WO2013112820A1

WO2013112820A1 - Post-breast surgery brassiere with profile-correcting insert

Info

Publication number: WO2013112820A1
Application number: PCT/US2013/023126
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kara GORSKI; Kristin GEMBALA
Original assignee: Gorski Kara; Gembala Kristin
Priority date: 2012-01-27
Filing date: 2013-01-25
Publication date: 2013-08-01
Also published as: US20150011140A1

Abstract

A brassiere for women who have undergone a single or double mastectomy with breast reconstruction and a profile-correcting insert that is either sewn directly into the brassiere or can be worn separately with other conventional brassieres and garments. The brassiere provides a natural, conical-shaped breast profile. The brassiere further provides elastic gathering at the upper-side region or around the bottom-half of the support cup, side-seam in close proximity to the cups, the option of elimination of any underwire within the support cup, and a wider elastic band underneath the cup(s) along the front of the wearer's rib-cage. Additionally, the profile-correcting insert can be affixed to other conventional brassieres or garments and the brassiere can be incorporated into other garments.

Description

Post-Breast Surgery Brassiere with Profile-Correcting Insert

This invention is directed to a brassiere for women who have undergone a single or double mastectomy with breast reconstruction and a profile-correcting insert that is either sewn directly into the brassiere or can be worn separately with other conventional brassieres and garments. The brassiere provides at least one support cup with a profile-correcting insert either sewn in or affixed to the support cup(s) so as to mimic a natural, conical-shaped breast. The brassiere further provides elastic gathering at the upper-side region or around the bottom-half of the support cup, side-seam in close proximity to the cups, the option of elimination of any underwire within the support cup, and a wider elastic band underneath the cup(s) along the front of the wearer's rib-cage. Additionally, the profile-correcling insert can be affixed to other conventional brassieres or garments and the brassiere can be incorporated into other garments.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61/591 ,405, filed on January 27, 2012, the contents of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

Background Of The Invention

In 201 1 , there were 2.6 million breast cancer survivors in the United States. In that same year, there were approximately 230,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer (cancer cells that have exploded and begun to invade regular breast tissue) and 57,650 new cases of non-invasive (or in-situ) breast cancer in the United States. Globally, a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every 29 seconds, with approximately 1 .6 million new cases of breast cancer diagnosed in 2010. While survival rates are on the rise, breast cancer claims the lives of a significant number of women each year. A woman dies of breast cancer every two minutes in the United States and every 74 seconds globally. In 201 1 , it is expected that almost 40,000 women will die from breast cancer in the United States and approximately half a million women worldwide.

Various types of breast cancer exist and each individual's breast cancer is different. The most common kinds of breast cancer are: 1 ) invasive ductal carcinoma; 2) ductal carcinoma in-situ, 3) invasive lobular carcinoma, and 4) lobular carcinoma in- situ. Other less-common types of breast cancer include inflammatory breast cancer, Paget's disease of the nipple, and male breast cancer.

While breast cancer treatments involve various options tailored to the stage and type of each woman's breast cancer, typical options include some combination of the following: 1 ) surgery - either a lumpectomy (partial removal of breast tissue) or a mastectomy (full removal of breast tissue) and possibly the removal of associated lymph nodes; 2) chemotherapy; 3) radiation and 4) hormone therapies and 5) targeted therapies. Advanced medicine has also facilitated the identification of the breast cancer related genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2. Women who carry these genetic mutations are five times more likely to develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Given this significant increased risk, physicians encourage women who have strong family histories of breast cancer to be tested for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Often, women who are tested and who have the genes opt to have prophylactic surgeries prior to developing any breast cancers, including double mastectomies and/or oophorectomies or

hysterectomies. These women are part of the growing "previvor" population.

