Prosthetics at Graphica Medica offers custom and non-custom prosthetic solutions for post-mastectomy patients.

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How are CUSTOM breast prostheses different?

Custom breast forms are intended to restore symmetry and the physical appearance of one's breast when worn with a bra and clothing. Custom forms are different from non-customs in that they are designed to intimately conform to the chest wall. Additionally, they are intended to be worn directly against the skin, not within the pocket of a mastectomy bra.

 

What type of bra can you wear?

While a pocketed mastectomy bra is not necessary, certain design features of your bra are recommended to ensure the bra can support your prosthesis. We will help you identify these features in a bra.

 

Who is a candidate for customs?

A custom breast prosthesis is a non-invasive option for individuals who have undergone breast trauma from mastectomy, lumpectomy, injury, reconstruction or congenital abnormalities. Custom prostheses are also an option for those who are not candidates for breast reconstruction after mastectomy and lumpectomy. A custom prostheses is often a promising solution for those needing a partial prosthesis following a lumpectomy or who have asymmetric remaining breast tissue. Individuals who have previously or never worn breast forms may benefit from the tailored fit and lightweight material of a custom breast prosthesis.

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At Prosthetics at Graphica Medica, we will provide an assessment of your chest wall, and review all expectations and considerations with regards to how you may benefit from a custom breast prosthesis. 

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Why come to us?

Prosthetics at Graphica Medica works in partnership with designers at American Breast Care to plan the design of each custom breast form. ABC has 15 years of experience in design and manufacturing of quality breast forms, worn by women across the world.

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In addition to individualized fit, ABC Custom Breast Prostheses offer an additional level of customization by providing a more specific skin-tone match and the option for nipple detail and color matching. 

 

We feel that Prosthetics at Graphica Medica's expertise in understanding how form, materials, and fit play a crucial role in prosthesis design, combined with the knowledge and technological solutions offered by American Breast Care, create a strong creative alliance to ensure you receive a quality prosthesis designed specifically for you.

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What does custom fitting involve?

Adequate healing must take place following surgery before a patient should be fit for a custom or non-custom prosthesis.

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During your pre-scanning consultation, we will present and review a set of expectations, show you color options, discuss payment options, and detail the scanning process. This will give you an idea of what you can expect from your new prosthesis, and the scanning process.

 

Following your assessment, if we and you feel that the ABC Custom Breast Prosthesis is right for you, we will examine the fit of your bra and breast form. We will look for specific bra and breast form fit characteristics to ensure your prosthesis will fit like a puzzle piece to your unique chest wall contours. We will also review skin tone and nipple/areaola options with you. 

 

Following your fitting, we may ask to keep the bra in which you were fit until the date of your personal scan session.  

 

Personal Scan Session

On the day of your personal scan session, wear a separate top and bottom. We will begin the session by fitting you in the bra in which you were fit during your pre-scanning consultation. We will also review the scan process and provide to you some simple instructions. 

 

Next, we will apply a series of removable stickers to your torso and bra. We will then take a series of torso-area reference pictures and then scan your chest with a bra on, and off, using a state-of-the-art, iPad-based, 3D scanner. That's it!

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Making your prosthesis

After your personal scan session, your scan files will be transmitted to the ABC Development Team. The team of dedicated breast form designers will then use CAD-based, reverse engineering to create a custom breast prosthesis with accuracy and detail to your fit and color specifications.

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Personal fitting

We will contact you to set up a personal fitting appointment when we receive your custom breast prosthesis. With the bra in which you were scanned, we will fit your prosthesis, ensuring it rests intimately against the unique contours of your chest wall. Moving forward, feel free to try different bras. You may find different bra styles complement your new custom breast prosthesis!

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Last, we will also present and review the care instructions and warranty with you.

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Ask yourself the following questions:

• Do you struggle to find a breast form that’s right for you - one that fits your unique contours, is lightweight and comfortable?
   

• Do you desire a prosthesis that closely matches your own skin tone? Or one that has a realistic nipple and areola?
   

• Do you feel like your current breast form is too heavy or shifts and moves, leaving you with a sense of insecurity?
   

• Do you seek a realistic alternative to surgical breast reconstruction?
   

• Do you feel disappointed that you are not a candidate for surgical reconstruction?

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If you answer “yes” to any of these questions, then working with Prosthetics at Graphica Medica to obtain an ABC Custom Breast Prosthesis may be the right choice for you!

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Will my insurance cover it?

A custom breast prosthesis is covered by most insurance plans. Prosthetics at Graphica Medica is a healthcare provider contracted with some local insurance companies as an in-network provider including Medicare and Medicaid. We will advocate on your behalf prior to any financial obligations. Prosthetics at Graphica Medica will attempt to secure the highest level of coverage for your prosthesis as permitted by your plan, and manage appeals and out-of-network coverage exceptions. 

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Please contact us with any questions you have about custom breast prostheses, and whether you might be a strong candidate for this prosthetic option. We will also help you determine your eligibility for coverage of a custom breast prosthesis.

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