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Breast Forms and Prosthetics

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What is it?

A breast form, also called a prosthesis, is a removable insert for your bra. You can wear a prosthesis to give you the look of having breasts after mastectomy.

How do I choose a prosthesis?

There are many shapes, sizes and materials of prostheses. The ideal product has the shape, weight,and motion that you like.You may even want to get more than one type of prosthesis.

Some women choose to wear a prosthesis instead of having breast reconstruction. Some women wear a prosthesis temporarily, until they decide to have breast reconstruction later.

What is it made of?

What is it made of?

There are two main types of prostheses - polyfil (foam) and silicone plastic.

Polyfil or foam:

  • Lightweight
  • Good for the initial post-surgery recovery period
  • Can be used later for warm weather
  • Machine washable

Silicone:

  • More life-like, closer to the consistency and weight of a natural breast
  • Preferred by most women
  • Available in two shapes: Asymmetrical - one for the left side, one for the right, or Symmetrical - a pear shape worn sideways to fill out the side, or straight up for fullness and cleavage
  • Hand washable

Prostheses come with different kinds of covers:

  • Most have some type of cloth cover, like soft cotton
  • Others come with a latex (plastic) cover
  • Some brands offer a cloth pad on the back to absorb sweat and keep you cooler
Many prostheses are shaped to include a nipple on the front. Ready-made products are available in many sizes, or you can buy a custom-made prosthesis made especially for you.

How do I wear it and how does it stay in place?

A prosthesis is worn under clothing to recreate the breast shape.

There are a few different ways you can wear a prosthesis and keep it in place: Read more:

Specialty clothing

Special bras, lingerie, and bathing suits are designed for women who have had mastectomies. This type of specialty clothing comes with a pocket to hold the prosthesis and is available from many places, including:
  • Nordstrom
  • Sears
  • Land's End
  • JC Penney
  • American Cancer Society catalogs
  • Department stores
  • Smaller specialty shops

Modifying your own clothing

You can have pockets sewn into bathing suits or bras you already own. This helps keep the prosthesis from falling out during swimming or other physical activities.

Special adhesive

One product comes with adhesive Velcro patches to attach the prosthesis to the upper part of your chest. This allows you to go bra-less or wear a regular bra. Many active women and athletes choose this model.

Since some women have skin sensitivities, ask the store to let you take home and try a sample of the adhesive before buying the whole product. The adhesive lasts from three to five days and the prosthesis can even be worn while swimming or in the shower.

Where can I get a prosthesis?

Prostheses can be purchased via: You may want to contact the stores first to ask if they have a trained fitter on staff. Fitters know how to take your measurements so that the prosthesis fits your chest and matches your body. They can also show you how to wear the prosthesis.

When you have the prosthesis fitted, consider trying on samples under a several different types of your own tops.

Prosthesis Resources

Reach to Recovery, part of the American Cancer Society, provides: Contact Reach to Recovery:

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What are the pros?

What are the cons?

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