Breast surgery may include and/or be followed by reconstructive surgery using either artificial implants or a Flap surgery, which uses living tissues from other areas of the body to reconstruct the breast. The number of breast cancer related surgeries (including prophylactic) that result in reconstruction is growing. Breast reconstruction surgeries have climbed from 78,832 in 2000 to 96,277 in 201 1 - a 22 percent increase according to the America Society of Plastic Surgeons. Of these, 80 percent used an artificial implant (saline, silicone, or tissue expanders) and the remainder used living tissue from other areas of the body.

Women who undergo lumpectomies or mastectomies and do not choose breast reconstruction are often fitted for a prosthetic device. Breast prostheses are external forms often made of silicone that simulate a breast. They are typically sold in combination with expensive, clunky, plain-looking mastectomy bras that maintain a pocket for inserting the prosthesis. Women who wear these bras often complain of the prosthetic moving around or falling out. Wearing a bathing suit with a breast prosthetic is also extremely difficult. Obtaining a prosthetic device is an expensive and enduring process. Women must visit specialized and certified mastectomy bra fitters - they are not available at regular retail stores or online, with initial appointments lasting around an hour with follow up appointments likely. Although many certified fitters work with certain health insurance companies who may cover some of the cost of the mastectomy bra and prostheses, these items can be quite costly. For instance, silicon breast prosthetics sell for as much as $400 each.

Women who choose breast reconstruction typically do so to avoid wearing a prosthetic device and the additional trials that come with it. However, these women often complete the reconstructive implant surgery only to learn that they still need a "smaller" prosthetic to obtain the projection of a natural breast, or a "teardrop" shape. Most implants used today are circular, resulting in a hemispherically shaped

reconstructed breast, as opposed to the conical shape of a natural breast. While tear- dropped implants exist, plastic surgeons avoid using them as they can twist or invert, resulting in a very odd shaped breast and some women's chest structures cannot accommodate them. Given the entire breast tissue has been removed, the

inframammary fold (under the breast) must be constructed using the hemispherical implants. The complete reconstruction of the inframammary fold coupled with the use of the circular implants results in reconstructed breasts that do not obtain the same projection of natural breast tissue. That is, they do not fill out the "tip" of a conically shaped brassiere, but instead are flat like a pancake. Even breasts reconstructed with living tissue often do not achieve the natural projection of the original breast. This makes fitting the reconstructed breast into a regular bra difficult as the very tip of the breast is almost non-existent, which can result in an concave indentation of additional material at the front of the brassiere where there would normally be some projection. Additionally, some women have their nipples reconstructed, which may continuously protrude, requiring additional coverage from a brassiere to conceal.

Breast cancer survivors and previvors who have under gone mastectomies with implant reconstruction also require additional brassiere cup support for their implants, which can tend to protrude under a woman's arm given the width of the circular implant at the top and may also move around slightly overtime. A brassiere with a strong elastic upper-outer side of the support cup or around the bottom -half edge of the support cup is needed to help support the implant, pulling it in towards the middle of the chest while simultaneously having some "give" to allow the cup to expand and contract somewhat with the implant. In addition, a side seam that is extremely close in proximity to the cup will provide extra, needed support.

These women also typically require a bra without an underwire. Because the breast tissue has been removed and the implant inserted behind the muscle wall, the only tissue between a brassiere and the muscle supported by the implant is skin. An underwire bra may rub against the skin and present the risk of being "worn away" by the underwire. Therefore, it is recommend that women who have undergone mastectomies with implant reconstruction wear a wireless bra. In addition, the support of a wider elastic band under the brassiere cups is necessary to prevent the bra from slipping upwards and wearing against the skin.

Currently, no brassiere designers, manufacturers and/or vendors have developed and manufactured a brassiere to meet these unique needs for these women. The best, commercially-available, alternative solution is called a "partial shaper." Partial shapers are prosthetic breasts that almost entirely cover a woman's reconstructed breast. They are worn in the same way as a regular prosthetic breast - they are inserted into a specialized mastectomy bra, fitted to the patient only by certified mastectomy fitters, and cost just as much. Only after choosing to avoid breast prostheses and the expensive, time consuming and long process of obtaining one or two, women who have undergone breast reconstruction with implants learn they have to go through this process anyway to obtain the projection needed to "look" normal and natural. Moreover, after choosing implants they now have to wear an "explant" on top of it. In the case of a double mastectomy, for instance, instead of wearing two implants, the woman ends up having to wear four (two internal and two external) to achieve natural looking breasts.

