Breast Prostheses: Choosing the right one!
What are breast prostheses? When to use these and how it helps?
A breast prosthesis is an artificial breast shaped form that is used to replace the shape of the breast tissue that has been removed. It is usually made so that it fits within a bra cup.
For many women, a prosthesis is the quickest way to fill the space left by a mastectomy or lumpectomy operation.
Wearing a prosthesis may either be a temporary choice prior to reconstruction or a suitable long-term solution.
Types of breast prosthesis
In order to determine which prosthesis is best suited for you , you must consider factors such as the amount breast tissue removed, your age, the number of hours you wold wear it, your comfort and other personal preferences. Breast prosthesis are designed to ensure your comfort and make you feel feminine.
Prostheses come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and skin tones and are made from materials that are designed to move, feel and weigh as similar to a natural breast as possible. They can be classified as follows:
- Based on fullness- Full/partial/shell/stick-on
- Based on permanence- Temporary/permanent
- Based on shape- symmetrical/tear-drop/asymmetrical/made-to-measure
- Based on weight- Full weight/light weight
- Based on material- silicone/foam/polypropylene beads
Based on fullness:
Full or standard prosthesis
As the name suggests, it is a full prosthesis designed to be in close contact with the chest wall. These prosthesis is preferred by people who’ve had mastectomy of either on or both sides. If both breast were removed, you can get a matched pair in any size that you are comfortable with.
Partial or shaped prosthesis
A partial prosthesis is designed for those who’ve had breast conserving surgery where only part of the breast was removed. It is typically worn to even out the breast outline or bring symmetry between the breasts.
Shell prosthesis
It’s a soft shell-like mould that is fitted over an existing breast mound. These are usually preferred when there is an asymmetry between the breasts as result of reconstructive surgery.
Stick-on prosthesis
These prostheses may be full or partial, and typically have an adhesive backing that allows it to directly stick to the skin. These can be useful for women with an active lifestyle or those who want to wear specific kinds of low support garment, because not all the weight is born by the bra alone.
Stick on prosthesis are not recommended for use until the surgical scars and radiotherapy are complete, this may take up to 12months.
Based on permanence:
Temporary prosthesis
Sometimes the use of prosthesis may only be an intermediate step before the patient decides or is ready for reconstructive surgery of the breast.
In such cases, your nurse will give you a lightweight fabric breast shape to put in your bra. This is often called a comfie or softie. Since it is light, it can be worn inside your bra immediately after surgery, as it will not put any pressure on your wounds.
Many women continue to wear their ‘softie’ instead of getting another type of permanent prosthesis fitted.
Permanent prosthesis
After your scars have healed and you’ve completed your radiotherapy which usually a minimum of 6 weeks after a mastectomy you’ll be ready for your permanent prosthesis. These permanent prosthesis are typically made from silicone.
Based on shape:
Symmetrical
A symmetrical prosthesis comes in an oval or triangular shape and can be worn on either side, depending on your requirement.
Teardrop
The teardrop shape is often recommended to women whose breasts were fuller in the lower and outer area prior to surgery. These can also be worn on either side.
Asymmetrical
These have extension that are made to fit against the chest wall and underarm region and are suitable for women who have had extensive breast tissue removal. The left and right prosthesis are not interchangeable and most be worn on the correct side for a proper fit.
Made-to-measure
These are customised prosthesis created by computerised 3D modelling. These will usually be a good match to your skin and ensure a good fit against your chest wall.
Based on weight:
Lightweight prosthesis
A lightweight prosthesis is usually made from polyfill or foam and is suitable for use when you are recovering from surgery. Additionally, it is better suited for summer months and swimming and easier to maintain as it can be machine washed.
Full-weight prosthesis
A full-weight prosthesis is preferred if you want to match one breast to the other, as it may help you feel balanced. Weight of the prosthesis would depend on the size and comfort you seek. When breast prosthesis are too light, they are more likely to move around and appear asymmetric.
Based on materials:
Foam
Prosthesis may be made of foam, for a lighter feel, they also feel cooler in the summer. These are suitable for women with active lifestyles.
Silicone
Most prostheses are made from silicone, which is a soft gel-like substance. These are more weighted and may feel more realistic to the touch.
Polypropylene beads
These prostheses are filled with polypropylene beads. The advantage of these is that they mould into the bra and feel more breathe able and cool and lightweight.
Breast prosthesis fitting
To your prosthesis fitting, it is recommended to take a bra with a good fit, so that the person fitting your prosthesis can better gauge a suitable prosthetic fit for you.
Try to wear light-coloured top that can be easily taken on and off- this is to better understand how the prosthesis will appear and make the fitting process simpler for you.
Share what types of clothing you wear typically with the person doing your fitting, so that can choose an appropriate shape.
Let them know if you have an active lifestyle, or you swim so that they can factor it in to their recommendations.
After, the fitter has checked for size, they will present you with suitable options for you to choose from. You will be given privacy to choose and try on prosthesis in front of a mirror. This is so that you can make an appropriate, reasonable and comfortable choice.
Taking care of a prosthesis
Each type of prosthesis will have their own set of care instruction. The person who fits your prosthesis will usually give you instructions on how to maintain hygiene and longevity of your prosthesis.
Foam and polypropylene bead prosthesis are the easiest to maintain and should be washed regularly in cool soapy water or the washing machine. They can be used after being air dried.
For silicone prostheses take care of it, as you would your own skin. This means washing it warm soapy water at the end of each day, and towel drying it.
Handle your prosthesis with care, and try to make sure they don’t get scratched by sharp object, keep them away from very hot surfaces as well.
If your prosthesis has an adhesive backing, it may come with special care products and instruction on how to keep it clean.
Anytime you aren’t using your prosthesis, it is recommended that you return them to the moulded storage cases that they came in to prevent them from losing their shape or from getting damaged.
References:
Post-Mastectomy Prosthesis. John Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/postmastectomy-prosthesis. Accessed on 02-07-2021
False breast shape (prosthesis) after breast cancer surgery. Cancer Research UK. https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/breast-cancer/treatment/surgery/after-surgery/false-breast-shape. Accessed on 02-07-2021
Prosthetics: An Alternative to Reconstruction. Breast Cancer. https://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/surgery/reconstruction/prosthetics. Accessed on 02-07-2021
Choosing a Breast Prosthesis: A Survivor’s Perspective. American Society of Clinical Oncology. https://www.cancer.net/blog/2015-06/choosing-breast-prosthesis-survivors-perspective. Accessed on 02-07-2021
Types of breast prosthesis Breast Cancer Now. https://breastcancernow.org/information-support/facing-breast-cancer/living-beyond-breast-cancer/your-body/breast-prosthesis/types-breast-prosthesis. Accessed on 02-07-2021
Breast prosthesis. Breast Cancer Now. https://breastcancernow.org/information-support/facing-breast-cancer/living-beyond-breast-cancer/your-body/breast-prosthesis. Accessed on 02-07-2021
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