However, if you need a large size, a lighter-weight version might be more comfortable. If you’ve had a single mastectomy, a full-weight prosthesis may make you feel more balanced as it matches the weight of your other breast. If you have had both breasts removed, you can choose the weight you feel most comfortable with. The most suitable weight will depend on how heavy your other breast is. Silicone prostheses come in different weights. It may not be available in all hospitals.

This prosthesis comes with a pump so it can be inflated to the required size. Made-to-measure breast prostheses are not currently available on the NHS. It is made to give a good fit to the chest, which stops the prosthesis moving, and is matched to your skin tone. This technique uses a 3D scanner to produce a computerised 3D image of the chest area, which can then be used to create a customised prosthesis shape. They are specifically designed for either the left or right side. However, they can also be used by women who have not had extensive surgery. These are generally more suitable for women who have had more tissue removed, as they have extensions to fit under the arm or upper chest. These can also be worn on either the right or left side. The teardrop shape is often more suitable for women whose breasts are fuller in the lower and outer area and less full above the nipple. Some swim prostheses are clear.Ī symmetrical form is usually an oval or triangular shape that can be worn on either the left or right side. Swim prostheses are made especially for use when swimming and don’t get damaged by salt water or chlorine. Most women will be advised not to wear a stick-on prosthesis for 6–12 months after surgery or during (and sometimes after) radiotherapy as it may damage the skin. They can also be worn with strapless dresses and tops if the clothing is supportive enough These can suit women who are more physically active or who want to wear a less supportive bra, as not all of the weight is taken by the bra. They can be worn either by attaching it directly to the chest or as a regular prosthesis with a protective backing over the stick-on part.

Most have a sticky surface as part of the prosthesis itself. If you are waiting for a breast reduction to achieve symmetryĪ stick-on prosthesis (full or partial) sticks directly onto the skin.If an implant is in the process of being expanded (this is a type of breast reconstruction which happens over time, so the breast size will gradually increase until the size of the breast implant is similar to that of the remaining breast).For women who have had breast reconstruction surgery where symmetry has not been achieved.This type of prosthesis can also be useful: It’s a soft ‘shell’ of silicone that fits over your smaller breast so that it matches the larger one. This is a type of partial prosthesis that may be used if your breasts are different in size from each other. It’s made of the same silicone material as most full prostheses.

It’s worn inside a bra and is shaped to fill out the breast outline. Partial or shaped prosthesisĪ partial prosthesis is for women who have had part of their breast removed. If you have had both breasts removed, you can select the size you feel most comfortable with. It’s matched in size, shape and skin tone to your other breast. Full or standard prosthesisĪ full prosthesis is designed to go straight against the chest where all breast tissue has been removed. Our clothing and swimwear page may give you some ideas. You may want to consider the different clothing styles you want to wear your prosthesis with. It’s important your prosthesis suits your lifestyle as much as possible. Most are made from materials that are designed to move, feel and weigh as similar to a natural breast as possible. Prostheses come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and skin tones.

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