Frequently Asked Questions

You have been diagnosed with cancer.  Some things to consider before your surgery:

Questions for your physician before surgery:

• What type of procedure am I having?
• How long is my hospital stay?
• How long will I be in surgery?
• Will I be put to sleep for this procedure?
• How much pain will I be in and will I receive pain medication?
• What will the surgical site look like?
• Will there be a drain?
• When will I get the pathology report?
• Are there medications or dietary supplements that I should stop taking prior to surgery?
• What limitations will I have after surgery?
• Will I need chemotherapy or radiation?

Additional questions for breast surgery:

• Do I need to bring a post-surgery camisole to wear home or will one be provided?
• When can I get my post-breast surgery products?
• Am I a candidate for reconstructive surgery?

After Surgery:

It is important to have an open and honest relationship with your physician.  Your doctor is not a mind-reader!  If you have pain or discomfort, the only way they know is if you tell them.  Some other points to cover with your physician after surgery:

• How soon after my discharge will I have a follow-up appointment?
• What are some of the signs/symptoms I should watch for that would signal a problem?
• Are there any restrictions on my activities?
• Will I need physical therapy to regain full range of motion in any affected areas?

I am scheduled for breast surgery.  What do I do next?

We welcome you to come in and speak to us prior to your surgery.  If you are having a lumpectomy or a mastectomy we can show you products that might make your experience easier and share tips we have learned through experience.  We strongly recommend a post-surgical camisole or bra, which can be worn home from the hospital.  It has detachable pouches to hold any drains you may have, and comes with a soft puff which can be worn in the pocket of the garment to replicate the shape of your breast.  In most cases your insurance will help pay for these products with a doctor’s prescription.  Most insurances will cover two camisoles.

What is involved in the fitting process?

In a totally private consultation, a trained, certified fitter will discuss and display the products available for you.  A properly-fitted bra is the single most important feature in fitting a breast form.  This fitting will last approximately an hour.  This time is important because it ensures that you are getting the best fitting possible, and allows time to answer any question you may have.  Since every breast surgery is different, each fitting is unique.  With a proper fitting, no one will know you are wearing a prosthesis unless you choose to tell them that you have had breast surgery.

When can I be fit for my prosthesis?

Your physician will tell you when you have healed adequately to be fit into a silicone prosthesis.  This is usually  4-6 weeks after your surgery.  However, it may be longer.  A doctor's prescription is necessary.  

What is a mastectomy bra?

A bra that is pocketed on both right and left sides which allows a prosthesis or breast form to sit naturally and comfortably to provide a comfortable and symmetrical fit.

How do I know what bra size I wear?

Our Certified Mastectomy Fitter at LifeChanges will measure and evaluate you to recommend the appropriate bra style and size.  Bras are designed for shallow breasts, full breasts, etc and we will help find the perfectly fitting bra for you.  Depending on manufacturer, it is possible to wear different sizes of bras and still have a good fit.  We will also take your lifestyle and activities into consideration when suggesting bra styles.

What is a breast prosthesis?

A breast prosthesis – also called a breast form – is worn externally to closely simulate the look and feel of a natural breast.  It helps to restore a woman’s profile.  Most breast forms are made of silicone, although some leisure forms are made of foam.  Traditional breast forms are worn in pocketed bras.  Attachable breast forms adhere directly to the chest wall and do not require a special bra.  Lightweight breast forms offer options to women who have other medical needs and conditions, such as lymphedema, osteoporosis or arthritis.

How are breast prosthesis sized?

Most breast prosthesis are sized in numbers from 0 to 15. Those sizes correspond to a bra's size and cup. However, different manufacturers number them differently. At LifeChanges we prefer to do in-person bra and prosthesis fittings with you so we can be sure to achieve the best symmetry and balanced appearance.

I had a lumpectomy but my breasts are now uneven.  What can I do to even this out?

After breast-conserving surgery or reconstruction, a shaper – or partial breast form – can even out your figure just where you need it.  These partial forms can fit into a regular bra or a pocketed bra to balance uneven breasts, or to soften or contour implants.  There are also silicone nipples that can help you maintain symmetry during the tissue expansion process.

 What is a mastectomy swimsuit?

A swim suit that is pocketed and accommodates one or two breast prostheses.  Most mastectomy suits are designed with more modest necklines but are very well constructed and made of superior fabrics for durability.  They are also very stylish.

Do I have to have a mastectomy to wear a mastectomy bra or swimsuit?

