As every woman’s body is different, prostheses are available in a variety of shapes (triangles, circles or teardrops), cup sizes (shallow, average or full) and skin colours.
There are also partial breast prostheses (triangles, ovals, curves and shells) for women who have had breast-conserving surgery and want to regain breast symmetry. These are also called balance shapers.
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Overview
Different prostheses have different amounts or layers of silicone. This allows you to match the breast prosthesis to the structure and movement of your remaining breast.
Symmetrical prostheses are even on both sides and can be worn on either the left or right side of the body. Asymmetric prostheses are designed specifically for the right or left side.
The type of prosthesis you can wear will depend on the amount and location of tissue removed during surgery. You should be able to find one that is close to your original breast shape and suits your lifestyle. Some of the different types of breast prostheses that are available are shown below. Others types are available. Your fitter will be able to guide you through the range of prostheses that are suitable for you.
Different breast prostheses and their features
Soft breast prosthesis
| When used | Immediately after surgery; leisure time or sleeping |
| How used | Worn in a pocketed bra |
| Material | Polyester front cover and cotton back cover |
| Weight | Lightweight |
| Special features | Breathable cotton back layer with temperature-regulating technology |
| Other considerations | Not a suitable substitute for a weighted silicone breast that provides body with balance |
Three-layer breast prosthesis
| When used | Everyday use |
| How used | Worn in a pocketed bra |
| Material | Three layers of silicone to help the prosthesis drape and move more realistically for the type of breast it is matching, such as a younger or an older breast |
| Weight | Regular weighted silicone |
| Special features | May include temperature-regulating technology |
| Other considerations | Symmetrical shape – can be worn on either the left or right side |
Partial breast prosthesis
| When used | After breast-conserving surgery or if breast changes shape after radiation therapy |
| How used | Can be worn in the bra cup |
| Material | Two layers of silicone |
| Weight | Regular weighted silicone |
| Special features | Extra soft silicone, covered with a thin film to cling gently to the breast with temperature-regulating technology |
| Other considerations | Available in a variety of shapes and sizes to replace the missing breast tissue and to achieve symmetry |
Lightweight breast prosthesis
| When used | Everyday use |
| How used | Worn in a pocketed bra |
| Material | Ultra lightweight silicone; slightly firmer lightweight silicone in the back layer helps keep the form in place when worn in a bra pocket |
| Weight | 40% less than a standard silicone form of the same shape and size |
| Special features | Back layer includes temperature-regulating material |
| Other considerations | Designed to drape like a natural breast so that it moves with the body and flattens when a woman lies down |
Attachable or contact breast prosthesis
| When used | Everyday use |
| How used | Attachable; adheres to the chest wall |
| Material | Standard silicone layer with super soft film |
| Weight | Lightweight |
| Special features | Designed with a lower-cut inside edge for use when surgery has conserved a small area of cleavage |
| Other considerations | Follows body movements naturally; ideal for wearing with figure-hugging clothes |
Adjustable breast prosthesis
| When used | Everyday use |
| How used | Worn in a pocketed bra |
| Material | Lightweight or ultra- lightweight silicone |
| Weight | Up to 40% less than same-sized standard silicone prosthesis |
| Special features | Has a built-in air chamber that you can adjust to ensure a close fit and good skin contact |
| Other considerations | Comfortable for women with an uneven chest wall |
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More resources
A/Prof Elisabeth Elder, Specialist Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon, Westmead Breast Cancer Institute and Clinical Associate Professor, The University of Sydney, NSW; Dragana Ceprnja, Senior Physiotherapist and Health Professional Educator, Westmead Hospital, NSW; Jan Davies, Consumer; Rosemerry Hodgkin, Consumer; Gillian Horton, Owner and Director, Colleen’s Lingerie and Swimwear, ACT; Ashleigh Mondolo, Clinical Nurse Consultant Breast Care Nurse, Mater Private Hospital South Brisbane, QLD; Dr Jane O’Brien, Specialist Oncoplastic Breast Cancer Surgeon, St Vincent’s Private Hospital, VIC; Moira Waters, Breast Care Nurse, Breast Cancer Care WA; Sharon Woolridge, Consumer; Rebecca Yeoh, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council Queensland.
We are grateful to Amoena Australia Pty Ltd for supplying the breast form images above.
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