When a mastectomy is scheduled, your mind is full: appointments, tests, organising things at home. Thinking about afterwards can feel far away. And yet there is a small, simple and gentle step you can take beforehand: keeping an impression of your nipples.
Not to decide anything now. Just to have the choice, later.
What exactly is an impression?
It is a mould of your nipple, made with impression silicone. It captures everything: the shape, the texture, the projection, the contours, the little details that make your nipple yours.
From this impression, our artisans can create a personalised mould, then medical silicone nipple prostheses that faithfully reproduce your shape from before.
An impression taken before surgery is irreplaceable: it is a faithful memory of your body as it was.
How it works in practice
Everything happens at home, discreetly, with our impression kit. It contains:
- an illustrated instruction booklet, step by step;
- pots of impression silicone and spatulas, for two impressions (left and right);
- colour samples, to note the shade of your nipple and areola;
- a prepaid return label.
You follow the booklet calmly, slip your impressions into the packaging and send them back to us. If you live near Chambéry, or can get there, we can also take the impression with you on site.
And then? Your impression waits for you
That is the whole idea of the impression bank: we carefully keep your impressions in our archives, for as long as needed, with no commitment.
You decide at your own pace. In a few months, in a few years, or never. The day you would like custom prostheses made from your impressions, the price of the kit is deducted from your custom collection order.
There is no rush. Your impression is not going anywhere.
Who is it for?
This step can make sense for many patients:
- anyone waiting for a mastectomy, single or double;
- people preparing for another breast surgery, such as a reduction;
- healthcare professionals who support patients through their journey.
With a double mastectomy, the impression taken beforehand is often the only trace of your original nipples. With a single mastectomy, it also keeps the memory of the operated side, with its own particularities.
The right time to do it
The simplest thing is to talk about it with your medical team. They know your schedule, the condition of your skin and any ongoing tests, and can tell you when this little moment fits in.
A few common-sense tips: choose a calm moment, clean skin that is not irritated, and feel free to postpone if the area is sensitive or if you have been asked not to touch it. If in doubt, write to us, we are here to guide you.
And without an impression from before?
No need to worry: it is never too late to find a nipple that looks like you. After a single mastectomy, the impression can be taken from the remaining nipple to create a symmetrical prosthesis. Otherwise, our impression bank also holds impressions donated anonymously by generous donors, and the ready-to-wear collection offers many shades and sizes.
In short
Keeping an impression of your nipples before surgery is a small act of self-care. A few minutes at home, a kit sent back by post, and a memory kept safe, with no obligation at all. Any questions? Write to us, we will be happy to help.