Breast prostheses are breast forms intended to simulate breasts. There are a number of materials and designs although the most common construction is silicone gel in a plastic skin. Off-the shelf breast prostheses come in a range of shapes and sizes, while customised breast prostheses are moulded to fit an individual's chest by taking an impression of both breasts and sculpting a mirror image. Fabrication of customised prostheses is typically done by an anaplastologist who makes somato prostheses. The areola and nipple may be replicated by being moulded into the breast form or a separate prosthetic nipple may be attached to the breast prosthesis. Both custom made and off-the shelf breast prostheses come in varieties that are designed to either be held in a pocket in a specially designed mastectomy bra or attached to the skin and worn with a standard bra.
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Mastectomy
Their most common use is after mastectomy, usually a consequence of cancer. They may act as an alternative to, or a stopgap measure until, plastic surgery to reconstruct a breast.[1][2]
Transgender
Many pre-hormonal transwomen and males who cross-dress as females use breast prostheses in order to create the illusion of feminine breasts. They are sometimes combined with cleavage enhancement techniques when used with clothing with low necklines.
Shapes
Non-customised prostheses are made of different shapes to suit the extent of breast tissue removal or the shape of a crossdresser's chest. Asymmetric breast forms incorporate an extension towards the armpit to replicate the shape of the tail of Spence, while symmetric "triangle" or "teardrop" prostheses do not incorporate that extension. Customised prostheses will mirror the other breast.
References
- ^ http://www.breasthealth.com.au/careafter/useofprostheses.html Use of Prostheses
- ^ http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/content.php?page_id=1008 Breast Prostheses
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