Jay Ann Intimates, a family owned business since 1955, specializes in breast prosthesis and bras for mastectomy patients, in addition to our well known expertise as corsetieres.
Following breast surgery, it is important for every woman to understand the importance of a weighted silicone form and the available options. We offer you a pleasant surrounding, elegant, private fitting rooms, and support during this very personal and emotional time.
One of our certified fitters will help you choose the best form and bra to compliment your body. We have a large variety of bras that consist of hundreds which can be customized with pockets to provide the necessary security required.
Jay Ann is also an in-network provider for many types of insurance. Please come in with your insurance card and prescription; we will be happy to complete and submit the paperwork for you.
Some of the many products we carry are:
- Airways
- ABC
- Amoena
- Classique
- Tru Life
Appointments are preferred.
Please call to confirm a time.
(215) 942-0120 |
- What is a breast form and why is
it necessary to wear one?
- What are most breast forms made of?
- What is a surgical bra?
- What types of breast forms are on the market?
- Which type will I wear first?
- Why do I need a weighted breast prosthesis (form) after
breast surgery?
- If I am very small breasted or had partial surgery such
as a lumpectomy, do I still need weighted breast prosthesis?
- Will people be able to tell if I have a breast form
on?
- Will wearing a breast form restrict my activities in
any way?
- Can I wear a silicone breast form while swimming?
- How do I care for my breast form and how long will
it last?
- Are there different styles of breast forms?
- Can a breast form be worn with a regular fashion bra (a
bra without a pocket)?
- Why should I go to a professional fitter?
- Does my insurance pay for any of my post mastectomy
needs?
- If my breast size changes due to weight lost or gain before
I’m due for a replacement, will my insurance cover more
than one prosthesis in a year?
- How often should I have my fitting checked?
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Surgical FAQ's
Question:
What is a breast
form and why is it necessary to wear one?
Answer:
A breast form is designed to be worn externally, in a pocketed bra, to closely resemble the natural appearance, feel, and weight of a breast. A breast form restores a feminine shape and feeling of balance, which will help restore your self-confidence and improve your quality of life after breast surgery. It is very important to wear a weighted form – it will restore your body’s natural balance and help prevent the development of spinal curvature, neck and back pain, as well as shoulder drop.
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Question:
What are most breast forms made of?
Answer:
The majority of weighted breast prostheses are made of silicone gel. You can also buy a weighted breast form that is made of foam.
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Question:
What is a surgical bra?
Answer:
A surgical bra has pockets to securely hold the silicone breast form. Some of the bras have underwires and others do not.
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Question:
What types of breast forms are on the market?
Answer:
There are two basic types, weighted (having weight to them) and non-weighted.
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Question:
Which type will I wear first?
Answer:
You should be fitted with an immediate post-surgery camisole or leisure bra for the first 4 - 6 weeks. When your doctor determines that you are ready for a weighted silicone form, he will write you a prescription for your breast prosthesis and mastectomy bras.
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Question:
Why do I need a weighted breast prosthesis (form) after breast surgery?
Answer:
A properly fitted breast prosthesis helps
replace the weight lost after breast surgery. This replacement
is not merely for cosmetic or psychological reasons but for
physical reasons as well. When a natural breast is removed
the body is no longer in balance and will compensate with
slight curving of the spine and "shoulder drop." Both conditions
may lead to chronic lower back and neck pain.
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Question:
If I am very small breasted or had partial surgery such as a lumpectomy, do I still need weighted breast prosthesis?
Answer:
Yes. Even if you are small breasted you should replace the weight. You will also need the weight to help hold your bra in place around the rib cage. A light non-weighted form adds shaping in a bra but may slip up during certain movements. If you have had a lumpectomy, a partial silicone breast form will create symmetry and prevent the bra from slipping and/or gapping.
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Question:
Will people be able to tell if I have a breast form on?
Answer:
NO!! With a proper fit no one will be able to tell you are wearing a prosthesis (or breast form). Silicone prosthesis has the weight, feel and form of your remaining breast.
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Question:
Will wearing a breast form restrict my activities in any way?
Answer:
Wearing a breast form should not restrict
your activities. There are lightweight/swim forms available
for exercise and water activities, if you find the silicone
breast form unsuitable or too heavy.
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Question:
Can I wear a silicone breast form while swimming?
Answer:
Silicone breast forms will normally not be damaged by chlorine or salt water and can be worn in the swimming pool, ocean or Jacuzzi. After use the silicone breast form should be cleaned and dried gently. There are specially designed swim forms if you are an active swimmer.
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Question:
How do I care for my breast form and how long will it last?
Answer:
Treated carefully, a breast form is very durable. Care should be taken with sharp objects to prevent the outer film of the breast form from being punctured or damaged. A breast form should be cleaned with warm water and mild soap, and dried gently after use. When not in use, the breast form should be stored in its cradle to help maintain the shape of the form and prevent accidental damage. Most manufacturers guarantee their forms for two years.
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Question:
Are there different styles of breast forms?
Answer:
Breast forms come in a variety of shapes and sizes. You can choose from triangle, tear drop shaped, or asymmetrical. Symmetrical can be turned to fit either side of the body. Asymmetrical fits only the right or left side. Your professional fitter will measure you and try on several different types before you decide which one looks and feels best.
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Question:
Can a breast form be worn with a regular fashion bra (a bra without a pocket)?
Answer:
Yes, but fashion bras have not been designed to meet the specific needs of most mastectomies. It is important to be measured and fit by a professional fitter. Mastectomy bras have been designed to hold the weighted form in place.
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Question:
Why should I go to a professional fitter?
Answer:
Because every woman is different. There are hundreds of sizes, styles and shapes that have been created to match a woman's remaining natural breast. A certified professional fitter is trained to measure and select the proper prosthesis for each individual woman.
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Question:
Does my insurance pay for any of my post mastectomy needs?
Answer:
Yes. Medicare and most other insurance’s pay for one breast prosthesis every other year and four bras a year. You should check with your carrier to see how much is covered.
As of September 2009, you must visit a store that is accredited to sell post surgical bras and breast prosthesis. If you purchase from a store that is not accredited, insurance WILL NOT pay for your purchase.
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Question:
If my breast size changes due to weight lost or gain before I’m due for a replacement, will my insurance cover more than one prosthesis in a year?
Answer:
Yes. If your doctor provides another prescription
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Question:
How often should I have my fitting checked?
Answer:
As a general rule a fitting should be checked at least once per year. Your body will change over time and it is important that a certified fitter confirm your fit and make necessary recommendations.
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