Mastectomy Products
Restore your confidence
To Life! offers mastectomy products for anyone who has had breast surgery — including lumpectomy, unilateral or bilateral mastectomy, and reconstruction — at our Delmar, Saratoga Springs, Amsterdam, and Albany locations.
Fitting Appointments
Every product is fit by a licensed, trained fitter in a private, comfortable setting, with ample time to find what’s right for you. Fitting appointments are complimentary — the only cost is the product itself.
We accept insurance from many local providers, including CDPHP, MVP, Highmark, Blue Cross Blue Shield, The Empire Plan, and Medicare. Check with your insurance carrier before your appointment and let our staff know when you schedule. If we don’t participate with your provider, we still have options to support you — we won’t turn anyone away.
We welcome you to visit before surgery to learn what to expect, or to schedule an appointment afterward.
To Life!’s goal is to ensure you are able to achieve the look you want and will feel comfortable with. To schedule your appointment or if you have questions please call 518-439-5975.
Products We Carry
Breast prostheses and swim forms
Mastectomy bras, in a full range of styles, colors, and sizes
Post-surgical garments and camisoles
We carry major manufacturers including Amoena, Anita, Classique, and Trulife.
Schedule a Fitting
Fittings are by appointment only, held in a private, comfortable setting at our Delmar, Albany, Amsterdam, and Saratoga Springs locations. Call 518-439-5975 to schedule or ask any questions.
Meet Our Fitters
Karen Fortsch
Delmar & Albany
Karen has gone through her own cancer journey, including two kinds of breast cancer, a double mastectomy, and reconstruction — and she’s never been shy about helping others navigate theirs. Her journey with breast cancer started in 2013, and she began volunteering for To Life! in 2014. She jumped at the chance to become a certified mastectomy fitter, saying, “I finally know what I want to do with the rest of my life.”
She gives others the support, confidence, and strength to feel better, whether that means finding the right prosthesis, bra, surgical garment, or lymphedema compression sleeve. She loves nothing more than helping someone feel confident and whole again.
Valerie Chippa
Saratoga Springs & Amsterdam
Valerie holds degrees in Social Sciences and architectural CAD drafting, and has a background spanning retail, kitchen and bath design, real estate, and project management — a wealth of experience and an artist’s eye that she brings to every fitting.
Valerie volunteers with Fresh Table Food Pantry and the Christmas Concert presented by Wildwood, and served for more than five years as a Board Member for Catskill Housing. Outside of To Life!, she enjoys traveling and spending time with family, friends, and her five grandchildren.
What Our Clients Say
Frequently Asked Questions about Mastectomy Products
How much does it cost?
Fitting services at To Life! are free. There are costs associated with the products. We participate with many insurance companies, including Medicare. However, should we not be able to participate with your insurance company, please know that we have options to support your needs and will not turn anyone away.
Will my insurance cover the cost of my prosthesis?
Insurance companies typically provide coverage for one prosthesis every two years for unilateral patients or two prostheses every two years for bilateral patients. Because of that two-year limit, it is very important to be sized correctly. If you are sized incorrectly, you will not be eligible to resubmit for the correctly sized prosthesis for two years. That is why we recommend waiting until all of your swelling has gone down. We participate with many of the main providers in the area, including CDPHP, Medicare, MVP, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Northeastern NY, and Empire Blue Cross. For more information on our insurance policies and guidelines, please head HERE.
Do I need a prescription?
Your doctor will need to write a prescription for “mastectomy bras” and a “breast prosthesis” if you plan to submit these products to your insurance company. You will need to bring the prescription with you to your appointment.
What do they look like?
Some forms are symmetrical, so they can be used on either side, and some forms are designed to be asymmetrical (used only on your right or left side).
What are they made of?
Some are made of silicone, and some are made of fiberfill. A silicone breast prosthesis is closest to imitating breast tissue in weight and drape. A good prosthesis will also have some movement similar to your real breast. Some silicone breast prostheses are designed to be worn in the pocket of a mastectomy bra, and some are designed to adhere directly to the chest wall.
A fiberfill breast form is very lightweight, although some do come “weighted.” It is a good idea to ask your fitter about the pros and cons of a fiberfill breast form. These forms may not be the best option for some women because they may be too light. Fiberfill breast forms are designed to be worn in the pocket of a mastectomy bra.
To Life! has a wide variety of breast prostheses and breast forms, and our fitters are knowledgeable in what each form has to offer. The fitters will help you find a prosthesis that’s the proper shape, size, and weight for your lifestyle and your body.
How are prostheses sized?
Breast prostheses are available in different shapes, sizes, and skin tones. You will be fit to a shape that best conforms to your body shape and matches your existing breast (for unilateral patients). The forms are not sized like a bra, so you can’t count on getting a form that fits by referencing your bra size. Our fitters can help you find a style and size that works best for you.
Can I come look at mastectomy products prior to my appointment?
Yes, but please call ahead in case fitting rooms are being used.
Is it comfortable to wear a prosthesis?
The fit and comfort of a prosthesis are very individual. The prosthesis is designed to mimic the weight of the existing breast, and the existing breast can be surprisingly heavy. The industry has come a long way in offering silicone prostheses that are lighter weight and cooler. Our fitters can show you the latest in lightweight silicone prostheses.
How do I take care of my prosthesis?
Wash them with mild soap, towel dry, and put them in their box when they are not being worn is all the care and maintenance they need.
Why should I have a 'proper fit'?
A properly fitting breast prosthesis will balance your appearance, prevent your bra from moving around, keep your spine in alignment, and balance weight on your shoulders. They are designed to mimic the weight and shape of your natural breast. It is our goal at To Life! to find a prosthesis that is the right size and shape for you and your lifestyle.
When do I get a mastectomy bra?
Your fitting for the breast prosthesis will include a mastectomy bra fitting. The fitter will measure you to determine your bra band size and your cup size. If you have had bilateral surgery, you will tell the fitter the cup size you want to be. To Life! offers many options for mastectomy bras, including seamed, seamless, molded cup, camisole bras, and sports bras.
When should I have my first fitting?
Your fitting for the breast prosthesis will include a mastectomy bra fitting. The fitter will measure you to determine your bra band size and your cup size. If you have had bilateral surgery, you will tell the fitter the cup size you want to be. To Life! offers many options for mastectomy bras, including seamed, seamless, molded cup, camisole bras, and sports bras.
How soon after my mastectomy can I schedule an appointment?
Our recommendation is six to eight weeks.
What should I wear to a fitting?
You should wear what you normally wear in your everyday life. Part of the fitting is seeing how your clothes fit and look when you are wearing the prosthesis. A snug-fitting, design-free top will offer you the best idea of how proportional and symmetrical the breast prosthesis is to your body.
To Life! is certified by BOC (Board of Certification/Accreditation) an independent, not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting quality patient care by offering highly valued credentials for professionals and businesses.