Prostheses (Breast Forms)

The beauty of a prosthesis is how fast it fills the void—literally. After so much trauma and so many decisions to make, it's a relief to be able to tuck something into your underwear and appear as you did before. Some women want this instant and painless relief. Others are not convinced that two breasts are necessary to feel complete.

Today, you have much better options than our mothers and grandmothers did. In the 1970s, Ruth Handler, inventor of the Barbie doll, was looking for a prosthesis. Her doctor told her to stuff some stockings into her bra. That wasn't good enough for Mrs. Handler. She invented the first lifelike, natural-feeling artificial breast made of silicone gel, called Nearly Me. "I trained fitters to do a really good job," says Handler, "not like those saleswomen who'd hand you something over the top of the dressing room door!" Now there are hundreds of styles, shapes, and brands to choose from.

Special clothes for your prosthesis

Bathing suits and lingerie designed for women who have had mastectomies are available by catalog from Lands' End, Sears, Nordstrom, and JC Penney, as well as in small shops and department stores. The clothing comes with a pocket to hold the prosthesis. You can also have pockets sewn into the bras or suits you already own. (The average cost for the service is under $20.)