Choosing the right prosthesis

There are many different types of prostheses available, different shapes and sizes so there is a good choice available insuring you will be able to find one that is ideal to suit you and the type of surgery you have had. We recognise that each of our customers have an individual need so we are here to give you as much help and advice as you need to ensure you are choosing the most comfortable and natural breast form for you.

Where possible it is always best to have a professional prosthesis fitting but if you can’t we can always help if you give us a call. Here is some advice on what might be best prosthesis for you.

If you are finding it difficult to find a style on our website please call our award-winning Customer Service Team who will be able to offer you a wider range of Anita and Trulife prosthesis: 0845 265 7595

Step 1 – What type of prosthesis is best for what surgery?
The best type of prosthesis is largely dependent on what sort of surgery you have had, whether it be a full or radical mastectomy, partial surgery, a lumpectomy or even a reconstruction.

Full or radical mastectomy
If you have had either of these types of surgery you will need a full prosthesis, a form which is flat on the back and not hollowed out. This type is designed to go straight against the chest wall. This is to ensure you are getting a good shape and the best weight from the prosthesis. Available in either silicone or lightweight foam or beads.

If you need a fuller prosthesis because your chest wall is slightly concave or your natural bust is quite full, try the Harmony Silk Plus 4720.

Partial surgery
Where breast tissue remains through partial surgery, a full prosthesis would not be suitable. We would recommend trying a partial prosthesis which is a shell form, hollow on the back to incorporate any remaining breast. Most partial prostheses are silicone and are placed over the remaining breast to give a natural and even outline to match the natural breast. Try the Anita Equi-Tex 1057 or call our Customer Service Team for alternatives.

Lumpectomy
If you have had a lumpectomy often you will have had a smaller amount of tissue removed than partial surgery so may only need a breast enhancer or a partial breast shaper. We offer a range of silicone styles and shapes designed to meet your individual needs so please call us so we can help you choose the best style or try the Trulife Bust Enhancers 810N or our foam bust cups 1400.

Reconstruction
In most cases it is not necessary to wear a prosthesis after a reconstruction but often weight gain or loss can mean that you may need something to help you match your breasts. As with a lumpectomy a breast enhancer or partial breast shaper will help you achieve a natural and balanced outline. Try the Trulife Bust Enhancers 810N or our foam bust cups 1400.

Breast prosthesis come in a wide range of weights and it important to get the right type to suit your lifestyle, age and medical factors.

Silicone Forms
A silicone prosthesis is made from a soft, gel-like substance which means this type of form will give a fantastic, natural shape. Most silicone prostheses are available in either a traditional weight (full) or lightweight versions, dependent on how heavy your natural breast, is to restore balance. Prices vary from £59 to £135 and are guaranteed for two years on all manufacturing defaults.

Traditional breast forms tend to closely resemble the human tissue and will be fitted approximately 6-8 weeks after surgery for use every day. However many ladies find the traditional silicone quite heavy in comparison to the lightweight versions.

The lightweight silicone versions tend to be up to 35% lighter than the traditional silicone but have all the benefits and give the appearance of a natural breast. They carry enough weight to restore balance and symmetry but are light weight enough not to cause pressure on your shoulder.

Foam ‘Leisure’ Forms
This type of prosthesis is a soft, lightweight and inexpensive alternative to a silicone form. Often this is a great choice if you want something lighter and cooler in the summer as the foam material is not as hot as silicone can be. We offer a weighted foam prosthesis, the ‘Leisure Form’ 6110. This has a weight in the middle and provides enough weight so the bra will not pull over to your natural side. Alternatively if you would like something nearly weightless and similar to your softie, the ‘Featherweight’ 6160 would be a good choice. Both are ideal for swimming but will need replacing regularly as they will deteriorate if used often is chlorine water.

Other Alternatives
Another choice to a silicone form would be a bean prosthesis. This is a form made from polypropylene beads that moulds into the shape of your bra to give a really natural look. The beads allow air to circulate keeping you cool and comfortable.

Step 2 – Choosing the right shape
After surgery we know how important it is to find a prosthesis that matches your remaining breast and gives you a natural outline.

Getting the right shape is very dependent on what type of surgery you have had and what style matches you natural breast the best.

Symmetrical Forms
These are usually a variation on a triangle or teardrop shape and can be worn on either the left on the right side of the body.

A triangular shaped prosthesis is often a popular choice as it best imitates a natural breast shape. This is a good choice if you have not had extensive lymph gland removal under your arm and still have quite a pert natural breast, as the triangular shape form is quite full on the top section.



Look out for: Lightweight Leisure Form 6110, Anita TriNature 1051, Anita Equi-Tex 1057, Trulife Harmony Silk 4710 and Silk Plus 4720.

The teardrop is most suitable for women whose surgery has resulted in some underarm tissue being removed and/or lymph glands. The teardrop form has an extension (tail) which can be angled to best suit you and will fill in areas where tissue has been lost.



Asymmetrical Forms
The asymmetrical style is designed with extensions to fit under the arm and/or in the upper chest wall, to fill the areas where more extensive surgery has removed tissue. This style form has been designed for either the left or the right side specifically.

An asymmetrical form is often a good choice for ladies who have had bilateral surgery. Why not try Trulife Harmony Silk A Supreme 4750 or the Harmony Silk Xtend 4780?