Since 2002, Barbara Spohn-Lillo, Board Certified Clinical Anaplastologist & Certified Mastectomy Fitter, has seen hundreds of breast patients in need of forms to feel whole again after surviving cancer, birth defects, failed reconstructions, unbalanced symmetry, breast trauma and chromosomal abnormalities. In the pursuit of tackling constant complaints with breast prosthesis weight, heat build-up, need for expensive specialty lingerie and general ease of daily use, Spohn-Lillo was determined to create a better breast prosthesis.
In 2009, Spohn-Lillo and her team of experts created a soft, sponge-like 100% medical-grade silicone prosthesis. This non-custom prosthesis was engineered to not only reduce the problems with a typical breast form, but to also fall under the L8030 coding for insurance reimbursement, including Medicare and Medicaid. Lightweight and entirely breathable, this form can be worn directly against the skin eliminating the need for specialty lingerie and mastectomy bras.
Spohn-Lillo and her team did not stop there. Acknowledging that many women opt for some kind of reconstructive surgery after their cancer battle, many patients had inquired about a prosthesis to be worn during tissue expansion or in-between procedures. Liz, a unilateral patient, had a difficult time with her tissue expander due to various complications. She was told her expansion process was going to take a very slow seven months. “It was summertime and I was so worried of being lopsided! There was such an obvious size difference varying from my natural breast and my expanding skin.” Patients like Liz inspired the creation of the Transitional Breast Prosthesis.
Made of the same soft, sponge-like material as the Classic+, the Transitional offers several layers that can be easily removed and replaced accommodating the various stages of tissue expansion. These removable (2-3) layers makes sizing very easy and offers many sizes/options all in one prosthesis. By design, this form also falls under the L8030 billing code.
After supplying the parent company’s patients (Prosthetic Illusions) with these revolutionary products for over 5 years, the growing word-of-mouth demand has slowly moved nation-wide. Spohn-Lillo could not deny the benefit of these forms to the prosthesis-wearing world and Eighty30 was born.
Prosthetic Illusions, has been in the prosthetic fabrication industry in Colorado since 1981 and looks forward to the further development of Eighty30: a better breast prosthesis!
