"Feminine and light – this suits me". Behind Barbara’s Decision Against Breast Reconstruction Surgery

When Barbara was diagnosed with breast cancer again after 14 years, she was shocked. She eventually had to have both breasts removed. Breast reconstruction was an option, but after careful thought and consideration, she decided against it.

Barbara realised that she was fighting for her survival and that it was not about beauty. The fear of letting go of her breasts ran deep. “They won’t grow back like hair after chemo!” she said. The breast reconstruction was not without complications, as the skin on her right hand side had already been irradiated and the remaining skin layer was very thin. After an aborted therapy with expanders, she was able to judge from her own experience how strange it felt to have something unfamiliar added in her breast. It was easy for her to say no.

Her motto in life became “Get healthy and stay healthy”. Looking back on her decision, she is relieved. Lots of sport and exercise have boosted her self-confidence. “I really feel good in my body again. Yoga has particularly strengthened a healthy body image. I can lie on my stomach without complaints and work as a yoga teacher, which makes me very happy. The issue of breast reconstruction is out of the question.”

Alternatives for breast implants

The day after the procedure is still very clear in her mind. “I remember when I looked down, it was a weird feeling. What I saw was just flat.” Still in the hospital, Barbara was fitted with initial textile forms and a bra from the medical supply store. At the time, Barbara didn’t know which products were available and her concern was that she wouldn’t find anything appealing for herself.

“My breasts were an important part of my identity at that point and I thought to myself, oh God, do I have to put up with such horrible bras now?” as she spoke openly about her fear. During her rehab, Barbara researched extensively on the internet and through her own initiative, came across Amoena.

She discovered that there are stylish bras in many colours, as well as breast forms in different shapes and weight options, self-adhesive or with a ventilation- enhancing back. Adaptable to a woman’s needs and liking.

“I was so relieved and happy with the selection; combining the medical aspect with beauty. I’m still excited about the many options and am sure that everyone will find something pleasing here.”

I do not save on my well-being

Barbara knew exactly how her ideal breast replacement should perform. “I have to feel comfortable with it and enjoy wearing it.” A breast form that didn’t come close to meeting her wishes was out of the question. The costs are generally covered by health insurance.

For premium products that have special features for greater wearing comfort, a co-payment may be necessary. Price was not an issue for Barbara. Her biggest concern was feeling alive and comfortable.

“I knew that I wasn’t going to skimp on my well-being because I am worth it. Feminine and light– this suits me. I want to feel comfortable and enjoy wearing it,” says Barbara, describing the requirements for her breast form. “The fact that a small co-payment may be required on top of the usual coverage, didn’t matter to me.”

My natural silhouette

During her research, Barbara discovered the Adapt Air breast form. “I am very happy with my breast form. It can be finely adjusted, is pleasingly light to wear and doesn’t feel like a foreign body, but like a part of me,” Barbara recounts.

The breast form can be adjusted individually by means of an integrated air chamber. By adding air, the back gently nestles to the uneven scar tissue and the chest wall. The volume in the cup is balanced and the breast form sits close to the body, giving a symmetrically natural silhouette, providing a unique feeling of security, especially with a bilateral mastectomy. It is the gold standard in breast care and has won multiple awards.

“The Adapt Air feels and looks unbelievably natural. No one unfamiliar with my history would guess that I wear a breast form. I’ve been able to experience that several times,” reports the survivor model. Barbara is happy with the breast form and Amoena’s support. “It’s great what Amoena is doing for us! I’ve been breastless for one and a half years now and am doing so well with it in a way I never thought possible.” 

Confident and secure with the Adapt Air

With its flexible and temperature regulating back, the Adapt Air sits comfortably close to the body. Due to its individual adjustment option, it is especially valuable for women with an uneven scar area or weight fluctuations.The Adapt Air is a multi-award winning breast form that is very light and flexible in its handling. Air is added to or released from the air chamber until an optimal fit is achieved. The functionality is simple, with the help of a specially designed pump.