Breast & Nipple Prosthetics
Breast Prostheses
Although Medical Art Resources has historically focused on prosthetic devices for the face, hands, and feet, in recent years we have expanded our services to include breast prostheses and added a certified mastectomy fitter to our team. Our specialized background in custom prosthetics gives us a perspective and skillset that are unique from some other mastectomy fitters. Our approach to fitting and achieving your prosthetic goals is informed by our advanced knowledge of material properties and years of experience designing patient-specific prostheses.
When considering whether a breast prosthesis is right for you, it’s important to understand your options and what you might expect from each one.
A breast prosthesis is a non-invasive, restorative option for individuals who experience the absence of breast tissue or asymmetry, which can result from mastectomy, lumpectomy, injury, post-reconstruction complications, or congenital conditions. A prosthesis may also be an option for those who are not candidates for breast reconstruction after mastectomy and lumpectomy.
Additionally, prostheses are an alternative to surgery for individuals seeking breast augmentation.
In general, a breast prosthesis is a device that functions to restore the anatomical volume of the breast, as observed when wearing a bra and clothing.
A breast prosthesis may be CUSTOM or NON-CUSTOM.
Both custom and non-custom breast prostheses are made with medical-grade silicone; however, the silicone properties may vary.
Non-Custom Breast Prostheses are not patient-specific; however, they are available in a range of shapes and sizes. Most are worn in the pocket of a mastectomy bra.
Non-Custom Breast Prostheses are externally-worn devices intended to create the profile and symmetry of an individual’s breasts as they appear when wearing a bra and clothing.
Non-custom prostheses are “off-the-shelf” products available in various shapes and styles. Depending on the design and material of the non-custom prosthesis, it may be worn within the pocket of a pocketed mastectomy bra or outside the pocket against the skin.
Fitting
During a fitting appointment, our certified fitter will take body measurements to determine appropriate bra band and cup size. The fitter will also assess characteristics of the chest wall and gather information about the patient’s mobility and lifestyle. Prosthesis size and style will be influenced by the patient’s necessary bra size, chest wall contours, and personal prosthetic goals.
Custom Breast Prostheses are designed to fit against the unique contours of an individual’s chest wall. They are worn directly against the skin, supported by a bra, but not in a pocket.
Custom Breast Prostheses are externally-worn devices intended to create the profile and symmetry of one’s breasts as they appear when wearing a bra and clothing. Some custom breast prostheses may be intended to achieve the appearance of the natural breasts without the presence of a bra or clothing.
Fitting
The fitting process for a custom breast prosthesis is similar to the non-custom fitting process. The patient will initially be fit with a non-custom prosthesis (or prostheses) and a mastectomy bra. This fitting process is necessary to determine a desired profile and symmetry.
Customization
There are two levels of customization that are prioritized with the design of a custom breast prosthesis:
Patient-specific FIT, SHAPE, & SIZE
Patient-specific coloration and texture
Custom fit, shape, and size permit a functional restoration when a non-custom breast prosthesis cannot do so successfully. It is important to understand that custom color and texture can improve how well a prosthesis “blends in” with the underlying tissue, but they do not necessarily affect how the prosthesis achieves its intended restorative function. Although a high degree of realism can be achieved with a custom prosthesis, we will prioritize custom fit, shape, and size in the ultimate design of the prosthesis.
Is a custom breast prosthesis for you?
The shape of a non-custom form may not effectively fill the irregularities of the chest wall.
A custom breast prosthesis is often a promising solution for individuals with complex chest contours that are challenging to fit with a non-custom prosthesis. Typically, the backside of non-custom prostheses is slightly depressed, or hollowed out, creating a shallow cup-like shape. However, for women with significant concavities or irregular chest contours after surgery, the “hollowed out” cup-like shape of a non-custom form may not effectively fill the irregularities of the chest wall. This can cause gapping between the prosthesis and the chest surface, which may impede proper bra fit and cause discomfort and insecurity. A custom prosthesis is designed to fit the patient’s unique contours in order to achieve a symmetric restoration that can be comfortably and effectively supported by the bra. A custom breast prosthesis may also be a solution for women needing a breast size, shape, or weight that is not available among non-custom products.
