Christiaan Barnard Hospital
D.F. Malan St, Foreshore
Call our head office on (021) 506 5680
Please remember we care about your privacy.
TEL (021) 824 1634
Vincent Pallotti Hospital
Dick Williamson Medical Center
TEL (021) 531 7232
Life Orthopaedic Hospital
Ground Floor Life Orthopaedic Hospital Alexandra Rd l Pinelands
TEL (021) 506 5680
Pinelands Business Park
New Mill Rd, Pinelands
TEL (021) 531 0841
“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” ― Nelson Mandela
Breast cancer and lymphoedema is an identified and prevalent condition in South Africa. Every year there is a rising incidence of breast cancer affecting women across the country. The treatment journey is often a complex and challenging process that women endure. Besides the health challenges there is also the psychological impact brought about by the change in body image. We at Chin and Partners understand the importance of addressing this physical change and we aim to help restore body image and balance.
Breast reconstruction is an effective surgical means of restoring body image post mastectomy, it is however not always an option for all women. The decision to reject breast reconstruction can be due to a variety of reasons. Some women may opt not to have any additional surgery resulting in a longer recovery time. They may not want any further risk of complications and more than one surgical procedure may be required to attain the desired shape and size of the reconstructed breast or breasts. Some women may choose to delay further surgery to recover and adjust to the new shape of their body before deciding whether to have reconstruction or not.
A breast prosthesis is an artificial breast form that replaces the shape of all or part of the breast that has been removed and it typically fits into a mastectomy bra. Breast prostheses are made from soft silicone gel which is housed in a thin outer film. They are moulded to resemble the natural shape of a woman’s breast, or part of a breast. The breast prosthesis feels soft and smooth and may include a nipple outline.
Treatment Objectives
- To provide an alternative to reconstructive surgery
- To restore body image and self-confidence
- To provide symmetrical appearance
- To provide even weight distribution of the upper body
Indications
- Post single mastectomy women
- Post total mastectomy women
- Post-lumpectomy surgery
Contraindications
- Sensitivity to silicone and other prosthetic adhesives.
- Swelling and discomfort of remaining healing tissue.
What happens at the consults?
At Chin & Partners we offer a specialised service. We have a qualified female breast prosthetist who has been trained in the selection and supply of the best breast prosthetic brands available. She is trained in how to measure and fit the correct form and bra for your specific needs. We provide private consultations with a variety of breast forms and post-mastectomy garments to choose from. By making use of the measuring charts available, we can determine the correct size and provide you with the perfect fit.
The first appointment involves us talking to you about your expectations. We assess and evaluate all the options suited to your needs. We measure you according to the specific suppliers’ requirements for your breast prosthesis form size and the correct mastectomy bra size to ensure a perfect fit and shape. At times, we may even have a sample product which we can fit to make certain that you are happy prior to ordering your specific breast form. Our breast prosthetist understands the sensitive nature of the appointment.
Consultations take approximately 45minutes, and you are advised to wear a bra or a form-fitting top/vest. Please note order times may take up to 3 weeks if your required size is not stocked by the national supplier.”
Benefits
- Makes the breast look symmetrical in shape and avoids obvious differences in breast size.
- Better fitting of clothing.
- It protects the chest and surgical scar.
- Prevents problems with curvature of the spine, shoulder drop and muscular pain in the neck and back.
- Women who choose to wear external breast prosthesis rather than undergo breast reconstruction.
- Keeps the bra from shifting or riding up.
- Breast enlargement for aesthetic reasons following total mastectomy.
Breast Prosthesis Types
Silima Soft and Light symmetrical
Silima soft and light heart shaped
Silima Ultra-light Symmetrical
Silima Fiberfill Breast forms
Silima Triform Light Symmetrical
Silima Conform
Silima Shell
Anita Care Standard and Soft
Anita Care Light and Soft
Anita Care Light and Cool
Anita Care Light and Active
*The Silima Mastectomy Breast Forms range in size from AA to E.
*The Anita Care Breast Forms range in size and specialise in the larger cup sized women.
Mastectomy Bras
The lingerie we offer you provides all the advantages of a special purpose bra. The materials are skin friendly with stylish colour schemes and designs. The extensive range offers just the right choice for your individual needs, from elegant lace to French flair in a soft- peach tulle, with optimal elasticity for maximum support and comfort.
We provide the following standard bras:
Silima Victoria Bra
Silima Lola Bra
Silima Lucy Bra
Silima Diana Bra
Silima Julie Bra
Silima Flora Bra
Silima Diana Bra
Brands
Chin and Partners utilise three leading brands in post-mastectomy care. These three brands are:
Care and Cleaning of Breast Forms & Lingerie
- Wash with mild soap and rinse in warm water
- Do not use solvents under any circumstances
- Dab gently with a soft towel to dry
- Do not place the form on a radiator, nor use a hairdryer
- Use the original box to store the breast form
- Keep sharp or pointed objects, such as brooches, away from the breast form
- Be careful with pet claws- they might damage the gossamer due to the thin PU film that coats the prosthetic.
