What does a Breast Prosthesis look like?

At Boost we often get comments about the fact our Breast Prostheses seemingly defy the notion of what a Breast Prosthesis “should” look like. When people think of Prostheses, they sometimes jump to the conclusion that they should replicate the appearance of the body part, however, this view can be reductive. So here we will dispel some myths about the commonly asked question of what does a Breast Prosthesis look like and shed light about the diversity of style within the field.

Before the formal recognition of Breast Prostheses as an important part of healthcare post-mastectomy, women were likely to use cushions or padding within a bra to mimic the shape of the breast, with the first Breast Prosthesis being patented formally in the late 40s by two women. Early Breast Prostheses looked different to the ones we imagine today and design has broadened a lot since they were first conceived.

Really the question of what a does Breast Prosthesis look like is one that is very personal to the individual Breast Form wearer. The key appearance factors to consider are material, realism and most importantly actual fit and feel.

Breast Prosthesis are usually made out of material that is comfortable against the skin and less likely to cause irritation against scarring. This is why foam, silicone and certain fabrics are often chosen as materials, with Silicone Prostheses dominating the market since the 1960s, due to the versatility and practicality of the material. The frequent drawback with many silicone Breast Prostheses, however, is their weight; you can tell by looking at many of them that they are just going to feel heavy.

 

 

This is interlinked with the strive for realism when creating Breast Prosthesis as the knee-jerk response when designing a Breast Form is to look towards replicating the appearance of a Breast exactly. This can be comforting and empowering for some women, giving a sense of stability and discretion. Unfortunately, in the strive for realism, many Breast Form designs overlook practicality, as Silicone Breast Prostheses that replicate the appearance of a Breast suffer from the fact that the material can be too heavy and uncomfortable against the skin. This may be a case where the push for realism disadvantages the Prosthesis, as an accurate in appearance Breast Form may not take into account the function of the Prostheses, which may be the most important element.

This is why we say that the fit and feel of a Breast Prosthesis is more important than what it “should” look like. Ultimately, what does a Breast Prosthesis look like is not a question to be answered by endlessly striving for perfect replication of Breast appearance, but embracing that Breast Forms come in a myriad of styles and that choosing the right one can be very personal – tailored to lifestyle, daily routine and a million other factors. So let’s celebrate that Breast Forms can be as unique as their wearers!