Types of Prostheses

Breast prostheses come in many shapes, sizes, and materials: silicone gel, foam, or fiberfill interior, weighted or not. The ideal product will have the shape, weight, balance, motion, and simulated nipple of a real breast.

You can choose among ready-made products to match your remaining breast or your former shape. One company actually offers eighty-six sizes. There's even a breast prosthesis that comes with adhesive patches that attach to the upper edge of your breast area, allowing you to go braless if you like.

Variety helps

You'll probably want to buy two styles of breast prostheses:

• A lightweight model (polyfill or foam) is recommended when you're first recovering from surgery, because it's most comfortable. It's useful for informal leisure activities and feels good during warm weather and swimming. It is conveniently machine-washable.
  
  Lightweight foam form
  Photo courtesy of Nearly Me
• A lifelike silicone product (hand-washable) may look and feel better to you, and many women prefer it for lovemaking because it has the most natural feel for their partner. Also, on any occasion where you really want your breasts to sit at the same level in your dress, along a line parallel to the floor, the added weight of this implant does the job better. Two types are offered:
  • asymmetrical (one designed only for the left side and one only for the right)
  • symmetrical or pear-shaped that work on either side (these can be worn sideways to fill out the side of your bra, or straight up for center fullness and cleavage)
  
  
  Symmetrical triangle form
  Photo courtesy of Nearly Me
  
  Asymmetrical form
  Photo courtesy of Nearly Me
  The silicone prosthesis is heavy (especially for full-busted women), and you may find it tiring. But the balanced weight it provides helps keep your shoulders even and your posture straight. Prices range from under $100 to between $200 and $500 for high-quality products (size is not a cost factor), and they last from two to five years. Saltwater, pool water, and hot tubs will damage silicone products.

Custom-made options

If you're really prepared to splurge, you can buy a custom-made breast prosthesis, individually constructed and cast to match the natural contours of your body and your other breast. Or, if you're starting from scratch after a double mastectomy, you can choose whatever shape appeals to you. At one Philadelphia-area hospital, this service is called "external breast reconstruction." It costs around $3,000.