Implant Options, Financial Aspects, and Selection Guidelines for Breast Prostheses
In the journey of recovery and adjustment following a mastectomy, selecting the right breast prosthesis can be a crucial decision. This article aims to provide an overview of the various options available, factors to consider, and the process of finding the perfect fit.
Breast prostheses come in a variety of styles, each offering unique characteristics to cater to individual body types, aesthetic goals, and lifestyle needs. These styles include full, partial, shell, and stick-on or adhesive prostheses.
When choosing a prosthesis, several factors come into play. The type of filling – saline, silicone, or cohesive gel like "gummy bear" – affects the feel and durability of the prosthesis. Saline implants, filled with saltwater, feel firmer and require smaller incisions, but have a higher risk of visible wrinkling if tissue coverage is thin. On the other hand, silicone implants feel softer and more natural, have less rippling, and come in various profiles to tailor projection and shape. Gummy bear implants, a type of silicone implant, offer a natural slope and hold shape well, but require a larger incision.
The shape of the prosthesis also plays a significant role. Options include round, anatomical/teardrop, and ergonomic shapes, each designed to mimic the natural contours of the breast. The implant profile, or the level of projection, can be low to extra-high, depending on the desired look.
During a fitting, a specialist will help a person find the best size, shape, weight, and feel of a prosthesis. A temporary breast prosthesis, known as a softie or a comfie, may be provided by a healthcare professional after surgery.
The cost of high-quality prostheses can range from $100 to $500, and a person can typically reorder the same or a similar set from where they originally purchased the prosthesis. Prostheses can be ordered or bought to match skin tone, with custom-made prostheses offering the best match.
It's worth noting that Medicare covers the cost of prostheses and reconstructive surgery, but a person must pay 20% of the cost of the doctor's services and the prosthesis. However, insurance may not cover the cost of custom-made prostheses.
Maintenance and care of a breast prosthesis vary based on the material, with silicone requiring the most care and consideration. Prosthetic nipples are available and can be made of silicone.
Ultimately, deciding on a breast prosthesis is a highly individualized process that balances safety, natural feel, aesthetic goals, and surgical factors. This process is often guided by consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon. The choice of which type of prosthesis to use is largely personal, considering factors such as feel, function, amount of breast removed, cost, size, and shape.
Sources:
- Mooi Kliniek
- KenodineT
- Barcelona Body Image
- Science and health-and-wellness industries have made significant advancements in breast cosmetic surgery, offering a wide range of breast prostheses in different styles, fillings, and shapes, catering to women's health needs during and after menopause.
- In the realm of women's health, particularly menopause, the selection of a breast prosthesis is a crucial personal decision influenced by factors such as health considerations, aesthetic goals, lifestyle needs, and the guidance of experienced plastic surgeons.