Current inventions do not meet the requirements of this patient population either. US Patent No 6,953,380 B2 and US 6,746,306 B2 disclose a "postoperative bilateral augmentation mammoplasty brassiere." These inventions fit a brassiere to the hemispherical shape of an augmented breast (including regular mammoplasty) and use a specifically designed underwire as support. However, these brassieres do not provide for a natural-looking breast with a conical profile and the addition of an underwire is harmful to a woman who has had breast reconstruction with implants. Neither does the invention disclose the require side support necessary to prevent the implant from protruding underneath a woman's arms.

US Patent Publication No 2009/0036023 A1 discloses "The Danette: Bridge of Hope bra," specifically made for mastectomy patients who have not undergone any reconstruction. The entire bra cup(s) is pre-filled and mimics a full-breast prosthesis. This invention does not offer a solution to women who have undergone implant reconstruction, as they need only to have a the tip of their profile-corrected. Nor does the invention disclose the require side support necessary to prevent the implant from protruding underneath a woman's arms.

US Patent Publication No 201 1/0237157 discloses an "adjustable multi-cup brassiere." The invention includes an inner cup and an outer cup that may "include a breast-shape conformer to conform in appearance to a breast." While secured at the bottom, the two cups maintain "upper free edges" to create an open pocket where a "mold" may be placed. The invention "provides the wearer with the ability to completely cover any modified or adjusted breast." Unlike the present invention, the invention disclosed in US Patent Publication No 201 1/0237157 does not correct only the portion of the implant that fails to create a natural-looking breast. Instead, like other inventions (including the commercially available partial-shaper) discussed above, it covers the entire breast. Similarly it does not allow for additional side support necessary to keep the implant from protruding underneath a woman's arms.

US Patent No 7,654,1 15 B2 discloses a "Tubular Knit Bra." While this bra is made of flexible, hosiery like material it does not include a profile correcting insert, have side support required to prevent "spillage" of an implant underneath a woman's arms and in some versions it does not appear to provide a wireless cup.

Accordingly, there exists a need for a post-breast surgery brassieres and profile- correcting bra/garment inserts that: 1 ) provide the survivor or previvor with an appearance matching theirs prior to the surgery; 2) provide the additional cup and side support to prevent "spillage" of an implant or other reconstructive tissue under a woman's arms; 3) is optionally wireless with appropriate support to preserve the delicate skin and tissue that exists between the brassiere and the muscle wall and implant itself; and 4) is semi-custom, meaning based on size and measurements it can be fitted to an individual's shape, but does not require being seen by a certified mastectomy fitter, and therefore can be made available online or in various retail outlets.

Brief Summary Of The Invention

The present invention is a post-mastectomy brassiere and a profile-correcting insert that may either be sewn into or alternatively affixed to the disclosed brassiere, or worn affixed to a conventional brassiere, or with another type of garment. The brassiere with a profile-correcting insert layer and the insert iteself are developed for women who have chosen to reconstruct the natural look of a breast. The brassiere and profile- correcting insert of the present invention allow these women to achieve the natural, conical-shaped breast they had prior to their surgery, combined with optimal support and comfort, and without the use of additional breast prostheses.

