FAQs
CHOOSING THE RIGHT BREAST FORM FOR YOU
Today’s breast forms provide alternative solutions for women who want to recapture or recreate their silhouette or simply provide them with a form and shape that surgery has taken away. Many breast prostheses can even create solutions for use immediately after surgery, helping to reduce damage to scar tissue and irritation to an already altered chest wall. Many prostheses can relieve pressure to the back and sholders and still provide an excellent shape.
Belovely Designs are featuring the Silique mastectomy breast form range. We have put together the following guide to help you identify which form is right for you. All of the breast forms in our catalogue offer the most popular shapes, colour and sizes.
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Used For
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Suggested Breast Form
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Recommended For
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Natural Look and Feel
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MVT – Comfort Series
COMING SOON!
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Innovative three layered prosthesis created with silicone, micro-beads and a fabric backing. Approximately 50% lighter weight than a standard weight prosthesis. Provides a sort and natural shape. The breathable fabric backing makes it ideal for periods of extended use and light activities and exercise.
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MTT – Deluxe Series
MST – Natural Light Series
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100% silicone gel prostheses that are the best alternatives available to re-create a natural silhouette. The MST is a light weight, whipped silicone breast form that is approximately 30% lighter than the MTT standard weight version.
Both are ideally suited to compensate for uneven breasts
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Sport and Leisure
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MWT – Leisure Series
COMING SOON!
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Specially designed for use while swimming. This breast form is resistant to chlorine and seawater damage.
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MBP – Leisure Series
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Ideal choice for leisure activities, including exercising, jogging and biking as it maintains it shape beautifully. Comfortable for sleeping in and great for just lounging around in too!
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Post Surgery
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MBP – Leisure Series
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Suitable for use immediately after surgery, This ultra light weight fabric breast form is designed with specially sized micro-beads to relieve pressure on the back, shoulders and chest wall. The micro-beads also give a natural and comfortable feel.
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Extra Comfort/Moisture Resistant
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MST-V – Comfort Series
MTT-V – Comfort Series
COMING SOON!
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Soft comfortable fabric backing provides protection and comfort, especially in warm, humid conditions. Helps resist moisture absorption and maintain a constant cool feeling.
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Partials
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MST-S – Natural Light Series
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A thinner, yet form shaping alternative to full size breast forsm. Adds fullness to the front or side that has been affected by breast conserving surgery or just to add shape to uneven or underdeveloped breasts.
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Are Mastectomy Breast Forms VAT exempt?
There is no VAT charged on any of our specialist clothing and mastectomy breast forms items that are zero rated for VAT purposes. When you order qualifying items it is on the basis that they are supplied to you as an individual for your own use after having breast surgery due to breast cancer.
The Company will take reasonable steps to ensure that our customers are eligible to receive goods at the zero rate. We do this by requesting that you accept an electronic eligibility declaration during the ordering and checkout process. Before accepting the electronic declaration, you must refer to HMRC VAT notice 701/7 which is available to view on our Website. You will not be able to purchase goods that qualify for VAT relief without accepting the declaration during the website checkout process. We will send you a copy of the eligibility declaration that you submit with your order confirmation. We will provide your declaration to HMRC or any other body that may reasonably request it. If the Company has reason to believe that a false declaration is being made, we reserve the right not to supply the goods at the zero rate.
Do I have to pay VAT on Mastectomy Breast Forms if I am not VAT Exempt?
Yes. If you are not eligible for VAT relief on our mastectomy items you must not request VAT relief when setting up your customer account. If you accept VAT relief in error, you must change the VAT relief setting in your customer record prior to ordering any mastectomy items. Provided you have not requested VAT relief, you will not be required to submit a VAT relief eligibility declaration.
What are my options after breast surgery?
There are four options available; wearing an external prosthesis, external breast reconstruction, surgical implant reconstruction or doing nothing. The decision on which option is best for you should be discussed with your medical advisors and breast care nurses.
What is a breast prosthesis or breast form?
Prostheses/breast forms are designed to replicate the natural appearance, feel and weight of a breast. Breast forms restore feminine shape, self confidence and can improve your quality of life. Breast forms are important to restore your body’s natural balance and prevent the development of spinal curvature, neck and back pain and "shoulder drop".
Every breast cancer survivor is different and has different goals, lifestyles and needs. Silique breast forms are available in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, materials and colours and offer many features and benefits specially designed to answer the needs, function and usability of a breast prosthesis.
Is a prosthesis safe to wear?
The primary material used in breast forms is silicone gel which cannot be absorbed by the skin. It is similar to silicone used in breast implant reconstruction surgery, but in a different chemical state.
Are there different prosthesis to choose from?
There are several major manufacturers that produce prosthesis, each having between 200 and 500 different items. Prostheses come in a variety of shapes, weights, sizes and colours and are made with several different types of materials.
How do I choose which prosthesis is best for me?
Your first prosthesis should be with the recommendation of your medical advisors and with the advice of a certified fitter. Several factors such as the seriousness of the surgery, your physical capabilities and psychological needs and your lifestyle should all be taken into consideration. Ultra lightweight, non-silicone gel products are normally recommended for use immediately after surgery.
How soon can I wear a prosthesis after surgery?
A non-weighted prosthesis can be fitted for the first 4-6 weeks after surgery. Your medical advisors should determine when you are ready to be fitted with a weighted prosthesis. However, permanent silicone prosthesis are usually suitable to be work 6-8 weeks after surgery. A weighted form is recommended for many reasons, primarily to return the body’s weight balance to prevent curving of the spine and “shoulder drop” which may lead to chronic lower back and neck pain.
Do I need a weighted prosthesis?
A properly fitted prosthesis helps to replace the weight lost by surgery. Surgery affects the normal body balance and needs to be compensated after surgery. Weighted prostheses are not only for cosmetic or psychological reasons but are necessary to reduce the risk of spine curvature and "shoulder drop," which can lead to chronic back and neck pain.
How do I care for a prosthesis?
Follow the manufacturer’s care and cleaning instructions. Our silicone prostheses require simple hand washing with warm soapy water and air dry. Use the storage bag we have provided to help keep your prosthesis clean and undamaged.
How long will a prosthesis last?
In line with most prosthesis manufacturers, our prosthesis have a 2 year warranty from the date of purchase. However, treated gently and with proper care, most prosthesis should hold their shape and continue to perform for many years. It is recommended that prosthesis are cared for just as you would care for your own skin, including daily cleansing, avoiding sharp objects, storing in a protected place when not in use and avoiding excessive heat and moisture.
How often should I replace a prosthesis?
You can continue to wear your prosthesis as long as you do not experience weight gains or losses of more than10 pounds. Additionally, if bubbles appear in the silicone or if the skin of the form begins to separate from the silicone, then it is time for a replacement. Most medical professionals recommend a “check-up” with your fitter at least once per year.
Will my activities be restricted by a prosthesis?
A prosthesis should not restrict any normal activity. Lighter weight products are recommended for light activity. Special fabric backed items are recommended for use in warmer climates or if there is a propensity for body temperature changes and body moisture. Special transparent prosthesis are available and recommended for water activities such as swimming.
BRAS
Can I wear a regular fashion bra with a prosthesis?
Yes. However, it is very important that you are measured by a professional, certified breast prosthesis fitter. Specially pocketed mastectomy bras are also available to help hold the prosthesis in place. Our specially pocketed mastectomy clothing range will also securely and comfortably hold your prosthesis in place.