Post-Mastectomy Standards of Care
Post-Mastectomy Standards of Care are central to professional, compassionate care and apply to all post-surgical fitter services provided due breast cancer or trauma, a prophylactic mastectomy, or developmental conditions of the breast.
Post-mastectomy is always considered healthcare
What Does a Mastectomy Fitter Do?
Mastectomy Fitters provide a wide variety of services, including:
- measurement and fit of external breast prostheses
- post-op prostheses and garments
- nipple prostheses
- custom breast prostheses
- pocketed garments (bras, swimsuits, clothing)
- lymphedema and post-surgical compression garments
- nipple and areola tattooing
- treatment wigs and headwear
These items and services should always be provided by a Certified Fitter trained in post-mastectomy care.
Continuum of Care
Mastectomy care begins immediately after surgery and extends throughout a lifetime.
Proper post-surgical care encompasses several stages:
- before surgery – including preoperative fitting and counseling
- immediate post-operative (pre-prosthetic)
- immediate reconstruction
- delayed reconstruction
- external breast prosthesis (initial fitting)
- lifelong care
Post-Mastectomy Standards of Care Defined
Developed through a consortium of professional fitters, educations and allied healthcare practitioners and first released in 2018, the Post-Mastectomy Care Patient Bill of Rights is intended to ensure professional responsibility and compassionate care.
Reconstruction
External breast prostheses may be used in conjunction with reconstruction, as an intermediate treatment before delayed reconstruction, or as a permanent option (Lifelong Care).
External breast prosthetic care includes many different types of garments and prosthetics specially designed for each stage of healing: post-operative, intermediate, and permanent. The Post-Mastectomy Care Standard recommends a gentle and steady progression through the stages of post-mastectomy care for proper healing and fit.
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