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Fitting Room > All About Silicone Breast Prostheses |
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 What is a Silicone Breast Prosthesis
A silicone (weighted) prosthesis fits inside a pocket sewn into the mastectomy bra. The opening to the inside pocket may be located at the top, or on the side. The prosthesis is held naturally and securely in place. |
External silicone breast prostheses, or breast replacements, are filled with silicone gel (silicone produced in a semi-solid, semi-liquid state.) The outer clear coating, or skin, is usually polyurethane, which protects the silicone, and makes the prostheses more durable. This medical grade silicone is non-toxic and safe, and is not the same silicone composition that internal breast implants are made of. Silicone warms to body temperature, and closely resembles natural tissue in softness, drape and appearance. Most prostheses are flat on the back, but some are designed with concave or hollow backs and may be lighter in weight.
Breast prostheses come in a variety of styles, shapes and sizes to accommodate the needs of each individual. When a woman is measured by a trained and certified mastectomy fitter, the prostheses will equally match the remaining natural breast in size and weight.
Costs & Shapes
A silicone prosthesis ranges in cost from approximately $200. to $450. What is the difference? The most obvious differences are in their shape and the brand name of the manufacturer.
Teardrop Style
The teardrop style is designed to fill in under the arm when more extensive tissue has been removed. It can be worn on either the right or left side (symmetrical).
Heart & Triangular Shapes
The heart and triangular shapes are also symmetrical and have no underarm extension. These two styles often work well for the newer surgeries where less tissue has been removed under the arm.
Asymmetrical Breast Prosthesis & Self-Supporting Styles
Generally more expensive, an asymmetrical breast prosthesis is designed specifically to be worn on the left or the right side. This style has two 'wings' or extensions to offer more coverage under the arm and on the upper chest wall. Oftentimes these will provide a more individualized fit. Another option is a self-supporting style of breast prosthesis, which is available in both asymmetrical and symmetrical styles. These prostheses use a skin support system, which allows the prostheses to be worn directly against the chest wall, so there may be no need for special pocketed bras (women with sensitive skin or adhesive sensitivity need to use caution when considering).
Partials Or Shells
Another option are partials or shells, available to be worn by women who have had a lumpectomy, or to correct unevenness which may have resulted from implant surgery or reconstruction.
Other Types of Silicone Breast Prostheses
There are whipped silicone prostheses that are lighter in weight, styles with foam backing and styles that have a more liquid gel on the side worn closest to the body. This might be of particular comfort to women who have more scarring or more tissue absent on the chest wall. In addition there are durable prostheses which are chlorine and heat resistant specifically for swimming and hot tubs.
Some manufacturers also offer breast prostheses specifically color created to blend with, and more closely match darker skin tones.
Alternatives for Sleep & Leisure
In addition to weighted silicone prosthesis there are many styles of soft and lightweight non silicone options for sleep and leisure. Our SOFTEE® polyfil breast forms are affordable and the perfect alternative for comfort during sleep, lounging and leisure activities.
The Importance of Proper Alignment
When a woman has one breast removed and does not wear a breast prosthesis, the body is out of balance. If you have ever worn a shoulder purse shopping, you know that by the end of the day the weight of the bag has caused pressure and stress on that shoulder, the neck and back. This same theory applies to a woman with one breast. Having weight on one side of the body only, pulls the skeletal structure out of alignment, regardless of how small or large breasted a woman is. Read more about balance and proper alignment on our fitting page.
Pocketed Bras
A breast prosthesis should be worn in a pocketed bra designed specifically to securely hold it in place. Some non-pocketed bra styles can be adapted, or pockets can be sewn into pre-molded cups. It is best to discuss different options with your mastectomy fitter. Read more about pocketed mastectomy bras.
Warranties & Prostheses Care
Most manufacturers of silicone prostheses offer an industry standard two-year, limited warranty. Be sure to fill out and mail your warranty card to the manufacturer immediately. This warranty covers replacement only if the damage to the prostheses is due to a manufacturing defect. The warranty does not cover damage resulting from punctures, fingernails, pet claws, or other sharp objects, so it is important that the prostheses be handled with care. The silicone prostheses will come with a soft, cotton, removable cover, that is molded to fit the shape of the prostheses. The cover will help to protect the prostheses as it is handled.
The silicone gel inside the prostheses is very dense. If the prostheses should become damaged by a puncture or tear the silicone will not spill out. It could be several days or even weeks before noticed, usually by discovering a thick, sticky residue on your hands or on the inside of the cloth cover. Once a prosthesis begins to leak, it needs to be replaced. Some women will temporarily 'patch' the defective area with tape and continue to wear the prostheses. This is not recommended. A defective prosthesis must always be returned to the location where it was purchased, never directly to the manufacturer. The fitter can usually determine if damage is due to a manufacturing defect. If necessary, she will generally replace the prostheses and take care of shipping the damaged prostheses back to the manufacturer.
A silicone breast prostheses will last anywhere from two to five years. The prostheses can be removed from the cloth cover and gently hand washed with a mild soap and water, then patted dry with a soft towel. Do not scrub, use abrasive cleaners or roll in a towel to dry. When it is not being worn the prostheses should be stored in the original, molded box it was purchased in. The cloth cover can be laundered and air dried in a flat position.
It is recommended that women have more than one breast prosthesis in case of loss or damage. A spare prostheses can be silicone, a lightweight silicone, a swim breast form, foam or cloth.
Most women who choose to wear an external breast prostheses are very happy with the natural look and many are able to continue wearing the intimate apparel styles they have been accustomed to.
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