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A breast prosthesis or breast form is usually made of silicon
gel. It is worn inside your bra and closely copies the natural
contours of the breast. You can also get fibre filled forms
for leisure and when in the spa or sauna. Attachable breast
forms have special adhesive strips. These allow moisture and
perspiration to be absorbed to avoid overheating.
Prostheses come in different sizes and shapes as well as
different degrees of firmness. There are also special prostheses
for women who have had breast conserving surgery. You can
buy from the extensive range of sizes and shapes available
off the shelf from a prosthesis fitter. Alternatively you
can have a custom prosthesis made.
Breast prostheses help restore your body image after surgery.
In most normal clothes it is impossible to tell that a common
is wearing a prosthesis. Breast prostheses also help to maintain
good posture and balance, particularity for women who have
larger breasts.
You should be able to wear a normal bra with a prosthesis.
The bra should fit well and be of medium to firm control.
You could get a pocket sewn into your bra or sew two ribbons
across the inside to hold the prosthesis. There are also some
very pretty bras which are designed to hold a prosthesis.
You may be able to use existing swimwear. Some women are
worried about wearing a prosthesis while swimming either because
of appearance or for fear the prosthesis may fall out. Mastectomy
swimwear (which is specially designed to hold a prosthesis
securely) is available from a number of outlets in Australia
(see resources).
Most women who do not have reconstructive surgery wear a
prosthesis, although some don't.
Prostheses in Australia range in price from $68 for a foam
lightweight form to between $130 and $400 for silicone gel
moulded forms. Access a list of contact
details to get a book on where you can find prostheses.
Checklist-Prosthesis
Temporary prostheses
- you can obtain a temporary prosthesis from the hospital
after your mastectomy
- the Cancer Council can provide you with a temporary prosthesis
- you can pin the temporary prosthesis inside your bra,
singlet or camisole.
Getting your first prosthesis
- if you have radiation treatment, wait till 6-8 weeks after
this is completed before purchasing a prosthesis
- ask other people about their experiences and what suited
them
- find out what is covered by the hospital and what financial
acceptance you can get
- if you have private health insurance, check what it covers.
Many insurers allow one new prosthesis a year.
- it is best to have the prosthesis fitted by a trained
fitter
- look at the whole range before choosing your prosthesis
- you may want to get a second, lighter breast for leisure
activities
- the fitter can also provide special bras and swimsuits
and advise you about care and storage of your prosthesis
- get shoulder cushions for your bra if the straps cut in
after checking you are wearing the right size.
- Make an appointment for a fitting for your prosthesis
- you will get a 12 month warranty with your prosthesis
Getting a good fit
- take a T-shirt with you so you can check the final result
looks natural
- check that the prosthesis fills your bra cup at both top
and bottom
- place the flat of your hand on top of the prosthesis and
your natural breast and compare size and softness. A softer
silicone will give a more natural shape
- stand upright and check in the mirror for shape and a
good match to your natural breast
- feel with your hand, then swing your arms back and forth
to check the form is not too full under your arm
Care of your prosthesis
- avoid wearing a silicone filled prosthesis in the sauna
or spa as the silicon may heat up against your skin. Try
a fibre fill form
- handwash your prosthesis daily
- store the prosthesis in the specially designed box it
came in, so it keeps its shape
- most prostheses last up to 2 years
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