Losing a breast due to breast cancer surgery, like a mastectomy, can be extremely difficult emotionally and physically for women. Fortunately, there are options like breast replacement forms that can help restore a womanโs shape and confidence after surgery.
This guide covers what you need to know about breast replacement forms, including the different types, benefits, how to choose the right one, care tips, costs and insurance coverage, and future trends.
What is a Breast Form?
A breast form, also called a breast prosthesis or external breast form, is an artificial breast shape worn by women who have undergone a partial or full mastectomy to recreate the natural shape of the removed breast tissue. They are worn inside a special mastectomy bra and positioned against the chest wall to mirror the look and feel of a natural breast under clothing.
Essentially, they help to restore balance, symmetry and proportions to a womanโs body after breast cancer surgery. And so they can have a huge positive impact โ both physically and emotionally โ and are a perfect alternative to breast reconstruction surgery.
Types of Breast Forms
There are a few main types of breast prostheses:
- Silicone Breast Forms: Silicone forms are lightweight and have a natural feel that replicates the look and movement of breast tissue. They come in different shapes to match various body types. Silicone gel forms are durable but still soft and pliable.
- Foam Breast Forms: Foam breast forms are affordable breast forms made of polyurethane foam. They are lighter than silicone forms but not quite as natural looking.
- Partial Prosthesis / Shells: Partial forms and shells replace just the part of the breast that was removed during breast-conserving surgeries like lumpectomy or quadrantectomy.
- Nipple Prosthetics: Nipple prosthetics are lightweight forms that replicate the look and shape of a nipple post-mastectomy. They can be used alone or with breast forms for the most realistic look under clothing.
Benefits of Breast Forms
There are many benefits of wearing a breast form for women after undergoing a mastectomy, or any other breast cancer surgeries, including:
- Restores balance and symmetry
- Prevents posture problems from uneven shoulders/shifting of bra
- Minimizes contraction of scar tissue on the surgery side
- Matches the bra size of the remaining natural breast
- They help women regain self-confidence in their appearance
- They enable women to fit into clothing normally
- They endure women recapture a more feminine body silhouette after reconstructive surgery
Ultimately, breast forms can help people regain confidence, balance, and a normal appearance post-surgery.
Tips for Using Breast Forms Effectively
Follow these usage tips to get the most out of your breast prosthesis:
- Gradually ease into wearing breast forms – start with 1-2 hours each day and slowly build up to having it in all day as comfort allows. This helps avoid irritation as your body adjusts.
- Ensure proper placement of breast forms high up on your chest wall for symmetry and to prevent sagging or shifting in your bra.
- Clean silicone breast forms daily by rinsing with mild soap and water – don’t use alcohol or perfume which can damage silicone.
- Take breast forms out at night and rest skin – air circulation is important for skin health under forms.
- Carry a backup breast form when traveling in case you need to change.
- Replace forms approximately every 1-2 years or if changes occur in your weight, affected side, or overall symmetry.
How to Choose the Right Breast Form
Follow these tips โ from breast cancer experts โ when shopping for a breast prosthesis:
Get Professionally Fitted
If possible, make an appointment to get professionally fitted for a breast form by a certified mastectomy fitter at a specialty store or boutique. They will help you find just the right shape, size, position, and style.
Know Your Bra Size
Come prepared wearing a well-fitted regular bra or mastectomy bra so the correct breast form size can be selected to match. Breast forms are sized relative to your natural breast size in a bra.
Consider Weight + Comfort
Think about the weight you are comfortable carrying on your chest all day. Silicone is the most realistic but heaviest option. Foam offers a lighter-weight choice.
Pick the Shape + Style
Choose from different breast form shapes – contoured, triangle, or oval shapes that match your natural curves. Style refers to symmetry or asymmetry if one breast was much larger pre-surgery. You must always select one that matches your frame and size.
Evaluate Skin Tone Match
Skin-tone matching helps breast forms look natural under lighter clothing. Multiple skin tone shades are available to closely blend with your natural coloring.
Prepare Questions + Photos
Come prepared with any specific questions and bring 1-2 photos of yourself from pre-surgery to help the fitter evaluate your natural proportions.
Caring for Your Breast Forms Properly
Here is what need to know about breast replacement forms care:
- Cleaning: Use mild soap and water to gently clean silicone or foam breast forms daily. Let air dry completely.
- Storage: Keep forms in their original box or the mesh bags provided to prevent creasing when not worn.
