Prosthesis, Breast Forms and Nipples: Facts and Fiction

Whether you’ve undergone a single or a double mastectomy, wearing a breast form or prosthesis can help you both mentally and physically on your road to recovery and life after surgery. Helping to restore your shape and create a more natural breast look, a breast prosthesis can make you feel more confident by recreating an even outline and aligning the neck and shoulders.

Many women opt out of breast reconstruction surgery for reasons including not wanting to go through surgery again or because they are undergoing radiotherapy. Prostheses and breast forms can offer a non-invasive alternative that can give women their confidence back. Discover the facts and fiction surrounding prostheses, and choose what’s right for you.

Prostheses for Breast Cancer Patients Explained

Following your mastectomy, women can choose between a breast reconstruction or a prosthesis, with the latter created to mold to the shape of the breast or the part of the breast that has been removed.

They are usually made from lightweight foam or soft-molded silicone that can be attached directly to the chest wall using skin-friendly adhesives or slipped into pocketed mastectomy bras, like the Sydney Bra (Compression Bra) Pocketed.

Prostheses can also come in different shapes to suit every body type, including asymmetrical forms that are usually either teardrop-shaped, oval, or triangular, like the ABC My Shape Triangle Breast Prosthesis.

Some breast forms are also sculpted with a nipple prosthesis made of soft silicone. They are either added directly to the prosthesis or worn on the skin using skin glue specifically designed for prosthetic nipples.

Prostheses Come in Different Sizes

Breast forms and prostheses come in a range of different sizes and weights. So, when choosing your breast forms, it’s important you make your decision based on what feels comfortable, natural, and what suits your figure type, as well as the style of clothes you want to wear.

A Fitting Experience Mastectomy Shoppe offers personal fittings, where an accredited fitter takes your measurements and helps you decide on the perfect prosthesis for your changing body.

If you’ve had one breast removed, you’ll most likely wear a standard breast form that matches the weight and size of your remaining breast. If you’ve only had part of your breast removed, you can opt for a shaped or partial prosthesis. These designs help even out the breast and provide a natural look, allowing you to feel more confident. If you’ve had a double mastectomy, there are no limits to your choices – you can wear whatever makes you feel the most confident and feminine.

Ensure You Choose the Right Clothing

After your mastectomy, it’s essential you do everything you can to aid your recovery. Wearing a lightweight foam breast form can help you feel more comfortable after surgery, but you need the right clothes to accommodate your prosthesis.

Choose clothes that are breathable, comfortable, easy to put on and remove, and don’t apply pressure to your body. Choose natural and soft materials, including bamboo or cotton, as they keep you cool and don’t irritate sensitive skin.

Wear a comfortable leisure bra with interior pockets to hold your breast forms. Many models also come with drainage tube pouches and front closures to make wound care and dressing easier.

The Myths of Prosthesis, Breast Forms, and Nipples

There is a lot of misinformation surrounding breast forms and nipples, making it challenging to make the right decision for your needs.

Myth #1: Breast Forms are One-Size-Fits-All

Many people worry that after a mastectomy, their appearance will never be the same again. With the advancement of modern medicine and technology, there is an abundance of options for choosing breast forms, prosthetic nipples, and prostheses. There is no one-size-fits-all product that you have to adhere to – there is something for everybody that suits all body types, sizes, and needs, all designed to make you feel confident and attractive.

Myth #2: Breast Prostheses are Purely Cosmetic

Many people also think that a breast prosthesis is designed solely for cosmetic reasons. However, a plastic surgeon will tell you that prostheses help improve posture, balance and even enhance the neck, spine, and shoulders. As well as making women feel confident and feminine again, they are also great for maintaining the health of your body and mind.

Myth #3: Petite Women Don’t Need Breast Forms

Whether you wear a AA cup or an F cup bra, no matter your size or body shape, breast forms can help you regain symmetry, balance and help your clothes fit better. Purchasing and wearing breast forms is an intimately personal decision, and only you know what is right for you.

Feel Confident and Comfortable

It’s important to choose the right product for you when it comes to prostheses, breast forms, and nipples. From having a professional fitting to understanding what you want, you’ll be able to feel confident and comfortable in your own body once more.

For more information or to schedule a fitting appointment, contact A Fitting Experience Mastectomy Shoppe at 954-978-8287 or use our online scheduling tool.