Date:  July 12, 2002 

Contact: Lynnn Blue, Certified Mastectomy Fitter

      1-800-457-4544 or (334) 284-0250 

Today there are over two million breast cancer survivors living in the United States. With early detection, survival rates continue to climb and breast cancer can often be treated with radiation therapy, systemic chemotherapy and/or hormonal therapy. However, there are still many women who must face a mastectomy to continue living a productive life.

Thanks to Montgomery-based Alabama Artificial Limb & Orthopedic Service, Inc. (AAL&OS), recovering from the visual effects of a mastectomy has become a little easier to handle. “We realize that a woman’s health and appearance, both physical and psychological, is of the utmost importance. Our office is designed to provide the comfort and privacy necessary to do mastectomy fittings, and we even offer in-home fittings to make sure the patient is completely at-ease,” said Lynnn Blue, a certified mastectomy fitter with AAL&OS.

Blue urges individuals who have undergone a mastectomy to carefully examine the pros and cons of both reconstructive plastic surgery and the wearing of a breast form with their physician. Once the possibilities are carefully weighed, the individual should choose the option that most closely meets her specific needs.

According to Blue, mastectomy patients often aren’t fully informed of their post-surgery options. Therefore, she is always available to provide information or answer questions about post-mastectomy care and breast forms.

Breast forms are prostheses worn either inside a bra or attached to the body to simulate the weight, bounce, feel, movement, and shape of the natural female breast. AAL&OS fits only high-quality breast forms composed of silicone gel inside a very thin, slick plastic shell. Silicone forms like the type AAL&OS offers provide the feel, weight and movement of a natural breast. The silicone forms warm to body temperature, are easy to care for, and come in a variety of shades to match skin tone.

“The breast forms that I fit really help our patients feel complete,” said Blue. “I have been fitting mastectomy patients for several years, so I can usually look at a patient and estimate her size before taking any measurements. But I still take measurements to assure my patients that I am providing them with a proper fit,” explained Blue.

“I usually will not fit patients until six-weeks after their surgery because of the swelling that the patient is still experiencing up until then. I want to make sure that the patient is going to be very satisfied with her breast form. That’s why we require a physician’s prescription prior to fitting an individual who has had a mastectomy.”

While most silicone breast forms are guaranteed for two years, they do require a small amount of care to maintain their appearance. “I advise my patients to wash their breast form every day with soap and water. They should also be cautious with corsages or pins because the silicone forms can be punctured,” said Blue.

AAL&OS is a company that specializes in serving the individual who has undergone a mastectomy in addition to the prosthetics and orthotics that they fit and produce. The company has a certified mastectomy fitter on their professional who is always willing to answer questions concerning mastectomy fittings. As a full-service mastectomy fitting facility, AAL&OS offers a full line of bras and bathing suits designed for use with breast forms. The company is very knowledgeable about Medicare reimbursement and private insurance coverage for breast forms and welcomes any questions concerning payment. 

The main facility for Alabama Artificial Limb & Orthopedic Service, Inc. is located in Montgomery at 1223 East South Boulevard. Appointments can be made by contacting the office at (334) 284-0250 or toll-free at 1-800-457-4544.