacturer's recommendations for your particular product.
Where is Silhouette Mastectomy located?
Silhouette Mastectomy is located in South Surrey / White Rock, British Columbia, near South Point Shopping Centre.
We provide professional breast prosthesis and mastectomy bra fittings and serve clients throughout Greater Vancouver. We also ship products across Canada and to the United States, with international shipping available to select destinations.
Contact, Store Hours, Directions & Parking
Looking for More Information About Mastectomy Recovery?
Our Mastectomy 101 — Your Recovery Guide provides practical information about the stages of recovery, preparing for your first fitting, Certified Mastectomy Fitters and feeling like yourself again following breast surgery.
Visit Mastectomy 101 — Your Recovery Guide →