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Breast Protheses
This section is for those who would like more information
on breast prostheses. It describes what prostheses are, the different
types available, and how to
choose and look after a prosthesis. It also explains how to get
a new prosthesis if you already have one.
Page Contents
What is a breast prosthesis?
Are there different types of prostheses?
Can I wear a prosthesis straight after surgery?
How do I choose a prosthesis?
Choosing a bra
How do I look after my prosthesis?
Do I have to pay for my prosthesis?
How do I get a replacement prosthesis?
Coping with breast surgery
Help from Action Breast Cancer
Suppliers
Standards of Care for Breast Prosthesis Fitting Services
What is a breast prosthesis?
A breast prosthesis is an artificial breast form that fits in a
bra cup to replace your natural breast. It is most often used after
surgery for breast cancer, either after a mastectomy (removal of
the breast) or a wide local excision (removal of a lump and some
surrounding tissue). A well fitting prosthesis can help your posture
and give you a more natural shape. Prostheses are made from silicone
gel moulded to form the natural shape of a woman’s breast,
sometimes including the nipple outline. The surface feels soft and
smooth. The underside of a prosthesis is more variable. It can be
firm and smooth or may have ridges that are soft and flexible. A
breast prosthesis may feel cold at first but it warms up quickly
with body contact. It may also seem heavy, but the sense of weight
disappears once it is held against your chest wall and supported
by your bra.
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Are there different types of prostheses?
There is a wide range of prostheses available in different shapes,
sizes and skin colours. They are made from materials that resemble
the movement, feel and weight of normal breast tissue. A properly
weighted form provides the balance your body needs for correct posture.
You should be able to find a prosthesis to suit your particular
needs. The most common type of prosthesis rests against your chest
wall and is held in place by your bra, although there are a number
of different types to choose from.
Partial prostheses
If you have had a wide local excision you may not have lost much
breast tissue but it may be enough to make your breast shape different.
This will depend on the size of your breast and where the lump was,
and will affect the type of prosthesis you need. You may need a
‘shell’ type prosthesis which is hollow and fits over
your remaining breast tissue, restoring your breast to its original
shape. Or you may need a small, wedge-shaped prosthesis to fill
out the bottom, top or side of your bra.
Lightweight prostheses
Most prostheses are made to weigh the same as your normal breast,
although some women find that these still feel too heavy. You may
prefer to wear a lightweight prosthesis. These are also made of
silicone but they weigh less than standard prostheses.
Self-supporting prostheses
Self-supporting prostheses may suit some women, particularly those
who are very active. These prostheses stick directly to your skin
by using adhesive strips that stick to the back of the prosthesis.
They may feel more natural and secure than other types which simply
fit into a bra cup. However, these prostheses still need the support
of a well fitting bra.
Prosthetic nipples
Prosthetic nipples are artificial nipples in different sizes and
skin colours that you can stick on to your breast prosthesis or
after breast reconstruction where there is no nipple.
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Can I wear a prosthesis straight
after surgery?
Yes you can. A temporary prosthesis is lightweight and fibre-filled
and can be worn immediately following surgery. Whatever type of
surgery you have had you will not be able to wear anything that
puts pressure on your scar and the surrounding area for six to eight
weeks. When the scar has fully healed you may need to have further
treatment such as radiotherapy, which can make the skin tender and
sensitive for a while. You may not be able to wear a silicone prosthesis
until this sensitivity has gone completely.
While your scar is healing you can use a lightweight temporary
prosthesis made of synthetic washable fibre inside a cotton cover.
Your breast care nurse or Reach To Recovery volunteer will provide
this for you in the hospital. This well shaped temporary fabric
form will help maintain your outward appearance during the initial
period after your operation.
Some women find that a bra is too constricting during this time.
If you prefer, you can wear a camisole top or a cotton vest with
Lycra to give you support.
You might decide to carry on using these prostheses for leisurewear
or at night.
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How do I choose a prosthesis?
To help you choose the right prosthesis you need to be seen by
a breast care nurse or a trained fitter. You also need plenty
of time
and privacy. You might find it helpful to look at some breast prostheses
so that you have an idea of what to expect, perhaps even before
your operation. Your breast care nurse can show you some samples
of different prostheses. If you would like to find out about
the
full range available, you can request catalogues from the suppliers
listed at the end of this page. For more information, call
the National Cancer Freefone Helpline on 1800 200 700.
Who does the fitting?
The breast care nurse or a trained mastectomy fitter will do the
fitting for you. An appointment may be made for you before you leave
hospital. To find a fitter nearest you call the National Cancer
Helpline on Freefone 1800 200 700.