The backside of non-custom prostheses is slightly depressed, or hollowed out, creating a shallow cup-like shape.
A custom breast prosthesis keys into your unique contours for a custom fit.
Custom Fabrication
Medical Art Resources anaplastologists will create a custom breast prosthesis specifically designed for the patient.
This process involves:
Fitting – You will be fit with bras and non-custom forms to determine your desired profile and symmetry.
Impression – The anaplastologist will take a physical or digital mold of your chest wall. The impression will be used to make a duplicate model of your chest, upon which we will design a prosthesis that keys into your unique contours for a custom fit.
Color Matching – We will create a series of color swatches that match your unique skin tone and patterning.
Bra Requirements for Custom Prostheses
Custom breast prostheses are tailored to the individual patient and designed to stay in place directly against the skin. Soft silicones with adhesive properties are typically used to create the prothesis, allowing it to comfortably interface with the underlying skin surface without the use of skin adhesives. While a pocketed mastectomy bra is not necessary, we can recommend certain bra design features to ensure the bra can support your prosthesis. Our certified mastectomy fitter will help you identify a bra style that will provide you the most comfort, support, and protection from irritation or lymphedema-associated risks.
“You helped my mother with a new prosthesis. So amazing the kindness and compassion and care you showed us. Restored my faith in humanity and company service and integrity.”
Nipple Prostheses
Our custom nipple prostheses are created for those who have had lumpectomies or mastectomies, sometimes followed by surgical breast reconstruction, as treatment for breast cancer. We match the nipple size and projection, areola diameter, texture and color of your nipple with attention to every detail. Our soft silicone adheres naturally to the breast when worn within a bra. Adhesive may be used for added confidence and is recommended when the prosthetic nipple is worn without a bra.
What Is the Process for Making a Nipple Prosthesis?
First and foremost, no need to worry–we are gentle, respectful, and nothing we do is painful. We custom-make each prosthesis in our own laboratory ensuring high quality and individual design. The process typically requires 3 appointments which involve these steps:
We make molds of the breast or chest wall.
We carefully sculpt the shape of the prosthesis in wax as we establish a natural contour.
When the sculpture is complete, we fabricate a durable mold which allows us to reproduce the soft highly detailed prosthetic nipple.
We create color formulae to match your complexion.
We meticulously paint every skin detail using your color formulae in your mold.
We check the nipple prosthesis for precise fit, and delicately paint color details onto the surface.
We demonstrate wear and care instructions so that you can use your nipple prosthetic with confidence.
Addressing the needs of transgender women
Our certified mastectomy fitter and anaplastologist is happy to discuss your need for bilateral breast prostheses. We feel it is important for all women to be aware of non-surgical options for breast restoration or augmentation. Contact our office to learn more about our fitting and prosthetic services.
GETTING STARTED
If you are considering a nipple or breast prosthesis, we welcome you to meet with us for a new patient consultation and evaluation at no cost to you.
During the consultation, we will listen to your concerns, examine your affected anatomy, and show you examples of prostheses. We will describe your options for prosthetic attachment and will develop a treatment plan for you. Be assured our clinical staff have earned master’s degrees from accredited institutions and are certified in their specialty.
If you are unable to meet with us in person in Milwaukee or Madison, Wisconsin or one of our satellite locations, we can schedule a brief evaluation via Facetime or Skype. If you are not comfortable with a video meeting, we are happy to schedule a phone meeting.
Please contact us to schedule your complimentary initial consultation and evaluation. There is no obligation or pressure to proceed with treatment.
INSURANCE COVERAGE
If you decide to proceed with your prosthetic treatment plan we will ask you to provide us with insurance or other payer information. With your permission we will request a physician’s order and clinical notes from your doctor. This information will help us predetermine your insurance benefits and submit a prior authorization request. We strive to set fees that are affordable, including reduced fees for replacement prostheses. We accept many health insurance options. Please be assured that we will help you navigate the complexity of billing for medical care. We also advocate on behalf of patients for coverage of reconstructive prosthetics with insurance providers.
Quick Guide
Download our Breast Prosthesis Quick Guide PDF