TYPE

Breast prothesis types are Breast Forms (natural look and feel), Leisure Forms (home and exercise), Partial Forms (shape and volume), Soft Forms (shape during recovery), Stick-on Breast Forms (different bra options), Stick-on Partial Forms & Shapers (different bra options) and Swim Forms (water resistant).

This section describes Breast Form anatomy.

STYLE

Shape   The front view of the breast form. Symmetrical breast forms sit more to the front of the chest and are used when tissue loss does not extend to the underarm or sternum. Symmetrical shapes can vary from rounded to accentuated (see Product page illustrations). Asymmetrical breast forms have more volume to one side and are used to fill tissue loss in the underarm or sternum. Asymmetric breast forms have left and right-hand shape options (see Product page illustrations).

Profile   The side view of the breast form. This indicates the fullness of the upper breast when the breast form is worn in the bra cup. The upper breast fullness of the natural breast varies from shallower to fuller. Overtime upper breast fullness tends to reduce.

Weight   After a unilateral mastectomy (single breast), breast form weight is matched to the natural breast. If the breast form is lighter than the natural breast, it is likely to ride up in the bra or the natural breast is likely to pull the bra down and to the side. After a bilateral mastectomy (both breasts), weight can still be needed hold the bra down in place. Weight can also correct postural change that can occur when the natural weight of the breast has been removed. Bra fit also affects the ‘feeling’ of weight. When the bra is correctly fitted and the strap correctly adjusted, the breast form weight is evenly distributed and less noticed. If the bra is too loose, or not adjusted correctly, the breast form can ‘feel’ heavy.

Feel   How well the breast form matches the firmness of the natural breast. Firmness can affect what another person ‘feels’ when being hugged, and wear comfort when sitting.

COMPONENTS

Material   These vary from single material light weight foam shapes through to weighted silicone breast forms that can have multiple materials layers enclosed in outer encapsulating material. Materials are used to achieve different Style and Performance outcomes.

Adjustment   There are two options for changing the profile of the breast form, adding or removing the inner filling and air inflation. Adding or removing the microfibre changes the overall profile. Air inflation allows for increasing the profile and placing the air in different locations to fill variations in the chest wall.

PERFORMANCE

Temperature Management   The feeling of heat behind the breast form varies with individual perception, climate, and how the breast form is made. There appear to be two options for reducing heat build-up, the shape of the back surface and the type of material(s) used. A stippled or patterned back surface appears to improve air flow between the skin and the breast form. Using phase change material (PCM) additives appears to result in shifting heat away from the skin, storing the heat away from the skin, then releasing the heat as the breast form cools.

STUDIO RANGE Products   Go to Breast Forms & Shapers, click on a product to see ‘Style’ and ‘Look & Feel’ information, then click on the ‘Fitter’s Notes’ tab for more product information