In combination with the known elements of brassiere construction, at least five unique design features are present in the brassiere of this invention. First, the profile correcting insert that may be sewn in or affixed by other methods serves to complete the tear-drop shape of a natural breast, replacing the need for an additional prosthetic device, shaper, or mold to do so. Second, the upper-outer sides or around the bottom- half of support cup will offer the additional support necessary to prevent the circular shaped implant or other forms of reconstructed breasts from spilling out under the survivors' or previvors' arms and will also allow for sufficient "give" to adjust to implants and reconstructed breast tissue as they may move somewhat. Third, the side seams of the brassiere will be extremely close to the cup(s) in order to provide additional support to prevent the implant and reconstructed breast tissue from spilling out under the woman's arms. Fourth, the brassiere will optionally be wireless so as to preserve the delicate, thin layer of skin around the inframammary flap that could be potentially worn from wearing an underwire brassiere. Fifth, the brassiere will have a wider elastic band under the cup(s) and around front part of the rib-cage in order to prevent the brassiere from slipping upwards and rubbing against this delicate skin. Additionally, the brassiere with the profile-correcting insert layer is a semi-custom design. That is, it can be fitted to a woman knowing her size and measurements alone. This eliminates the

requirement that the woman must see a certified fitter and makes the present invention more readily available to women either online or in various retail outlets.

In an additional embodiment, the brassiere may be designed as a demi-brassiere or a full-coverage brassiere that utilize support cup(s), possibly with padding.

In an additional embodiment, the strap(s) of the disclosed invention may be set at various positions, including racer back, with a wide conformation, and with a narrow conformation.

In an additional embodiment, the profile-correcting insert layer may be in one or both support cup(s).

In an additional embodiment, the profile-correcting insert layer may be affixed to yet removable from a conventional brassiere to achieve the natural or tear-drop shape of natural breasts at a minimum.

In an additional embodiment, the disclosed brassiere and/or insert may be incorporated into other garments. Brief Description Of The Several Views Of The Drawings

Figure 1 depicts the profiles of a natural breast and that of a mastectomy with breast implant reconstruction, demonstrating the failure of the later to achieve the same profile as that of the former.

Figure 2 depicts a mastectomy reconstructed with a conventional breast implant and the partial shaper prosthetic needed to be placed on top of the conventional implant to obtain a conical, natural appearance.

Figure 3 shows an image of the partial-shaper prosthesis that women with implant reconstruction must wear to obtain a naturally, shaped-breast. These prostheses cover the entire reconstructed breast.

Figure 4 shows an image of the post-mastectomy breast reconstructed with an implant in a conventional brassiere and the resulting concave indentations.

Figure 5 shows an image of the post mastectomy breast reconstructed with an implant in a brassiere and profile-correcting insert of the present invention.

Figure 6 depicts the inside and the outside of a post-breast surgery brassiere with the profile-correcting insert sewn-in that offers the wearer an appearance matching theirs prior to the surgery.

Figure 7 is the interior construction of the brassiere with profile-correcting insert sewn-in according to the invention. The figure demonstrates the adaptable, increasing depth and size of the profile correcting insert, depending on a woman's required size and how this insert could alternatively be used if affixed to a conventional brassiere.

Figure 8 depicts several aspects of the disclosed invention.

Figure 9 depicts a demi-brassiere. Figure 10 depicts a full coverage brassiere.

Detailed Description Of The Invention

The current invention is designed for breast cancer survivors and previvors who have had a single or double mastectomy and chosen to have breast reconstruction, including with implants or living tissue. The invention is intended to target those women who prefer to not have to wear an additional breast prosthetic to obtain a life-like profile or projection, which can move, feel uncomfortable, be costly and require certified fitting by professionals. The profile-correcting insert can be inserted into the post-surgery brassiere disclosed in the present invention (either sewn in directly or affixed through other methods) or worn with conventional brassieres. Moreover, the brassiere can be incorporated into other garments as can the insert.

