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What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Wearing a
Prosthesis?
The main benefit of wearing a breast prosthesis (versus nothing) is that a weighted
prosthesis can help balance the body and anchor the bra, preventing back or neck pain,
shoulder sagging, or having a bra "ride up" in the back. Some women find that
their prosthesis feels heavy at first since they are not used to wearing it. However, in
time, most women feel comfortable with their prosthesis. Breast prostheses can also help
protect the chest area and mastectomy scars.
While breast prostheses can provide physical and emotional benefits after breast cancer
surgery, some women do not feel satisfied wearing breast forms. For these women, surgical
breast reconstruction is a more appropriate decision. Most women who undergo breast cancer
surgery are candidates for reconstructive surgery, either during the same surgery as the
breast is removed or at a later date. The two main types of reconstructive surgeries are
implant insertion and muscle flap reconstruction (the latter involves using the
patient’s own tissue from another area of the body to reconstruct the breast). Click here to lean more about breast reconstruction.
Is a Prescription Necessary in Order to Purchase a Prosthesis
or Post-Mastectomy Bra?
While not required, it is highly recommended that breast cancer patients have their
physicians write a prescription for a breast prosthesis and post-mastectomy bra. Many
insurance companies will cover some or all of the costs for these products if they are
prescribed by a physician. Patients should check with their insurance providers for
details about the coverage. It is also important for the physician to specify how many
prostheses are necessary and how often they should be replaced. For example, Medicare will
cover the cost of a new breast prosthesis every two years and two post-mastectomy bras
every six months (see the section Will Insurance Providers Cover the
Cost of a Prosthesis or Post-Mastectomy Bra? for more information).
How Much Do Prostheses and Post-Mastectomy Bras Cost?
Taking a sufficient amount of time to consider the different types of breast prostheses
is important. The prices of prostheses vary significantly and a higher priced prosthesis
may not be the most comfortable one. The following are approximate prices of breast
prostheses and post-mastectomy bras.
| Product Type |
Price Range |
Silicone Prostheses
Non-Silicone Prostheses
Equalizers and Enhancers
Post-Reconstructive/Surgical Bras
Post-Surgical Camisoles
Post-Mastectomy Bras |
$180-$400
$30-$80
$80-$200
$30-$50
$65-$80
$30-$50 |
Source: Rhonda Fleming Mann Resource
Center for Women with Cancer
Will Insurance Providers Cover the Cost of a Prosthesis or
Post-Mastectomy Bra?
Many insurance companies will cover the cost of a limited number of breast prostheses
and post-mastectomy bras if they have been prescribed by a physician. In some cases,
additional paperwork or procedures need to be followed to ensure coverage. Breast cancer
patients who wish to wear prostheses and/or post-mastectomy bras should contact their
insurance providers prior to purchasing these items to determine whether they are covered
and what needs to be done to ensure coverage. Since the prices of prostheses and
post-mastectomy bras vary significantly depending on the style, type, etc., patients
should also determine whether their insurance provider has set a "price limit"
for these items.
In some instances, women will need to purchase the prosthesis and post-mastectomy bras
themselves and turn in the appropriate paperwork to their insurance providers to receive
partial or total reimbursement. Other times, the manufacturer or shop where the items are
purchased will bill the patient’s insurance company directly. Again, these matters
should be worked out with the insurance company prior to making a purchase. Some insurance
companies may require patients to order products from a specific manufacturer or shop.
It is also important for women to ask their physicians to note how often the prosthesis
will need to be replaced. On average, prostheses need to be replaced every one to two
years and additional post-mastectomy bras need to be purchased every three months to a
year. For example, breast cancer patients on Medicare receive coverage for one new
prosthesis every two years and two post-mastectomy bras every six months.
 Click here to view the
directory of breast prosthesis manufacturers and shops.
Additional Resources and References
- The American Cancer Society provides information on breast prostheses at http://www.cancer.org/
- The Ted Mann Family Resource Center is a nonprofit
organization who works in conjunction with the Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center at the
University of California at Los Angeles. The organizations provides information on breast
prostheses and post-mastectomy bras at http://cancerresources.mednet.ucla.edu/
Updated: January 31, 2008
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