Lumpectomy, Bras and Inserts: What You Should Know

You’ve probably seen them in the lingerie  stores, on a display of lingerie accessories. Sometimes they’re called chicken fillets, bra inserts, push-ups, gel pads, breast enhancers, shapers, or partials. But what are they for, exactly?

While anyone can use them inside a bra for cleavage-boosting purposes, these breast accessories are truly necessary—and in some cases, reimbursable by medicare after breast cancer.

Understanding Lumpectomy

Lumpectomy still accounts for approximately 70% of all the breast cancer surgeries performed each year, although the number of women who choose mastectomy is on the rise. If you’ve had breast cancer and it was detected early, chances are you had, or will have, a breast conserving surgery – also known as a lumpectomy. This surgery removes the cancerous lump along with a margin of normal breast tissue. It is usually paired with radiotherapy, and its intent is to save as much of the breast tissue as possible.

Not every woman diagnosed with breast cancer qualifies for lumpectomy. Your doctor will consider these, and other factors:

• Do you have more than one primary tumor? 
• How large is the tumor in relation to the breast?
• Where is the tumor located? (Some locations will produce better cosmetic outcomes than others.)
• Are you pregnant? (If so, you can’t have radiotherapy.)
• Have you had prior radiotherapy to the breast or chest area?

If none of the above apply, your doctor/surgeon may talk to you about the possibility of having a lumpectomy rather than a mastectomy. A lumpectomy is something you want to may consider for the following reasons:

1. Lumpectomy  is typically a shorter procedure with a shorter recovery time.
2. Recurrence rate may be reduced in some cases.
3. For some women, having a lumpectomy can result in minimal loss of sensation to the breast
4. A lumpectomy allows you to maintain the majority of your natural breast.

Balancing Imperfections

It is possible to experience asymmetry after a lumpectomy, which may only become apparent once the swelling of surgery has subsided. This might be due to the amount of tissue that needed to be removed or simply the subsequent effect that radiotherapy has had to the skin or surrounding breast tissue.

If it’s bothersome enough that your clothes fit uncomfortably, a partial breast shaper might be just what you need. 

Balance partial shapers are designed specifically to fill, cover and conceal almost any breast asymmetry created by surgery or radiotherapy. They can also balance naturally uneven breasts. Our bra inserts come in a variety of shapes, sizes and thicknesses, to fit you personally and accommodate your unique needs. They can be attached to the skin with adhesive, like our Balance Contact shapers, or worn in the cup of your bra. 

Reimbursement Options for Breast Shapers

In Australia if you have had breast cancer surgery, Medicare will reimburse you for a breast form or partial form to the value of $400 every two years. Consult your private health insurer to see if you are eligible to claim on pocketed bras or swimsuits to hold your breast shapers.

Ask your mastectomy fitter for assistance in finding just the right solution for your needs. A partial breast shaper can give you the smooth silhouette you want to see in the mirror, and body confidence every day. 

Resources: American Cancer Society. “Breast Cancer Facts & Figures 2015-2016.” Atlanta: American Cancer Society, Inc. 2015. Jan. 23, 2017.