When is the ideal time for patients to be fitted for breast forms?

The ideal time for patients to be fitted for breast forms is typically 4-6 weeks post-surgery. This timing allows for sufficient healing and stabilization of the surgical site. Immediately after surgery, the body is still in a recovery process, and there may be swelling or changes in body shape that can affect the fitting.

Fitting patients within the first week post-surgery can also lead to inaccurate sizing due to ongoing changes as they heal, including fluctuations in breast shape and swelling. Waiting until 3 months after surgery might be too long, as many patients may prefer to have their breast forms before that to help them regain confidence and comfort in their daily lives sooner.

Fitting at 4-6 weeks provides a balance where the surgical site is healing, and the patient can start to think about their long-term needs for breast forms while ensuring a better fit that reflects their changed body. This period helps facilitate a more accurate fitting and supports the emotional and psychological adjustment post-mastectomy.