Breast Prosthesis Stores- A fitting Experience Mastectomy Shoppe

Many women wear a breast prosthesis temporarily or permanently after undergoing a mastectomy or other breast cancer surgery. Breast prostheses vary in style, weight, and features, so you need to understand your options to select the prosthesis that best fits your unique needs.

Learn about who needs a breast prosthesis, the common style categories, and the benefits of getting fitted by a professional.

What Is a Breast Prosthesis?

A breast prosthesis (breast form) is an artificial breast generally made of silicone that looks like a natural breast. Many women choose to wear a breast prosthesis or prostheses after a mastectomy or other breast cancer operation as an alternative to reconstructive surgery.

Most breast forms are typically made of silicone, a soft gel-like substance encased in a thin film, but there is a wide variety of prostheses options available in different shapes, materials, sizes, and colors. Some women choose weighted forms that mimic the feeling of natural breasts, while others prefer lighter foam forms.

With so many decisions, many women choose to get a custom breast form fitting from a professional fitter that contours to their body and matches their skin tone for the most realistic look.

Who Needs a Breast Prosthesis?

After a mastectomy, some women choose to have breast reconstructive surgery to rebuild the shape and look of natural breasts. Other women choose not to undergo reconstruction or want to wait before having another major surgery. These women may temporarily wear a breast prosthesis while waiting for reconstructive surgery or as a permanent long-term solution.

Breast prostheses can also be useful to women whose natural breasts differ in shape or size, women who have had breast-conserving surgery that preserves some breast tissue, and those who are dissatisfied with the look of their breasts after reconstruction. A partial prosthesis worn in a bra pocket is a non-invasive way to balance your silhouette.

What Are Different Styles of Breast Prostheses?

The style of breast form you choose depends on how much breast tissue you have had removed during surgery, your body proportions, and how often you plan to wear the prosthesis. Some forms come with a nipple outline, while others have a smooth outer surface.

Three-Layer Breast Prosthesis

This style is made of regular weighted silicone and is perfect for everyday use. Three layers of silicone add realistic draping to the breast form so you can choose a breast form that matches a younger or older breast. A three-layer prosthesis can be worn inside a pocketed bra.

Partial Breast Prosthesis

Following breast-conserving surgery like a lumpectomy, many women choose a partial breast prosthesis that can be worn in a pocketed bra to replace lost breast tissue and achieve body symmetry. Most partial prostheses are made of regular weighted silicone and come in various shapes and sizes.

Soft Breast Prosthesis

This style of prosthesis is made from foam or medical-grade fiberfill. They are often worn immediately after surgery due to their lightweight, breathable design. This also makes a soft breast prosthesis a good choice for wearing during leisure time or even sleep. A soft breast prosthesis is not a substitute for a traditional weighted silicone

Lightweight Breast Prosthesis

These breast forms are made of ultra-lightweight aerated silicone that weighs about 30-40% less than regular silicone. Lightweight breast prostheses feature a slightly firmer silicone back layer that helps keep the forms secure in a bra pocket.

These breast forms are ideal for women who want a prosthesis that provides a realistic look without the added weight of standard breast forms or women who lead an active lifestyle and want to minimize breast movement while exercising.

Attachable Breast Prosthesis

Many breast forms fit into a pocketed mastectomy bra; however, some adhere directly to the chest wall using skin-friendly adhesive spray or double-sided tape.

Most attachable breast forms contain a layer of silicone with super soft film, so they look natural but feel lightweight and can be comfortably worn daily. Many women choose attachable forms to wear with tighter, figure-hugging outfits.

Seek Assistance From a Professional Fitter

Finding a breast prosthesis can be challenging. When dealing with something as personal and significant as a breast form, you don’t want to end up with a prosthesis that looks unnatural or feels uncomfortable. It is crucial to work with a fitter who understands the products and can match you with a form that makes you feel confident and protected.

A Fitting Experience Mastectomy Shoppe’s team of professional fitters offers customized fittings for breast forms and other necessary mastectomy products like post-mastectomy bras and compression garments virtually and in person.

Contact us today to schedule a fitting appointment.