Prostheses wear & care

Wednesday 30 November, 2011

On this page: Weight ι Temperature ι Clothing ι Swimwear ι Accessories ι Caring for a breast prosthesis ι Information reviewed by

It may take time to get used to having a prosthesis. You may feel nervous about wearing it, or it may feel different depending on the weather or your clothes. It is natural to have some concerns.

Weight

Full silicone breast forms are designed to have about the same weight as a natural breast. A prosthesis that is correctly fitted and properly supported in a bra will usually not feel too heavy, even if it feels heavy in your hands. It may take a bit of time to get used to, particularly if it has been a while since your mastectomy.

For women who continually find the regular form too heavy, the lightweight forms are available. Some women prefer to wear this kind of prosthesis when playing sport. 

Temperature

Some women find that the prosthesis feels too hot in warm and humid weather. This is more common for women with larger breasts that rest on the abdomen. There are a number of options to help you reduce discomfort.

Tips

  • Prostheses are usually guaranteed for two years for general wear and tear, but they may last longer depending on how often they are worn, how well they're looked after and your lifestyle. If the form splits or is cracked at the seams, it should be replaced. 
  • A bra that fits correctly and holds the prosthesis in the right place will help keep you cool.
  • There are new models of breast forms designed with air ventilation and evaporation technology to improve temperature regulation, increase comfort, and ease symptoms like hot flushes.
  • Some women find wearing a lightweight form in warmer weather keeps them cooler.
  • If you wear a regular bra, using a bra pocket or a breast form cover can help absorb perspiration. Check if your fitter supplies covers.
  • Bras made with fast-drying or sweat-wicking fabrics, such as sports bras, may be more comfortable if you perspire a lot.
  • Wear shirts made with cool, comfortable material, such as linen, silk or synthetic breathable fabrics.
  • If your prosthesis gets sweaty, make sure you wash it well at the end of the day to stop the perspiration from degrading the form.
"My breast form gets sweaty after I've been playing tennis. I have two so after a shower I swap." — Pam

Clothing

You probably don't want to change your whole wardrobe when you start wearing a prosthesis but you may find you need to make some adjustments. For example, many women say they don't feel comfortable wearing low-cut tops.

If you have some favourite dresses or tops, bring them with you to your fitting to check how they look over different prostheses. To adapt your clothes, you could:

  • use scarves or jewellery for extra coverage
  • wear a camisole or singlet under your top, or buy a mastectomy camisole bra
  • use an attachable prosthesis with a strapless dress or try a strapless mastectomy bra
  • ask a tailor to alter some of your clothes.

Your fitter may also carry a range of extras designed specifically to be worn with a breast prosthesis. These include lingerie, nightwear, swimwear, sports bras and camisettes (material that attaches to your bra strap to make low necklines more modest). The range of mastectomy wear is constantly expanding and there are many attractive options available.

"After my double mastectomy, I wore two prostheses. I had to change a lot of my clothes as I needed to wear the wide-cut mastectomy bras, which were visible with V-necks, evening wear and singlet tops." — Viviane 

Swimwear

Mastectomy swimwear can be bought from your fitter, some department stores, direct from some manufacturers, or online. Features include a bra pocket, wide straps and higher necklines.

Australian and international brands offer a wide range of styles, patterns and colours. Popular brands include Ada, Amoena, Anita, Genevieve, Jantzen, Jets, Kay Attali, Palazzi, Sue Rice (individualised fitting), Watersun, Seabird Swimwear, and Seafolly. New season swimwear is usually available in stores at the beginning of September and November.

Accessories

Different products are available to make the fit and appearance of your breast prosthesis more comfortable:

Bra pockets - easily sewn into your choice of bra, nightdress or swimsuit. If you would like to make your own pockets, a pattern is available online at www.cancercouncil.com.au or by calling 13 11 20.

Bra extenders - extra hooks to attach to the back of any bra and provide adjustability. These can be used temporarily; otherwise check whether your bra size needs adjusting.

Shoulder cushions - reduce pressure from bra straps (but check that this is not caused by a poorly fitting bra).

Nipples - self-adhesive nipples in different sizes and colours can help you achieve a more natural look. These can also be used on a reconstructed breast.

Caring for a breast prosthesis

Prostheses are usually guaranteed for two years for general wear and tear, but they may last longer depending on how often they are worn, how well they're looked after and your lifestyle. If the form splits or is cracked at the seams, it should be replaced. 

  • Hand wash the prosthesis every day you wear it to remove perspiration and grime. Use warm water and a mild unscented soap or a cleanser supplied by the breast form manufacturer. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a towel.
  • If you swim, rinse your form in clean water afterwards to remove any chlorine or salt.
  • Don't wear a silicone prosthesis in a sauna or spa. Use a soft form instead.
  • Store your prosthesis in the box it came in, which will protect it from sunlight and heat and help keep its shape.
  • Be careful when placing brooches or pins onto your clothing.
  • Take care when handling pets so that their claws don't damage the prosthesis.
  • Avoid using perfumed deodorant as this can damage the breast form. Natural crystal deodorant is a better alternative.
  • If your prosthesis is damaged or old, it can be thrown away in your normal garbage collection. The material cannot be recycled.
  • Check that your bras are the right fit every 12 months. You will probably need a new bra and breast prosthesis if your weight changes. Otherwise your prosthesis should last for 2 to 3 years.
Reviewed by: Staff from Westmead Breast Cancer Institute - Dr Thomas Lam, Plastic Surgeon; Dr Meagan Brennan, Breast Physician; Elisabeth Black, Jenny Cooper, Kim Kerin-Ayres and Mary Sweeney, Breast Care Nurses. Also Bronwyn Chalmers, Cancer Information Consultant, Helpline, Cancer Council NSW; Tracy Cosgrove, Breast Care Nurse, Royal North Shore Hospital; Marie Harland and Pauline Campbell, Breast Prostheses Fitters, Leila O'Toole Corsetry Salon; Lesley Jakes, Viviane Rubinstein and Kathryn Rutkowski, Consumers; and the Oncoplastic Subgroup of the Breast Surgeons Society of Australia and New Zealand (BreastSurgANZ).
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