After going through a partial, single or full mastectomy, it’s possible for women to recreate their natural breast contours through reconstructive surgery, a breast prosthesis, or breast forms from a specialized breast form store.
If having another surgery is not a suitable option for you, getting a temporary or permanent breast form can still provide the desired results of looking balanced and retaining your femininity. When considering breast forms as an alternative to surgery, factors such as price and quality play a key part in the decision-making process.
Buying from a mass-produced selection of breast forms and shapes that has a one-size-fits-all approach may be the cheapest option but there are disadvantages. There are significant differences between buying off-the-shelf breast forms at a local department store versus having custom shapes fitted at a breast form store. Knowing these differences can save you frustration and money in the long run.
What is a Breast Form?
A breast form is also known as a breast prosthetic. It is an artificial attachment made to resemble and replace a woman’s breast, typically after a mastectomy. They are made from foam, fiber or silicone and shaped to suit a breast form and size, which feels soft and natural.
Breast forms come in different types and can be a temporary or permanent solution:
* Full breast prosthesis goes up against the chest where the breast tissue was removed.
* Partial prosthesis is worn in the bra to fill the breast outline.
* Shell prosthesis fits over a breast to match the other.
* Stick-on prosthesis that attaches directly to the skin and can be supported with or without a bra (although not recommended immediately after surgery).
Off-The-Shelf Breast Forms
Breast forms available at popular department stores and retail outlets are generally inexpensive because they are mass-produced. The selections are limited in size, shape, and color, making it tricky to find the perfect fit.
This is when you start compromising on comfort and sizing to fit the breast form instead of the breast form fitting you. They are not designed to individual needs or to specifically fit post surgical bras.
Custom Breast Forms
Custom breast forms are made from quality materials to protect sensitive skin and increase confidence with a realistic appearance. They are designed according to your needs, your breast weight and your skin tone to give you a natural look and feel.
Custom breast forms come in a range of styles and sizes, with or without an artificial nipple, and they can be molded to suit any shape. Specialists in mastectomy lingerie like Amoena bras and Jodee bras, provide specific mastectomy bras to accommodate custom breast forms.
What To Expect In A Breast Form Store
A breast form store is equipped with quality post-surgery products, clothing, and professional advice. It is a retreat for women suffering from breast cancer who need guidance and discretion when finding and fitting the ideal breast forms.
An accredited breast form store uses advanced technologies to create the exact shape and measurements required and will assist in professionally fitting any prosthetic to ensure ultimate comfort and best result.
Reasons to Visit a Breast Form Store
Here are five good reasons to consider visiting a breast form store for post-breast surgery fittings:
- Having custom made breast forms professionally fitted gives peace of mind in knowing you are wearing a breast prosthesis securely and correctly.
- Custom breast forms are created by experts to exact measurements, color, and texture.
- They can cater for different situations like waterproof prosthetics for swimming.
- Breast form stores stock an assortment of specialized clothing such as post-surgical camisoles, mastectomy bathing suits, chemo beanies, and most types of mastectomy bras from top quality manufacturers such as Amoena, ABC, and Anita Care.
- Specialized, discreet, and caring, you will get the one-on-one attention you deserve.
