Custom Breast Forms
Feminine Forms is proud to be the expert in custom breast prostheses in Utah. While we love all of our off-the-shelf silicone prostheses, sometimes custom forms can be an even better option for our clients. This post will help you learn a little more about the process of deciding if custom forms are the right fit for you and understand more about the process.
Why should you consider custom breast forms?
Custom forms can be more light-weight and breathable than off-the-shelf prostheses. Although our normal prostheses are the highest quality, the material of custom forms is unique so they move naturally with your body and are incredibly light.
We scan your chest wall and the forms are created to fit right against your chest wall. Often following a mastectomy or radiation, a woman’s chest wall may be slightly uneven due to scarring or extra tissue. Custom forms will fit like a puzzle directly against your chest wall.
Custom forms can be created to perfectly match a remaining breast or perfectly match your natural shape. With your fitter, you can design your custom prostheses to be the exact shape and size that makes you feel most comfortable.
You can choose the skin color, areola size and color, and freckle, vein, tattoo details for your prostheses. Everything is customizable! We can make them look as much like your natural breasts as possible.
Custom prostheses can be worn during exercise and swimming. Most silicone breast prostheses should not be worn in chlorinated water and may absorb smells and chemicals, but custom prostheses are made of a different material that is easily washable and breathable.
Who is a good fit for custom breast forms?
We are happy to talk to any of our customers considering custom breast forms about options. Usually, customers who have had a mastectomy but have chosen not to pursue reconstructive surgery are the best candidates for custom forms. We also suggest custom forms for customers who have insurance that will cover a set of custom prostheses (you can pay out of pocket, but custom forms are significantly more expensive than other prostheses). Other than that, just about anyone can consider custom forms!
What is the process for being fit for custom forms?
First, we will meet you for your appointment for off-the-shelf silicone prostheses and bras. This will give us an opportunity to chat with you and see if you are a good candidate for custom prostheses. We will also check with your insurance to see if custom forms are covered with your plan. Then, we’re ready to set up an appointment for custom forms!
Appointments for custom forms are usually scheduled for an hour and are primarily focused on scanning for the prostheses. We have special, secure 3-D software to scan everything the company will need to create your custom prostheses. This includes scanning your chest wall with and without the off-the-shelf prostheses and bra you previously chose. Your fitter can help you make any adjustments to the size or shape of the prostheses. You will be able to pick the skin color, areola size and color, nipple projection, and can also choose to add freckles, veins, and even tattoos! They are fully customizable! We will send your scans and all other information through secure software to our vendors.
It can take up to 4-8 weeks for your custom forms to be created and sent back to us. When we receive your new custom forms, we will call you to schedule a follow up appointment. During this appointment, we will do a final fitting to make sure everything is absolutely perfect. We’ll review all care and warranty information and you’ll be able to take your new custom forms home!
When can you start the process for custom forms?
We want to make sure that you are fully healed following all surgery and other medical treatment. We can fit you for off-the-shelf prostheses around 4-6 weeks following your mastectomy if your incisions have healed and swelling has stabilized. However, we typically wait a little longer for custom forms to make sure your chest wall has completely stabilized. We will make your appointment for at least a few months post-mastectomy. We also recommend waiting at least 6 months after radiation to be sure any changes to your chest wall have stabilized.
What vendors have options for custom breast prostheses?
We currently have two vendors that offer great options for custom forms! We have been working with TruLife’s custom producer, Radiant Impressions, for a few years now and we have absolutely loved their products. They are high quality and beautiful. Amoena also recently started offering custom prostheses and we are loving their products as well. They have already been innovating to make their options even better. We love both of these options and guarantee they are top quality options for you. Your fitter can discuss more specifics and help you choose which type is best for you.
Will insurance cover custom breast forms?
Some insurance plans will cover custom breast forms and some will not. Medicare does not cover custom breast forms. We are happy to check with your insurance to see if they will cover custom forms. We do highly suggest that you keep track of your deductible when considering custom forms. If you are close to meeting or have met your deductible for the year, it is a perfect time to consider custom breast forms!
If you are interested in custom breast forms, please reach out to us! You can call us or ask at your next appointment. We love working with our custom vendors and have had so many customers love their custom forms. We are so excited to help you explore options with custom breast forms!