With reference to Figure 8, the claimed post-mastectomy brassiere comprises: at least one strap (1 ), each to be placed over a shoulder of the wearer; at least one support cup (2);

an elastic band (3) positioned under said cup(s) (2);

two side seems (4), each distal from the center front (5) of the brassiere and proximal to the outer edge (6) of said cup(s);

two panels (7) distal from the center front of the brassiere; a closure mechanism (8); and

a profile-correcting insert (9),

wherein said brassiere provides a substantially natural- or tear-drop-shaped breast profile when worn. The post-breast surgery brassiere of the present invention has additional beneficial characteristics required of women who have undergone mastectomies with breast reconstruction. Elastic gathering at the sides and/or around the entire lower portion of the support cup (2) expand and contract as the implant position can move. A side seam (4) that is immediately proximate to the cup (2) and thicker provides additional support to prevent this potential spillage underneath the arms. The invention discloses an optionally wireless cup that is more comfortable and preserving of the skin around the inframammary flap than that of an underwire brassiere that could rub against and destroy this delicate skin. And, a wider elastic band (3) provides an additional means by which to prevent the brassiere from slipping upwards and further rubbing against this skin.

The current inventions are free of a prescribed breast prosthetic, shaper, or mold. They can be washed and dried with regular laundry. The brassiere is available in various fabrics and materials that are aesthetically appeasing to all ages, including the growing number of younger survivors and previvors. In addition, the brassiere is designed to be fitted to a woman based on her individual size and measurements but no certified or special fitting is required, making the present invention semi-custom and readily available to women online or in retail outlets.

In one embodiment, the invention provides a post-mastectomy brassiere comprising a profile-correcting insert. See Figure 5. The profile-correcting insert may be sewn into the support cup(s) (2) of said brassiere or may be affixed to and optionally removable from the support cup(s) (2) of said brassiere. The post-mastectomy brassiere provides a substantially natural- or tear-drop-shaped breast profile. In another embodiment, the post-mastectomy brassiere is constructed such that the upper-outer sides or around the bottom-half of the support cup(s) (2) offer superior support under the wearer's arm(s) and/or allows sufficient give. See Figures 6-10.

In another embodiment, the post-mastectomy brassiere is constructed such that the side seams (4) are located sufficiently proximal to the support cup(s) (2), thereby minimizing and/or preventing the implant from reaching the wearer's under arm area.

In another embodiment, the post-mastectomy brassiere is wireless. In yet another embodiment, the post-mastectomy brassiere comprises a wire under one or more of said cup(s) (2).

In another embodiment, the post-mastectomy brassiere has an elastic band (3) under the cup(s) (2) and/or around the front. Said elastic band (3) may be wide, including .5 inch in height.

In another embodiment, the post-mastectomy brassiere does not substantially slip and/or rub against the wearer's skin.

In another embodiment, the post-mastectomy brassiere is custom to the wearer.

In another embodiment, the post-mastectomy brassiere comprises two straps (1 ) and two support cups (2). The straps (1 ) may be positioned in any conformation, including racerback conformation, a wide conformation, or a narrow conformation. In another embodiment, the brassiere straps (1 ) of the disclosed invention may be placed in multiple positions and may number zero, one, two, or more. The straps (1 ) may be set parallel to each other at a wider or narrower neckline opening. In another embodiment, the lower portion of said support cup(s) (2) is comprised of elastic. In yet another embodiment, the lower portion of said support cup(s) (2) consists of elastic (shaded area). See Figure 9.

In another embodiment, the profile-correcting insert (9) is sewn into the support cup(s) (2) of said brassiere. In yet another embodiment, the profile-correcting insert (9) is sewn into only one of the support cup(s) (2) of said brassiere. In yet another embodiment, the profile-correcting insert (9) is affixed to yet removable from the support cup(s) (2) of said brassiere.

In another embodiment, the profile-correcting insert (9) may be in only one support cup, allowing for a woman who has had a single mastectomy with

reconstruction to wear the disclosed invention.

In another embodiment, the brassiere is a demi-brassiere. See Figure 9. In yet another embodiment, the brassiere is a full coverage brassiere. See Figure 10.

