Mastectomy
Information provided by Amoena 

Breast form basics
Wearing the right breast form can make a big difference in how you feel every day.

Why wear a breast form?
Breast prostheses (or breast ‘forms’) and symmetry shapers are used for the care of women after breast cancer surgery. They can be used after mastectomy, breast-conserving surgery or reconstruction where extra volume is needed for total symmetry.

Breast Form should resemble the remaining breast as closely as possible in look and shape, creating a natural body silhouette. Well manufactured forms behave like a real breast, moving naturally when a woman walks and flattening when she lies down. However, breast forms do not just have a cosmetic role; there are also medical reasons to wear them. By compensating for the weight of a real breast, a properly fitting breast form helps prevent problems like lymphedema, bad posture or shoulder and neck problems.

Professional fitters will consider the individual needs of each woman when helping her choose a breast form. Among those available are silicone prostheses with special features, such as a self-adhesive back or a prosthesis whose self-shaping inner layer adapts to a woman’s chest wall or scar area. The main consideration is the wearer’s comfort. Each breast form quickly adapts to body temperature, so it doesn’t feel like a separate body part. In addition, innovative technologies have been developed that offer acute temperature regulation in some breast forms, giving the wearer a high level of comfort and freshness all day long. These are particularly good for women undergoing hormone therapy or menopause, or during physical activity which may cause sweating.

This broad choice of silicone breast forms with special shapes, properties and uses provides the basis for optimal patient care, whatever the need. Partial Shapers  can also be worn by women who have naturally unequal breasts, to improve their self-confidence and body image.

To securely hold a breast form or symmetry shaper, there are specially designed bras with integral pockets. While still beautiful to look at, these bras have clever features like a slightly higher neckline and underarm and soft, padded straps, to address the specific needs of women who wear breast prostheses. Because swimming is enjoyed by so many women, particularly after breast surgery, special Swimwear has also been designed with similar features. Pockets securely hold the breast forms in place and allow comfortable movement and a natural silhouette.

For the perfect fit, individual consultations are provided by trained, certified mastectomy fitters in specialist shops, clinics or hospitals.