Mastectomy Products

For many women who experience a mastectomy, breast prosthesis is a natural looking and comfortable way to regain body symmetry. You may see the terms breast form or breast prosthesis used interchangeably. Both these terms describe the same product. Breast form is just easier to pronounce!

There are many types and levels of quality of breast prostheses on the market. Manufacturers strive to improve the technology of breast prostheses and improve the designs of their products.

Shape

The shape of a woman's breast is as individual as the woman herself. Breast form designers have created triangle, pear shaped, round, heart shaped, and teardrop shaped forms to correspond with the most common breast shapes encountered.

Designers have been able to analyze the data from the custom breast prosthesis test market to create the triangle shape that was appropriate for many of the test market subjects. Balancia was developed to meet the needs of women who had breast-conserving surgery as its shape restores symmetry following partialmastectomy or lumpectomy. New shapes may be forthcoming as further trends are identified

Density

Breast prostheses come in varying degrees of density to correspond with the needs of women of all age groups. As women age, their breast tissue becomes less dense so they need a breast prosthesis that will recreate the softness of their breast tissue. In kind, younger women appreciate a form that recreates a more youthful appearance.

Components

The higher-grade breast prostheses are made from silicone. Silicone flows and drapes just like natural tissue. Silicone can be made into lighter weight prosthesis for women who require less weight. Immediately after surgery, women will need to wear lightweight polyester fibrefill prosthesis until her surgeon feels she has healed enough for a weighted form.

The Covering

Breast prostheses are made with a polyurethane skin. This is an inert, hypoallergenic material that is very flexible and wears very well. Silicone can also be used as a skin.

Features

Breast prostheses are available in a limited number of skin colours. One would have to have a custom prosthesis created to get an exact skin colour match if the standard colour tones are not sufficient.

Coloured nipples and areola are available on some standard forms; others have a nipple protrusion but no extra colour.

Breast prostheses may come with an attachable feature so that they may adhere to the chest wall. Some of them have a hypoallergenic gel adhesive back that holds the form to the chest wall. Other attachable prostheses use adhesive strips to hold the form in place.

CIMS also offers wide selection of post-mastectomy bras and beautiful swimwear.