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What is a Breast Prosthesis?
An external breast prosthesis is an artificial breast form that can be worn after the
breast has been surgically removed. There are several different types of prostheses. They
may be made from silicone gel, foam, fiberfill or other materials that feel similar to
natural tissue. Most are weighted so that they feel the same as the remaining breast (if
only one breast has been removed). Some adhere directly to the chest area while others are
made to fit into pockets of post-mastectomy bras (see description below). Different types
of prostheses may also have different features, such as a mock nipple or special shape. In
many cases, a woman will be fitted for a prosthesis so that it can be custom-made for her
body. Partial prostheses, called equalizers or enhancers, are also available for women who
have had part of their breasts removed.
What is a Mastectomy and a Post-Mastectomy Bra?
A mastectomy is a common treatment for breast cancer that
involves surgically removing the breast. A modified radical mastectomy is the most common
type of mastectomy performed today. This procedure involves removing the breast,
nipple/areolar region, and often the axillary (underarm) lymph nodes. Other types of
mastectomies include simple mastectomy (removes the breast, with its skin and nipple, but
no lymph nodes) and partial mastectomy (remove a portion of the breast tissue and a margin
of normal breast tissue). Click here to learn more about
mastectomy.
After a mastectomy, some women will be able to wear their regular bras with few or no
adjustments. If the surgical area is especially sensitive after surgery, a bra extender
can help increase the circumference around the body and make wearing a bra feel more
comfortable. Bra shoulder pads can help prevent bra straps from digging into the shoulder.
If a woman chooses to wear a breast prosthesis that does not adhere directly to the
skin, she will need to wear a special post-mastectomy bra with pockets for the breast form
(special swimsuits also hold breast forms). Some women find that special sleep or leisure
bras with or without pockets for a prosthesis are comfortable to wear overnight.
Who Should Consider a Prosthesis and/or Post-Mastectomy Bra?
Any woman who has undergone breast cancer surgery that has removed a significant
portion of tissue is a candidate for a breast prosthesis, which often needs to be worn
with a post-mastectomy bra. Many women do not wish to have surgical breast reconstruction after breast cancer surgery or decide
to wait several months or years before having reconstructive surgery. For these women,
breast prostheses and mastectomy bras are viable alternatives.
When Can Women Begin Wearing Prostheses?
Usually, a patient’s physician will recommend that she wear a camisole (sleeveless
undergarment made of soft material) with a non-weighted breast prosthesis after breast
cancer surgery until the surgical site is completely healed. This typically takes between
four and eight weeks but may be longer or shorter depending on the individual situation.
After the chest area has healed, a woman may be fitted for a weighted external breast
prosthesis.
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