MASTECTOMY CARE · BRAS & BREAST FORMS · BOC CERTIFIED FITTERS · SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

Mastectomy Bras & Breast Forms: What You Actually Need to Know

From Medical Department Store — Five Mastectomy Salons · Southwest Florida · BOC Certified Fitters on Staff
Updated: March 2026 | Written by our BOC Certified Mastectomy Fitters

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When Should You Start Looking?

Most surgeons recommend waiting four to six weeks post-surgery before being professionally fitted for a breast form and pocketed bra. The chest wall needs time to heal and swelling will affect your measurements. In the weeks immediately following surgery, a soft post-surgical camisole or compression bra is typically what you'll wear — these don't require a form and are designed to be gentle on healing tissue.

Don't wait until you're in pain from a poor fit or until a bra you bought online doesn't work. Schedule your fitting appointment when your surgeon gives you the green light. Bring a close-fitting top, bring a friend or family member if that helps, and give yourself time — a good fitting is not a 10-minute errand.

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What a BOC-Certified Fitting Actually Is

A BOC Certified Mastectomy Fitter (CMF) is a credentialed allied health professional — not a salesperson. They've completed formal coursework, documented patient care hours, and passed a national certification exam. Every mastectomy salon at Medical Department Store is staffed with BOC Certified Fitters.

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Five Mastectomy Salons — Southwest Florida

Each of our five Southwest Florida showrooms has a dedicated mastectomy salon with private fitting rooms and BOC Certified Fitters on staff. Call the location nearest to you directly — the fitters are at the store. Walk-ins welcome; calling ahead ensures your fitter is available.

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Mastectomy Bra Styles: What's the Difference?

All mastectomy bras have built-in pockets to hold a breast form securely. Beyond that, the differences matter for fit, comfort, and how you actually live your life.

Back Closure Bras

The most common style with the widest selection. The Classique 722 is seamless cotton — 83% cotton, 17% spandex — with entirely hidden seams for all-day comfort. The ABC Massage Bra Style 525 uses a textured massage-like fabric with padded straps and a wider elastic band, ideal for extended wear or skin sensitivity.

Front Closure Bras

If raising your arms behind your back is difficult — post-surgery, during radiation, or due to arthritis — a front closure bra removes that barrier entirely.

Sports & Active Bras

Standard mastectomy bra pockets aren't designed for movement. Sports bras use structured pockets, firmer fabric, and moisture-wicking construction. In Florida's heat, breathability matters as much as support.

Camisoles & Leisure

Camisoles with built-in pockets work as all-in-one tops — no separate bra needed. Good for travel, early post-surgical wear, and days when you want coverage without a bra. The ABC Kalena Camisole and Almost U Style 1200 both have integrated form pockets.

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Breast Forms: Silicone, Lightweight, Foam & Swim

Shape Guide: Which Form Matches Your Surgery

Triangle — most common; fills a standard bra cup. Teardrop / Curved — for surgeries that removed underarm tissue. Symmetrical — wearable on either side. Asymmetrical — side-specific. Partial / Shaper — fills part of the cup; for lumpectomy or reconstruction where tissue remains.

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Brand Breakdown: ABC, Amoena, Trulife & Almost U

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Swim Forms & Active Life in Florida

If you swim, walk the beach, or use a pool regularly, a dedicated swim form is not optional — it protects your everyday silicone form. Standard silicone forms are not designed for chlorine or salt water. Extended water exposure degrades them and voids most manufacturer warranties.

Swim forms move with the water, retain their shape, and won't absorb moisture. The ABC 930 Oval Swim Form, ABC 931, and Trulife 630 Active Flow Triangle Swim Form are stocked at all five salons.

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Leisure & Foam Forms: What They're Actually For

Foam forms are not a compromise — they're the right tool for the right situation. The Nearly Me 560 Casual Weighted Foam Triangle and Nearly Me 550 Casual Weighted Foam Classic are for at-home use, sleeping, and low-activity days. The ABC 910 Triangle Puff is another light-use option.

Many women keep two forms: silicone for going out, foam for evenings at home. It extends the life of the silicone form and is more comfortable for extended low-activity wear.

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Sizing: Use the Right Chart for the Right Brand

Each brand's sizing system is different. Using the wrong chart means the wrong form. Downloadable sizing guides:

• ABC / American Breast Care Sizing Guide (PDF)
• Camp / Trulife Fit Chart (PDF)
• Amoena Sizing Chart (PDF)

These are a reference for reordering a known size. First fitting, or if anything has changed — come in.

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Insurance, Medicare & FSA

Most mastectomy bras and prostheses are FSA-eligible. Many insurance plans cover them with a physician's prescription. Medicare Part B covers one external breast prosthesis per side every two years, and two mastectomy bras per year.

Our BOC Certified Fitters can help with documentation and plan coordination. Call the nearest location before assuming you're paying out of pocket — you may have benefits you haven't used.

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