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Choosing a bra
To make sure your prosthesis is comfortable and fits well you need
to have a well fitting bra. Even if you think you know your
bra
size it is best to see a trained bra fitter. Most lingerie shops
and department stores have trained fitters. Some fitters have
had
special training to fit women who have had breast surgery so it’s
worth enquiring if this service is available. You need to choose
a bra that fits close to your chest wall between the cups, with
enough depth of material between the cups to cover the prosthesis.
You should be able to find suitable bras in any lingerie shop or
department store. Although the best result is usually obtained
with
a normal, well fitting bra, some women may feel more secure with
a mastectomy bra, which has a pocket in the cup to hold the prosthesis.
You can buy mastectomy bras in many lingerie shops and department
stores. You can also adapt an ordinary bra by sewing in a pocket.
You will find a list of suppliers of mastectomy bras at the end
of this page.
At the fitting
When you get fitted for your prosthesis it is a good idea to wear
or take with you a plain, light-coloured T-shirt or close fitting
top. This means that you can be sure you choose a prosthesis that
gives you a smooth outline. You may also want to take a favourite
bra or a low-necked dress that you would still like to wear. You
may want to take a friend or partner along for support and to give
their opinion.
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How do I look after my prosthesis?
It is important to look after your prosthesis carefully and follow
the care instructions that come with it. Most prostheses should
be washed every day with warm soapy water and patted dry with a
towel. Always keep your prosthesis in its box when you are not wearing
it so that it doesn’t get damaged. Prostheses are generally
guaranteed for two years, as long as the care instructions have
been followed, but often last longer.
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Do I have to pay for my prosthesis?
All women who have had breast cancer surgery are entitled to their
initial Prosthesis and two bras free of charge. Your breast
care nurse will arrange a prosthesis fitting a few weeks after
surgery.
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How do I get a replacement prosthesis?
Medical card holders
If you need a replacement prosthesis, talk
to your breast care nurse, or GP if you are no longer attending
hospital. Your prosthesis can be replaced when it shows signs of
wear, damage, or when you gain or lose a lot of weight If you have
a medical card, you are entitled to two bras every year and a breast
prosthesis every two years, if required. In order to avail of this,
you need to get a prescription from your local GP. Bring this prescription
to your local health centre where it will be processed. You will
then be sent an official order form. This can be used in some hospitals
or retail suppliers. It is best to telephone first to find out the
local procedure.
Private patients
Private patients can buy replacement prostheses from some retail
shops or mail order suppliers. Some insurance policies will reimburse
you for your prostheses, bras and swimwear every year but you must
have spent over your minimum requirement to make an outpatient claim.
Others will cover a percentage of your prostheses costs. You need
to check your insurance policy to see what is covered and how you
must submit claims. All necessary medical purchases can be claimed
against tax.
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Coping with breast surgery
Most women who are treated for breast cancer have some form of surgery.
Regardless of your age or personal circumstances, it is understandable
to have concerns about how you will cope with losing a breast. Whether
this loss is partial or complete, any change to your body image
can be a traumatic event. Many women who have been through this
experience describe it as a kind of bereavement. If you have a partner
or children you may have concerns about their reactions to your
operation and to you wearing a prosthesis. You may worry that it
is going to change the way they feel about you.
Recovering emotionally from breast surgery can take some time.
Each person’s response is different so don’t worry too
much if you feel you are not coping as well as someone else you
know in a similar situation. If you are struggling or feeling isolated
remember that there are people who can help you. Tell your family
and friends how you feel so they can support you. You might want
to talk to your breast care nurse.
You might find it easier to share your feelings with someone who
has had a similar experience to you. Reach to Recovery is a programme
set up to help and support women who have recently had a breast
cancer diagnosis. The programme works on the principle of personal
contact between the patient and a Reach to Recovery volunteer -
a woman who has had surgery for breast cancer. Carefully selected
and fully trained volunteers are available to provide advice and
reassurance at a time when a woman is most in need of both. For
more information on individual support or support groups in your
area, call the National Cancer Freefone Helpline on 1800 200 700.
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Suppliers
Contact individual suppliers for full details of their product ranges.
CARLOW
Marie Sue Lingerie
Bridewell Lane
Carlow
Telephone: 059 91 39639
Prosthesis, mastectomy bras and swimwear available. Medical cards
accepted.
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CLARE
Rochfords Pharmacy
21 Parnell Street
Ennis
Co.Clare
Telephone: 065 682 0099
Fax: 065 6844 650
Prosthesis, mastectomy bras and swimwear in stock. Fitting service
available. Medical cards accepted.
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CORK
Debenhams
Mahon Point Shopping Centre
Cork
Telephone: 021 453 6900
Bra fitting service available
Trulife
6/7 Cornmarket Street
Cork
Telephone: 021 427 3148
www.trulife.ie
A range of prosthesis, mastectomy bras and swimwear in stock.
Fitting service by appointment.
Marks & Spencer
Cork
Telephone: 021 427 5555
Bras available from their range. Suitable to wear with prosthesis.
