BREAST FORMS AFTER MASTECTOMY PATIENTS ISSUES

After mastectomy restoration of body symmetry, a very important aspect of coping with daily life, may be achieved either using breast forms that are suspended in a brassiere or by a new system in which breast f orms are attached by adhesive strips to the thorax walls. The system p romises free and easy movement, favourable effects on lymphoedema, and improvements with respect to dressing. Brassieres are not necessarily needed. The influence of improved prosthetics on patients' self conce pt and well-being was investigated, A group of 67 patients after unila teral mastectomy tested custom breast forms and self-adhesive breast f orms. Using the Frankfurter Selbstkonzeptionsskalen (Frankfurt Self-Co ncept Scales), plus additional questions concerning problems after mas tectomy, self-concept was assessed before study and after 3 months. An alysis of variance with repeated measures revealed significant differe nces with respect to the scale Social Contact and Relations (FSKU). Mo st patients were better satisfied with epicutaneous self-adhesive brea st forms. The weight and type of movement of the self-adhesive breast forms were considered natural, and adhesive strips were well tolerated . A total of 78% were able to wear more fashionable clothing. Breast r econstruction became less important for 62%. The new concept of self-a dhesive breast forms is an improvement with respect to social and psyc hological rehabilitation.