In another embodiment, the profile-correcting insert (9) is positioned in the middle of said cup(s) (2).

In another embodiment, the brassiere further comprises padding in the lower portion of said cup(s) (2).

In another embodiment, the brassiere, other than said profile-correcting insert (9), is constructed of fabric. The fabric may be stretchable fabric. The fabric may be tactel, lycra, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, the post-mastectomy brassiere comprises:

two straps, each to be placed over a shoulder of the wearer; two support cups;

an elastic band positioned under said cups;

two side seems, each distal from the center front of the brassiere and proximal to the outer edge of said cups;

two panels distal from the center front of the brassiere;

a closure mechanism; and

a profile-correcting insert,

wherein said brassiere provides a substantially natural- or tear-drop-shaped breast profile when worn, wherein said profile-correcting insert is either sewn into at least one of said support cups or affixed to yet removable from at least one of said support cups, wherein said brassiere is constructed such that the upper-outer sides of the support cups offer superior support under the wearer's arms and/or allow sufficient give, wherein said brassiere is constructed such that the side seams are located sufficiently proximal to the support cups, thereby minimizing and/or preventing the implant from reaching the wearer's under arm area, wherein said elastic band positioned under said cups is at least .5 inch in height, wherein said brassiere does not substantially slip and/or rub against the wearer's skin, wherein said brassiere, other than said profile- correcting insert, is constructed of tactel, lycra, or a combination thereof, and wherein the lower portion of said cups is comprised of elastic.

In another embodiment, the disclosed invention may be a demi-brassiere which utilizes a support cup (2) that may include padding. See Figure 9. The demi-brassiere may be hand-sewn and the support cup(s) (2) may incorporate various panels (10). The profile-correcting insert maybe affixed to a single or multiple support cup panels (10). This padding may be more pronounced at the bottom half of the brassier cups, helping to achieve a more natural breast profile.

In another embodiment, the disclosed invention may be a full coverage brassiere, which utilizes a support cup that may include padding. See Figure 10. The support cup(s) (2) may be molded by a Stretch Bra Molding Machine, or on any bra molding machine suitable to produce a seamless cup. This padding may be more pronounced at the bottom half of the brassier cups, helping to achieve a more natural breast profile.

Also disclosed is a profile-correcting insert (9), wherein said insert provides a substantially natural- or tear-drop-shaped breast profile when worn in conjunction with a garment comprising at least one support cup. The insert (9) may be sewn into the support cup(s) of a brassiere. The insert (9) may be affixed to yet removable from the support cup(s) of a brassiere. See Figures 4-7. The profile-correcting insert provides a substantially natural or tear-drop-shaped breast profile.

In another embodiment, the disclosed invention may be incorporated into other garments, such as tank tops, camisoles, shirts, blouses, pajama tops, or swimming suits.

The invention described herein may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The specific embodiments described herein as merely illustrative, and not limiting, in terms of scope of the invention. Additionally, the documents cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties for all purposes.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1 . A post-mastectomy brassiere comprising:

at least one slrap, each to be placed over a shoulder of the wearer; at least one support cup;

an elastic band positioned under said cup(s);

two side seems, each distal from the center front of the brassiere and proximal to the outer edge of said cup(s);

two panels distal from the center front of the brassiere;

a closure mechanism; and

a profile-correcting insert,

wherein said brassiere provides a substantially natural- or tear-drop-shaped breast profile when worn.

2. The post-mastectomy brassiere according to Claim 1 , wherein said brassiere comprises two straps and two support cups.

3. The post-mastectomy brassiere according to Claim 1 , wherein the lower portion of said support cup(s) is comprised of elastic.

4. The post-mastectomy brassiere according to Claim 1 , wherein said profile- correcting insert is sewn into the support cup(s) of said brassiere.

5. The post-mastectomy brassiere according to Claim 1 , wherein said profile- correcting insert is sewn into only one of the support cup(s) of said brassiere.

