FAQs

Does insurance cover your products and services?

• This will vary depending on your insurance type, your prescribing physician’s order, and what product(s) or service(s) you require. Your insurance company can tell you about your policy’s terms and conditions. In addition, our experienced staff will work with you to determine your coverage, help set expectations, and navigate the process of determining your insurance coverage.

When will I receive my orthotics?

• Each orthosis is custom measured, cast, or fabricated to each patient’s individual needs. Depending on the fabrication, materials, individual components, and other factors, delivery times can be one or more weeks. Each individual will be properly educated to understand what delivery timeframe to expect.

When will I receive my prosthesis?

• We understand that receiving your new limb quickly is of utmost importance. In most cases, a new amputee will be healed enough to begin the process within 2-4 weeks after surgery. The first step after suture removal is called “Shrinking.” During this time, you will wear a compression-type sleeve called a “shrinker” that will help to reduce the remaining swelling from your residual limb & shape your limb for optimum fit of your socket. Most patients wear this for 1-3 weeks. Your practitioner will discuss your goals with you during this period, & formulate a treatment plan with you. During the next phase of treatment, you will be fitted for your “Test/Temporary Socket.” Making certain the fit of the test socket is customized and comfortable is a priority. The socket will be clear, which allows the practitioner to visualize pressure points and locate the areas in need of modification prior to the fabrication of your final socket.  

Do I need to “break in” my new prosthesis or “toughen up” my residual limb?

• The answer to both of these questions is no. The technology available today allows us to fabricate a prosthesis that is very easy to put on, wear, take off & care for. Materials such as silicone, polyurethane, & thermoplastic elastomers are very gentle to the skin & require no adjustments for you to get used to wearing them.

Will my orthotics or prosthetic limb hurt?

• No. Once again, technology is in place to allow you to have a comfortable & pain-free prosthesis. Pain is an indicator of a problem in your socket. If you experience any issues with pain, please contact us immediately. We never want you to hurt in any way.

Will my prosthesis look natural?

• Yes & no. Initially, we use materials that are clear so that we can see precisely how your residual limb fits inside your socket. Then, once your residual limb has stabilized & we are confident in the fit, we can cosmetically cover the limb with a “skin” that matches your natural color.

Can I shower or swim in my prosthesis?

• You will not be able to get your primary prosthesis wet. However, there are special materials we can use to fabricate a “wet prosthesis” for you in addition to your primary. Bathing & swimming in your primary prosthesis will cause damage to your componentry & could put you at risk for injury.

Will I be able to return to sports & other physical activities when I receive my prosthesis?

• As a general rule, we always say that if a person could do something before amputation, they will be able to do that same activity afterward. That said, communication is vital, & you must discuss all concerns/questions with your practitioner & physical therapist. Learning from the experts is essential to your success in obtaining your goals. Also, some obvious factors play a role here, such as your overall health or other injuries. Rest assured; we are committed to doing anything & everything we can to work with you, your surgeon, & your physical therapist to return you to a full life!

What are the different types of mastectomy products available?

Our team is dedicated to providing personalized care and education to each patient or client to help them make the best decision for their unique situation. We offer a variety of options to suit individual needs and goals, including breast form prostheses, shapers, and a post-surgical collection. Some of these options are listed below.

• Classic Triangle Lightweight – Our wider triangle design fits’ and flatters a wide variety of body/torso types and provides a modest, natural look. Made with lightweight silicone, this prosthesis aids in managing shoulder tension and strain for comfortable wear.
• Massage Form® Shaper – Back layer features a patented design that massages, cools and hugs the chest wall for a comfortable fit. Massage channels prevent shaper from collapsing.
• Post-Surgical Puff – You’ll love the customizable fit and exceptional softness of Post-Surgical Puff. Featuring a seamless design for a soothing touch, our puff helps to restore symmetry for women healing after breast surgery.
• Diamond RFS – Our unique shape balances youthful fullness with feminine curves to create a perfect silhouette in today’s bra styles. Crafted with lightweight silicone, this prosthesis minimizes tension on shoulders for easy, comfortable wear.
• Massage Form® Shaper Lightweight – Features a wide-based modified triangle footprint that provides full coverage in the bra cup. The back layer features a patented design that massages, cools and hugs the chest walI for a comfortable fit.
• Compression Bra – Our soft cotton blend stretches for a comfortable fit while the reinforced side panels provide exceptional support. Our design features a zipper-front with hook & eye closure, Velcro cushion straps, and wide elastic band for your comfort and ease of wear.
• Bra Collection includes: Rose Contour Bra, Front Close Rose Contour Bra, Contour Underwire Bra, Embrace Bra, Princess Lace Bra, Regalia Bra.

How do I clean and care for my breast prosthesis?

All breast forms come with instructions for how to best care for them. You can hand-wash some non-silicone forms with mild soap and let them air-dry, depending on what they’re made of. Some breast forms also come with removable covers that you can hand-wash. Some silicone breast forms include cleaning kits with non-abrasive wipes and mild soaps that are safe to use on silicone. Our certified mastectomy fitter can advise which store-bought soaps or cleaners are safe to use.

Are mastectomy bras and swimwear available?

• Yes.  We want to discuss your individual needs and meet each one.

Are there any special considerations for women who have undergone a bilateral mastectomy?

• Every patient has unique and special considerations. We will make sure yours is fully addressed. 

How often do I need to replace my breast prosthesis?

• Replacement is dependent on several factors. Your daily activities, insurance coverage and individual wants can determine replacement timeframes. 

Are there any special fittings or adjustments that can be made to my prosthesis?

• Yes. These will be discussed with you during your dedicated appointment time along with any other questions or concerns.

Can I get a custom breast prosthesis?

• Yes. Custom breast prostheses are available. This may be based on your individual situation and can be discussed at your dedicated appointment.

Are there any options for women unable to wear a traditional breast prosthesis?

• Yes. Individual options can be discussed at your dedicated appointment.

More information regarding mastectomy products and prostheses can be found at Breastcancer.org. Donate to support free resources and programming for people affected by breast cancer.

Do you require a prescription from a physician to purchase durable medical equipment?

• Yes. Durable Medical Equipment (DME) is provided by prescription based off of your physician’s evaluation and determination of need.

Are there any warranties or guarantees for durable medical equipment?

• All DME items come with warranties. These warranties are explained and provided to each patient so that you know what to expect.

Can I try out the equipment before I purchase it?

• Millennium DME’s trained staff will educate each patient on proper use by in-office training on the specific device. Because your DME service is individually prescribed and provided, only in-office and warranty-specific use is allowed by law. 

Are there any financing options available for medical equipment?

• Yes. Our office staff will discuss all available financial options.

How do I clean and maintain my medical equipment?

• During your appointment, we will go over both verbally and provide written instructions on how to best maintain your device.

Are there any training or instructions available for using the equipment?

• All training, use, and warranty instructions will be provided to you so that you have the most optimal use of your device.