ABSOLUTELY NOT!  For women who do not need to use the pocket on these garments, they provide an extra lining in both a bra and a swimsuit.

Can I wear my silicone prosthesis to swim?

A silicone breast prosthesis can be worn for OCCASIONAL swimming.  However, if you swim frequently or use swimming for exercise, we recommend the purchase of a swim prosthesis.  This is a silicone breast form specifically made for water that has a hollow back to allow water to glide through for a natural look and confident fit.  Usually these are weighted. There is also a swim form made out of foam specifically designed for the water.

Where can I go for a professional bra fitting if I have not had breast surgery?

LifeChanges provides complimentary bra fittings for any woman, with or without breast surgery.  We carry a few lines of non-mastectomy bra lines, and offer band sizes to    and cup sizes to I.  85% of women wear the wrong size bra.

How often can I get a new prosthesis & surgical bras?

Insurance plans vary.  Medicare will cover a new prosthesis every two years, and new bras every year as medically necessary.  Some insurance plans cover new bras and new prosthesis each year.  Call you insurance company to verify your benefits before your appointment, or we will be happy to check for you when you come in.

Do I need a new prescription every time I purchase a new breast form and bras?

Yes, your physician will need to write a new prescription for you each year.  You can, however, purchase several bras over the course of a year from the same prescription, as long as the physician orders as many as you are purchasing.

How long will my prosthesis last?

Most breast prosthesis carry a 2 years warranty from the manufacturer. With proper use, care and storage, your breast form should provide years of comfortable wear.

How do I care for my breast form?

 We recommend that your breast form be hand-washed with mild soap & water and patted dry daily. It should be stored in the specially-designed breast form box.

 Will my health insurance still cover my post-mastectomy products if I had breast reconstruction? 

Normally your health insurance will cover bras, breast prosthesis, breast forms and camisoles even if you had breast reconstruction.  If you had breast reconstruction and may need a partial prosthesis due to differences in size and shape of your breasts, your health insurance should cover your prosthesis to give you a more symmetrical look.

My physician recommended a compression sleeve and glove.  Can you help me with those products?

Yes.  We carry off the shelf products from Juzo, Jobst and Farrow Wraps.  We are trained to measure and fit you in the appropriate garment.  We also are certified in custom Elvarex garment fitting for upper and lower extremities as well as other body parts that need compression.  We have advanced Juzo fitter training, and also carry Barton Carey and Gottfried Medical garments for edema and Lymphedema management as well as burn garments.

Will my insurance cover the costs of compression garments?

Some insurance companies do include compression garments in their coverage.  Medicare does NOT cover these garments.  Even if there is coverage on your policy, it is possible that you will be required to pay for upgrades in order to allow us to provide you with the quality of garment and features that your physician prescribes.  A prescription is necessary if a claim is to be filed to insurance.

I have been told to expect to lose my hair during chemo.  Do you carry wigs?

Yes, at LifeChanges we have a private wig salon where you can meet one-on-one with a PA Licensed Cosmetologist who is specially trained in wigs.   We will help you select the appropriate style and color to attain the look you desire – whether it be to look like you always have or to create a whole new look.  We also have an extensive selection of hats, scarves and other head coverings to provide you with a variety of options to deal with hair lose.  We will also cut your hair for you when you start losing it and are ready.

Does insurance cover wigs?

Medicare does NOT cover wigs.  Other private insurers may provide coverage for a wig.  We will confirm this benefit for you when you visit us to select a wig. 

I don’t have insurance.  Are there any other options?

Definitely!  If you do not have insurance or if your illness has created financial challenges, we can recommend a number of resources to help you, from free treatment for breast cancer to funds that assist with non-medical  expenses during treatment.

Do I need an appointment to visit LifeChanges>

We are open Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 5 PM, and appointments are not necessary.  However, if you need a consultation, a bra fitting or a wig fitting, we do recommend that you make an appointment so that we are prepared for your visit and you don’t have to wait.  We also offer evening and weekend appointments as necessary.

Is LifeChanges only for women with breast cancer?

Absolutely not!  LifeChanges works to help women (and some men) who are living with cancer to address whatever needs that may arise.  If there is a need for something that we don’t have, we’ll do what we can to find it for you.

Do you only have medical related products?

LifeChanges Boutique offers a wide variety of items – something for everyone!  From jewelry and reading glasses to shoes and clothing, we have a very unique boutique, and invite anyone to stop in to see what we carry!