6. The post-mastectomy brassiere according to Claim 1 , wherein said profile- correcting insert is affixed to yet removable from the support cup(s) of said brassiere.

7. The post-mastectomy brassiere according to Claim 1 , wherein said brassiere is constructed such that the upper-outer sides of the support cup(s) offer superior support under the wearer's arm(s) and/or allow sufficient give.

8. The post-mastectomy brassiere according to Claim 1 , wherein said brassiere is constructed such that the side seams are located sufficiently proximal to the support cup(s), thereby minimizing and/or preventing the implant from reaching the wearer's under arm area.

9. The post-mastectomy brassiere according to Claim 1 , wherein said brassiere is wireless.

10. The post-mastectomy brassiere according to Claim 1 , wherein said brassiere further comprises a wire under said cup(s).

1 1 . The post-mastectomy brassiere according to Claim 1 , wherein said elastic band positioned under said cup(s) is wide.

12. The post-mastectomy brassier according to Claim 1 1 , wherein said elastic band positioned under said cup(s) is at least .5 inch in height.

13. The post-mastectomy brassiere according to Claim 1 , wherein said brassiere does not substantially slip and/or rub against the wearer's skin.

14. The post-mastectomy brassiere according to Claim 1 , wherein said brassiere is custom to the wearer.

15. The post-mastectomy brassiere according to Claim 1 , wherein said brassiere is a demi-brassiere.

16. The post-mastectomy brassiere according to Claim 1 , wherein said brassiere is a full coverage brassiere.

1 7. The post-mastectomy brassiere according to Claim 1 , wherein said profile- correcting insert is positioned in the middle of said cup(s).

18. The post-mastectomy brassiere according to Claim 1 , wherein said brassiere further comprises padding in the lower portion of said cup(s).

19. The post-mastectomy brassiere according to Claim 1 , wherein said brassiere, other than said profile-correcting insert, is constructed of fabric.

20. The post-mastectomy brassiere according to Claim 19, wherein said fabric

stretches.

21 . The post-mastectomy brassiere according to Claim 19, wherein said fabric is tactel, lycra, or a combination thereof.

22. The post-mastectomy brassiere according to Claim 1 , wherein the lower portion of said support cup(s) consists of elastic.

23. The post-mastectomy brassiere according to Claim 1 , wherein said brassiere comprises at least two straps positioned in a racerback conformation.

24. The post-mastectomy brassiere according to Claim 1 , wherein said brassiere comprises at least two straps positioned in either a wide or narrow conformation.

25. A profile-correcting insert, wherein said insert provides a substantially natural- or tear-drop-shaped breast profile when worn in conjunction with a garment comprising at least one support cup.

26. The profile-correcting insert according to Claim 25, wherein said insert is sewn into the support cup(s) of a brassiere.

27. The profile-correcting insert according to Claim 25, wherein said insert is affixed to yet removable from the support cup(s) of a brassiere.

A post-mastectomy brassiere comprising:

two straps, each to be placed over a shoulder of the wearer;

two support cups;

an elastic band positioned under said cups;

two panels distal from the center front of the brassiere;

a closure mechanism; and

a profile-correcting insert,

wherein said brassiere provides a substantially natural- or tear-drop-shaped breast profile when worn, wherein said profile-correcting insert is either sewn into at least one of said support cups or affixed to yet removable from at least one of said support cups, wherein said brassiere is constructed such that the upper- outer sides of the support cups offer superior support under the wearer's arms and/or allow sufficient give, wherein said brassiere is constructed such that the side seams are located sufficiently proximal to the support cups, thereby minimizing and/or preventing the implant from reaching the wearer's under arm area, wherein said elastic band positioned under said cups is at least .5 inch in height, wherein said brassiere does not substantially slip and/or rub against the wearer's skin, wherein said brassiere, other than said profile-correcting insert, is constructed of tactel, lycra, or a combination thereof, and wherein the lower portion of said cups is comprised of elastic.