- Travel: When traveling, carry forms in a plastic bag for protection – do not place loose inside luggage which can crease their shape.
Do not use the following because they can damage breast forms:
- Alcohol or perfumes
- Hot water above 105ยฐF degrees
- Microwave or attempts to heat up to warm
Replace breast forms every 1-2 years or sooner if you notice changes in:
- Your weight (gain or loss)
- Chest asymmetry from progressive scar tissue
- Wear and tear compromising shape
See your doctor or breast care nurse annually to evaluate proper fit and symmetry. Also, schedule appointments with a certified mastectomy fitter once each year to assess replacement needs.
Costs and Insurance Coverage
The costs for breast forms can range vastly depending on the style and materials used:
- Basic foam breast forms range from $40 to $200+
- High-end silicone breast forms usually range from $150 to $400+
In the US, the Womenโs Health and Cancer Rights Act ensures that health plans provided by insurance companies must cover mastectomy-related costs like breast prostheses.
What does insurance cover exactly? Plans vary, but often include coverage for:
- One silicone breast form every 1-2 years
- Two to four surgical bras each year as per surgeon or doctor’s recommendations
- Two foam or silicone shells for partial mastectomy annually
Even with insurance subsidies, breast forms still incur out-of-pocket expenses for deductibles and co-insurance costs that can present financial challenges.
Thankfully, there are resources and organizations that can provide financial assistance and free breast prostheses โ be it a temporary prosthesis or a permanent prosthesis โto women undergoing financial difficulties. Reach out to your hospital social worker for help finding temporary financial assistance options in your area.
Daily Usage and Lifestyle Impact
Breast forms can take some adjusting to incorporate into your daily routine after surgery. Here are some pointers:
- Plan extra time when dressing for bathing, changing clothes, etc until using a breast form becomes second nature.
- Carry an extra form when out for extended periods in case you need to change or adjust it.
- Keep your skin clean under breast forms and give it a rest from compression overnight.
- Adjust activities at first if you experience discomfort until your skin adapts – don’t do high-intensity exercise with new forms immediately.
- Make gradual lifestyle adjustments to integrate breast forms over time – be patient with yourself!
The good news is that most women eventually adapt and breathe easy going about normal life with their prostheses. The right mastectomy bras and form fit can make wearing breast forms comfortable and second nature.
Future Trends and Innovation
Breast prosthesis technology and mastectomy options will continue advancing over time. Some innovations in development include:
- More lightweight foam options closer to mimicking the weight of natural breast tissue
- Gel-based fill that molds and moves even more realistically
- 3D printing capabilities to customize exact shapes and symmetry
- Breast form surfaces that stimulate the surrounding skin to prevent tissue contraction
- Continuous improvements towards the most natural look possible
- Streamlined process for insurance coverage and tax deductions
The future looks bright when it comes to empowering women recovering from mastectomy. Advances will continue focusing on customizable solutions tailored to womenโs specific bodies and needs.
Finding Breast Forms: Stores and Online
Where are the best places to purchase breast forms? Here are top options for finding prostheses:
- Mastectomy Specialty Shops – Visit an in-person mastectomy boutique for professional fittings. These include American Breast Care, Amoena, Jodee, etc.
- Department Stores – Major chains like Macyโs, Nordstrom, Soma, etc have mastectomy collections.
- Online – Amazon, breast form retailers, and e-commerce sites carry wide selections available for home shipping.
- Canadian Cancer Society Equipment Loan – Canadian breast cancer patients can borrow external breast forms for free through this program.
Finding well-fitting, high-quality breast prostheses is possible both locally and online. Professional fitters are your best assets when determining size, shape, placement and comfort.
Takeaway Tips
- Breast forms effectively restore symmetry and confidence after breast surgery. Consider all the prosthesis materials and types to find your perfect match.
- Work with specialty fitters and bring photos to evaluate the right form style and size for your body.
- Clean gently daily and store properly in protective boxes to maximize durability.
- Adjust to lifestyle changes slowly, be patient with yourself, and utilize all resources available โ you are not alone!
- The future is bright when it comes to advancing breast prosthesis comfort, customization and realism for women.
Losing part or all of your breasts is incredibly difficult. But whether you underwent partial or full mastectomy, breast forms can truly transform how you feel about yourself after surgery. Hopefully, this guide helps you understand the realistic options to restore your body – both inside and out.