Since 1997
If you are looking for an alternative to a breast reconstruction after breast surgery a breast prosthesis, also called an artificial breast form, is an excellent choice to help you regain your shape and confidence.
What Type of Breast Prosthesis Should I Buy?
There are several types of breast prostheses available to suit different body shapes and lifestyle needs including:
Silicone breast forms
Silicone breast forms are composed of a dense silicone outer layer which is filled with either silicone gel, beads or aerated silicone. This style is popular for its natural weight and appearance as well as its long-lasting durability.
Foam or fiberfill breast forms
Foam breast forms are suitable for use inside a leisure bra for use at home, during mild exercise and for sleeping due to the ultra lightweight construction using a dense foam core covered with a fabric shell.
Partial breast forms
Partial breast forms, or shapers, are designed for use after a lumpectomy or breast-conserving surgery when there is some natural breast tissue remaining. They are smaller than standard breast forms and add volume to enhance the shape of your breasts.
Which Shape Breast Prosthesis is Right For My Body
In addition to choosing the right material, you need to select the correct shape for your body.
If you had a unilateral mastectomy, aim to match the shape of the prosthesis to your remaining breast. If you had a double mastectomy you have more freedom to choose a shape you like. Choose a breast prosthesis that is in proportion with your body shape. Some of the most common breast shapes are:
Teardrop
Teardrop shaped breast forms are suitable for women who have more volume below the nipple and an average bust projection. Due to the tapered end of the breast form, you can position the prosthesis toward the underarm for added security.
Oval or round
Oval or round prostheses are designed for women with a full bust projection, closely positioned breast and an even shape.
Triangle
If you have a wide chest wall, triangle shaped prostheses are the right choice for you. They are also suitable for women with a shallow cup profile, and the tapered ends keep the form securely in place.
How to Find the Right Breast Prosthesis
Schedule a professional fitting
Finding the right sized breast form is about more than looking at the shape of your breast and cup size. There are many other factors to take into account including the density of remaining breast tissue, scarring, and the type of surgery. A professional fitter is qualified and trained to take every variable into account to match you with the perfect breast form.
Buy from specialty shops
While some lingerie stores carry mastectomy products including breast forms, they often do not have the expertise required to properly fit a prosthesis or the extensive range available. A specialty store such as A Fitting Experience Mastectomy Shoppe carries a wide range of products and our fitters are BOC certified and trained to find you the right prosthesis for your body.
We are also proud to offer ABC Custom Breast Prosthesis which uses state-of-the-art 3D scanning technology to create a breast form that fits perfectly to the contours of your body.
Wear tight fitting garments
To get the best idea of how your breast prosthesis will look, you need to see it under close fitting garments. Wear or bring a tank top or t-shirt to your fitting for the most accurate way to assess your silhouette wearing a breast form.
Try on as many styles as possible
There is a huge variety of breast prostheses available to suit women of all body types. The American Cancer Society recommends that you try on multiple styles to give you the best idea of what feels comfortable on your body. See what kind of range of motion you have with each type and how they look under your clothes.
Check your insurance plan
You want the best quality breast prosthesis available to deliver the perfect balance of comfort and aesthetic appeal, but you might be worried about the cost. Many insurance companies offer coverage for a breast form and mastectomy bra as part of your breast cancer treatment. Check with your insurance provider and if you are eligible, our staff will take care of the paperwork.
Make the Right Choice at A Fitting Experience Mastectomy Shoppe
The best way to wear a breast prosthesis is inside mastectomy bras which feature pockets to hold the breast forms securely to prevent shifting. At A Fitting Experience Mastectomy Shoppe, we carry a wide selection of mastectomy bras and prosthesis. We can help you select the right style for your unique needs and stage of your recovery at your professional fitting.