Hilton Head Monthly Magazine

“Profiles” founder offers women post-operative breast cancer options & renewed optimism.

A breast cancer diagnosis is a frightening reality for many women, who are often left feeling like less of a woman after undergoing a mastectomy. But Denise Bolin wants women to know they don’t have to feel that way. More importantly, she is working to educate them about their options and helping them get on with living their lives.

A registered nurse, Bolin has garnered nearly 19 years of experience in plastic and reconstructive surgery after working with some of the top plastic surgeons and key players in the field in Atlanta for the past 12 years. She moved to Beaufort last July and opened her business, Profiles, in December.

Bolin’s passion for educating women regarding their options, her unbelievable compassion and her desire to assist them through such a difficult and challenging experience combine to make her someone who offers expertise, and someone with whom women truly feel comfortable.

Profiles, with a staff comprised completely of registered nurses, provides mastectomy products and apparel for patients.

“I noticed that a lot of patients seemed to be backing away from the reconstructive surgery option, whether from complications or other reasons,” Bolin said. So she seized upon the opportunity to educate women about their other options following a mastectomy.

Patients who choose not to undergo reconstructive surgery have other options. At Profiles, women can either be fitted for custom breast pros-thetics or for “off-the-shelf” prosthetics. Profiles carries Amoena products, a leading brand of products for women affected by breast cancer.

The prosthetics come in various sizes, contours and colors to match different skin tones, and they feel and look very similar to a natural breast. All of the products are also covered by Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance.

The custom breast prosthetics, usually an option for women who had complications from reconstructive surgery or poor wound healing after surgery, can take approximately six to eight weeks to be ready, while patients can walk out the door wearing Amoena prosthetics.

Bolin likes to see patients prior to their mastectomies, if possible. If that is not possible, she also offers a variety of post-op garments, something not typically offered by surgeons. Softee®, a post-op garment, is like an undershirt or T-shirt with a built-in, pillow-like prosthetic that also includes a  pocket for the drainage tube needed after surgery.

She encourages women to bring their significant other or someone who can serve as a second set of ears at their appointment, and plan on being there at least an hour. During the appointment, Bolin takes insurance information and talks to patients about their lifestyle and their expectations to help determine the best option for them. Patients are sized and fitted for their prosthetic, with the goal being to match the non-affected breast. Many women choose to wear bras equipped with a pocket to accommodate the prosthetic, while some use a medical-grade adhesive to apply the prosthetic directly to the skin.

The prosthetic should not need to be changed for approximately six to eight years, barring a major fluctuation in weight. Women who purchase the Amoena products typically incur very little, if any, out-of-pocket expense. Custom-made prosthetics cost about $3,000.

Patients receive documentation from their physicians that these items are not for cosmetic purposes, and insurance reimburses most of the cost. “The ultimate goal and satisfaction comes from educating women about their options and helping them get back to living and feeling self-confident,” she said.