Post-Mastectomy Standards of Care
Mastectomy care standards apply to healthcare items and professional services provided after a mastectomy due to breast cancer or trauma, a prophylactic mastectomy, or developmental conditions of the breast.
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
- nipple prostheses
- custom breast prostheses
- pocketed garments (bras, swimsuits, clothing)
- lymphedema and post-surgical compression garments
- nipple and areola tattooing
Post-mastectomy is always considered healthcare
These items and services should always be provided by a Certified and Licensed Mastectomy Fitter trained in post-mastectomy care.
Standards 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.
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 Mastectomy Care Standard recommends a progression through the stages of post-mastectomy care for proper healing and fit.
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