Professional bra
fitting service available. Swimwear sample stock available in store
on request.
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DONEGAL
Mc Elhinneys
Main Street
Ballybofey
Co. Donegal
Telephone: 074 913 1217
Anita bras and swimwear in stock.
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DUBLIN
Trulife (formerly Barmed)
The Steward’s House
St Helen’s Wood
Booterstown
Co. Dublin
Telephone: 01 278 9660
Fax: 01 278 9668
Good range of prostheses, mastectomy bras and swimwear in stock.
Specialist fitting service by appointment only. Also clinics in
Drogheda throughout the year – contact the Dublin office for
details. Medical cards accepted.
Debenhams
Jervis Street Shopping Centre
Jervis Street
Dublin 1
Telephone: 01 878 1222
Professional bra fitting service and sew-in-pocket service available.
O’ Haras Pharmacy
16 Redmonds Hill
Aungier Street
Dublin 2
Telephone: 01 476 0680
A range of prosthesis, mastectomy bras and swimwear in stock.
Fitting service available on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Appointment
necessary. Medical cards accepted.
Murray's Medical and Pharmacy
20-21 Talbot St
Dublin 1
Telephone: 01 8555 733
Email: info.pharmacy@murraysmedical.ie
A range of prosthesis, mastectomy bras and swimwear in stock. Fitting
service available by appointment only. Medical cards accepted.
Arnotts
12 Henry St
Dublin 1
Telephone: 01 805 0400
Fitting service available for Anita mastectomy bras and swimwear.
Marks & Spencer
Telephone: 01 872 8833
Mary St
Grafton St
Dundrum Town Centre
Blanchardstown Shopping Centre
Liffey Valley Shopping Centre
Bras available from their range. Suitable to wear with prosthesis.
Professional bra fitting service available. Swimwear sample stock
available in store on request.
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GALWAY
University Pharmacy
University Halls
Newcastle Road
Galway
Telephone: 091 520 115
Range of prosthesis, mastectomy bras and swimwear in stock. Fitting
service available by appointment. Medical cards accepted.
Trulife
21 Mulvoy Centre
Sean Mulvoy Road
Galway
Telephone: 091 757 271
www.trulife.ie
Prosthesis, bras and swimwear available medical cards accepted.
Clinic in Mullingar throughout the year.
Ryans of Galway
Shop Street
Galway
Telephone: 091 567061
Anita bras and swimwear available.
Dr. Zita Fitzpatrick
The Post-Mastectomy
Care Clinic
Cloghscoltia
Barna
Co Galway
Telephone/Fax: 091 592 515
Mobile: 086 262 4385
Comprehensive range of prostheses, bras and swimwear available.
Appointment necessary. Medical cards accepted. Hospital visit can
be arranged.
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LIMERICK
Bravelle
1 the Glen
Ballyneety
Limerick
Telephone: 061 351 886
web: www.bravelleshop.com
A range of prosthesis, mastectomy bras and swimwear in stock. A
fitting service is available by appointment. Medical cards accepted.
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LONGFORD
Bijou Lingerie
14 Dublin Road
Longford
Telephone: 043 42944
Mastectomy bras and swimwear available.
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MAYO
La Belle Femme
Chaple Lane
Claremorris
Co.Mayo
Telephone: 094 937 3652
Protheses, bras and swimwear in stock. Appointment necessary.
Medical cards accepted.
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WATERFORD
Nursing Needs
13 Gladstone Street
Waterford
Telephone: 051 874622
A range of protheses, bras and swimwear in stock. Prosthesis fitting
available by appointment only. Medical cards accepted.
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WEXFORD
O’Brien’s Ladieswear
81 North Main Street
Wexford
Telephone: 053 23106
Mastectomy bras in stock. Prostheses can be ordered. Appointment
necessary. Medical cards accepted.
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MAIL ORDER OR ONLINE ORDERING
Amoena (UK) Ltd
1 Eagle Close
Chandlers Ford
Eastleigh
Hampshire SO53 4NF
UK
Telephone: 0044 2380 270 345
Web: www.amoena.co.uk
Eloise Lingerie (UK)
PO Box 70
Bury St Edmunds
Suffolk IP30 0JT
Telephone: 0044 1284 828 787
Web: www.eloise.co.uk
Nicola Jane (UK)
2 Dukes Court
Bognor Road
Chichester PO19 2FX
Telephone: 0044 1243 790 900
Web: www.nicolajane.com
Trulife Ltd (UK)
4A Bechers Drive
Aintree Racecourse
Business Park
Liverpool L9 5AY
Telephone: 0044 151 525 9200
Web: www.trulife.co.uk
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ABC would like to thank Breast Cancer Care in the UK for their
permission to adapt the text in this factsheet from their series
of factsheets.
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