- Observe the care information included with each breast form.
- Wash Lingerie by hand, cold wash with a Ph balanced detergent, place in the shade to dry.
- Cleaning with pH-neutral liquid soap and water will be sufficient.
- Do not use fabric or paper towels for drying to prevent residue on the adhesive surfaces.
- Using a lingerie bag and closing the fasteners is the best ways to keep your lingerie safe in the wash. Most lingerie can be washed at a low temperature of 30° in the washing machine. Please use the delicate wash cycle.
- If your washing machine does not have a delicate wash cycle, use the wash cycle “easy-care” in conjunction with mild detergent. Please do not use fabric softener because it damages the fibres.
- Dry your bras on a clothes horse. Never dry them in the dryer, on the radiator or in direct sun light because extreme heat accelerates the wear of fabrics and lace.
At Chin & Partners we offer a specialised service. We have a qualified female breast prosthetist who has been trained in the selection and supply of the best breast prosthetic brands available. She is trained in how to measure and fit the correct form and bra for your specific needs. We provide private consultations with a variety of breast forms and post-mastectomy garments to choose from. By making use of the measuring charts available, we can determine the correct size and provide you with the perfect fit.
The first appointment involves us talking to you about your expectations. We assess and evaluate all the options suited to your needs. We measure you according to the specific suppliers’ requirements for your breast prosthesis form size and the correct mastectomy bra size to ensure a perfect fit and shape. At times, we may even have a sample product which we can fit to make certain that you are happy prior to ordering your specific breast form. Our breast prosthetist understands the sensitive nature of the appointment.
Consultations take approximately 45minutes, and you are advised to wear a bra or a form-fitting top/vest. Please note order times may take up to 3 weeks if your required size is not stocked by the national supplier.
Funding
If you are paying for your prosthesis privately a deposit will be required before we place your product order and the balance is to be paid when we fit, you with your prosthesis. We are only able to claim from your medical aid for the prosthesis and garments if your medical aid has this benefit available to you. If you do not have the benefit but are on a medical aid, we can assist you in claiming for this through your PMB’s (prescribed minimum benefits). This can only be done following your initial appointment where we will measure you and determine the style of the breast forms and garments available for your specific sizing. We will only place the order for the prosthesis and garments once the channel of funding has been determined and this has been approved and confirmed.
Frequently asked questions
We at Chin and Partners are qualified in measuring and fitting of breast forms and prostheses. You can expect the consulting female orthotist to measure your circumferential size and determine your correct breast form size and garment.
The measuring assessment forms part of the first of a series of appointments. You can look forward to the consulting female orthotist/prosthetist to treat you with the understanding and respect. We provide a private space to take the required measurements.
You are advised to wear a thin or form-fitting vest so that the measurements taken can be as close to the skin as possible, as if you were not wearing a top.
If we have your size and you are paying upfront then yes but if not then after the initial appointment where measuring and styles of the breast forms and garments available for your specific sizing are determined, we apply for the necessary authorisation should you wish to place the order for the products through medical aid funding. Once the channel of funding has been determined and this has been approved, we are then able to place the order. Due to the wide range of products and varying brands of product, we do not stock most of these items and you will therefore not be able to purchase and take the products home on the same day of your initial appointment.
If the local supplier has the product in stock then it takes approximately 3 days for your order to arrive, If the local supplier does not have the product locally in stock then it may take 3-4 weeks for your product to arrive, once the order has been placed.
Pricing varies per brand and product type, but these are costly items. With regards to funding most oncology patients have an oncology benefit that cover surgery and breast prosthetics from a specific oncology fund. For more information on costing and pricing. Please contact us directly to speak to one of our skilled members of staff.
This is dependent on the availability of funds in the medical aid oncology benefit or if you wish to do this privately, it is dependent on your budget and how much you will be able to spend for the required breast forms and garments you require.
After surgery, your surgeon will recommend the appropriate time for you to start wearing a prosthesis. This will depend upon your medical condition, the post-operative healing process, and the type of mastectomy that was performed. A physician’s prescription for your breast prosthesis and mastectomy bras is necessary for medical aid purposes.
No. With a proper fit, no one will be able to tell you are wearing a prosthesis.
Always check first, as this will vary with the type of breast prosthesis and by the manufacturer. However, most breast prostheses have a two-year warranty.
Most medical aids will cover breast prosthesis replacements for this reason, provided there is a prescription from your doctor stating the reason for the replacement. Always check with your medical aid company to determine what is covered under your plan.
Conveniently Located
We have four practices across Cape Town and cater to international patients as well
Licensed Professionals
Our healthcare professionals provide the highest quality care and are fully licensed
Cost-Effective
We provide solutions for all prosthesis, orthotics, mobility and bracing
Please call (021) 506 5680
Or contact us via email form below