Mark Smith
Complete Shaping offers patented mastectomy clothing with integrated prosthetics created by a breast cancer survivor. We hope to help breast cancer survivors and previvors who have undergone a mastectomy with flat closure regain their pre-surgical shape in a comfortable and easy way. These all-in-one garments have built-in prosthetics, but NO bra band, so nothing irritating on the scars and nothing restrictive across the torso.
Tell us about yourself?
I am a breast cancer survivor who had a double mastectomy with an aesthetic flat closure. I was unable to wear the traditional prosthetics because of the mastectomy bra band, which was irritating and painful on my scars and sensitive skin, and was restrictive across the torso, potentially increasing my risk of developing lymphedema. After 8 years of unsuccessfully searching for a solution, and hearing the same complaints from many other survivors, I created something on my own and felt compelled to share it with my community.
If you could go back in time a year or two, what piece of advice would you give yourself?
Find a partner. Also, develop relationships with mentors and other entrepreneurs and business folks.
What problem does your business solve?
Our tops have eliminated the heavy and restrictive bra band of the mastectomy garments, so there is no irritation on the scars and sensitive skin, and there’s no restrictive band across the torso – a precaution against the heightened lymphedema risk. We have also built in or integrated ultra-lightweight prosthetics into the garment so they stay in place. Since it’s an all-in-one top, there’s no assembly and can offer cost savings since you don’t have to buy separate pieces (prosthesis & cami).
What is the inspiration behind your business?
I wasn’t able to wear breast prosthetics for many years because of these issues. I am comfortable flat but clothing choices are limited since women’s clothing is made to accommodate breasts. I created this garment because I wanted to expand my clothing options. Now I can choose to wear prosthetics or not, depending on the clothing I’m wearing and whether I need to fill out the chest area of the garment.
What is your magic sauce?
By eliminating the bra band and integrating the prosthetics, we have created an all-in-one garment that is not only non-irritating and non-restrictive, but also easy to wear and easy to care for. Just put on and go!
What is the plan for the next 5 years? What do you want to achieve?
I created this system out of necessity for myself, but I am happy to say that I have been able to help many women find a comfortable way to regain their shape. I hope to continue to do so in the future.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced so far?
Our biggest challenge is educating our customers on the differences our garment offers. If you look at photos alone, the camisoles look the same. It’s looking inside the garment that shows the uniqueness.
How do people get involved/buy into your vision?
Breast cancer survivors and previvors who have undergone a mastectomy with a flat closure can find us at CompleteShaping.com for unique and comfortable all-inclusive prosthetic garments.
