Breast forms (prosthesis) after breast cancer surgery

A breast prosthesis is an artificial breast shape that sits inside your bra to replace all or part of your breast.

You use a prosthesis after you have surgery to remove the whole breast (mastectomy). This is called a full prosthesis. There are also prostheses available if you have surgery to remove part of the breast. These are called partial prostheses.

Some women may have a delayed breast reconstruction after a mastectomy. You can wear a prosthesis after the mastectomy until you have your reconstruction. A breast reconstruction is surgery to create a new breast mound after a mastectomy.

Some women have a prosthetic nipple and areola after breast reconstruction. The areola is the darker area of skin around the nipple.

Temporary prosthesis

If you have a mastectomy without breast reconstruction, your nurse will give you a lightweight fabric breast shape to put in your bra. This is often called a comfie or softie.

You can wear it right after the operation if you want to, even if the area feels tender. It is very soft and will not put pressure on the wound.

Some women are happy with their comfie and continue wearing it instead of getting another type of permanent prosthesis.

Permanent prosthesis

Your breast care nurse arranges an appointment for a fitting at the breast prosthetic clinic. This is at the hospital where you had your surgery. They have a specially trained prosthesis fitter. They might be your breast care nurse, a surgical appliance officer or another member of staff.

At the appointment you try on several different shapes and get told how to care for it.

Many types of breast prostheses are available free on the NHS. If you are a private patient, you might have to pay for this. Or you can ask for a referral to the NHS prosthesis fitting service. 

Before you go to the appointment you should take your bra to see how the prosthesis sits in it.

Full prosthesis

About 6 weeks after a mastectomy, once your scar has healed and you have finished any radiotherapy you may need, you’ll be ready for your permanent prosthesis. 

Sometimes your breast can get swollen a little after radiotherapy. You may prefer to have your prosthesis fitted when you no longer have any swelling.

The permanent prosthesis is made from silicone. 

The breast shapes come in different sizes, shapes and colours. Most women should be able to find something they are happy with on the NHS. But if not, there are more choices available if you buy your own from a manufacturer. 

Special mastectomy bras are available. They have pockets to hold the prosthesis. But you don't normally need a pocket. If your bra fits well and has full cups (rather than a low plunge), you should be fine.

To look after your prosthesis, you should wash it in warm soapy water and dry it daily.

Partial or shaped prosthesis

These prostheses are available if you have part of your breast removed. You wear it inside your bra and it is shaped to fill out the breast outline. It’s made of the same silicone material as most full prostheses.

Shell prosthesis

You might use this type of prosthesis if one breast is smaller than the other. The shell fits over the smaller breast. It is also made of silicone.

Some women might have this type of prosthesis following breast reconstruction. They use this while the implant is gradually inflated until it reaches the same size as the other breast.

After breast conserving surgery some women use this to replace the volume or to provide an even shape.

Nipple and areola prosthesis

Breast reconstruction methods create a smooth breast shape without a nipple or areola. For most people the breast reconstruction doesn’t feel complete until there is a nipple and areola. 

Some women choose to have a stick on nipple and areola. You can get them ready made that you can buy. Or you might have one made specifically for you.

You stick the nipple and areola on every day. It’s easy to take off for washing, and the glue you use is good enough to keep it in the right place all day.

Breast prosthesis for swimming

You can wear your usual prosthesis for the occasional swim or make your own swimming prosthesis by cutting an ordinary sponge to fit. However if you are a regular swimmer there are specially made swim prostheses that you can get. These you have to buy as they aren't available on the NHS. They don’t get damaged by the chorine and salt.

If you use your usual prosthesis when swimming, rinse it in clean water afterwards to get rid of any chlorine or salt.

If you use a sponge, you can discreetly press your arm against it when you come out of the water, to squeeze the water out. 

Many of the breast cancer organisations supply bras and swimwear for women who have had a mastectomy.

Getting a new prosthesis

You can get a replacement artificial breast shape on the NHS. You might need a new prosthesis if yours gets worn or damaged. You might also need to replace it if you gain or lose weight.

You can ask your breast care nurse about a replacement. Or you may need to ask your GP for a referral to the breast clinic or a surgical appliance officer in your area.

Clothing

You will find that you can usually wear the same style of clothes you wore before surgery. Sometimes making small adjustments to your clothes may help.  

Wearing clothes that you feel comfortable and good in can make you feel more confident. It may help to talk to other people who have had similar surgery and experiences. 

Breast prosthesis and travelling abroad

Border security and customs

Your breast prosthesis won’t cause the metal detectors to alarm. But it might alarm for something else you have on. If this happens you are usually pulled aside for a more thorough search such as a pat down. Or you might have a body scan. In this case you might want to let the security staff know you are wearing a prothesis. Some women also carry a letter from their GP or healthcare team about this.

Air travel

If you have a lightweight silicone breast the air pressure can cause air bubbles to form in the prosthesis. This can look like small black dots. This is temporary and will disappear afterwards.

Taking liquids through security

If you carry your prosthesis in your hand luggage this is classed as medical equipment so won’t be restricted.

Pam's breast cancer story

This is Pam's story about her diagnosis and surgery. 

"I decided not to have a breast reconstruction. I felt that a mastectomy bra and breast sponge would be OK for me."