Breast Forms

African American Woman and Plus Size Woman in Mastectomy Bras with Breast Form in Tawny and Ivory

A mastectomy is often a traumatic experience. Having breasts is part of being a woman, and having to part with one or both of your breasts is as much an emotional process as it is physical. Post mastectomy, there are several “breast replacement” options to consider. One option is breast reconstruction surgery. While this is the most permanent option, it is also the most expensive option, with out-of-pocket costs sometimes running up to thousands of dollars, even with insurance.

Another post-mastectomy option is breast forms, or breast prosthetics. A breast prosthesis is a superficial breast replacement designed to be worn inside of a bra. They are most commonly made from weighted silicone, and are designed to look, feel, and move like a natural breast. Breast forms provide a realistic and comfortable look and feel. In the case of a single mastectomy, wearing a breast form also helps to balance out weight distribution that can be trying on the back. Additionally, breast forms are affordable, with a handmade silicone prosthetic costing as little as $200.

Amoena Breast Forms

When it comes to breast forms, Amoena is the name of the game. Amoena brand breast prosthetics are the pinnacle of quality and craftsmanship, with each individual breast form carefully crafted by hand in Germany. If you are unfamiliar with breast forms, it can be confusing knowing how to select the right breast form for you.

Before purchasing a breast prosthesis, we recommend visiting a fitter. A breast form fitter will be able to measure you and use their expertise to find the perfect breast form for your body.

If you still have a breast, they will use your remaining breast as reference to find the perfect match. Getting a fitting before purchasing a prosthesis is especially important for women who have had single mastectomies to ensure balance and symmetry.

If you have had a double mastectomy, the fitter will look at your body shape and preferences to find the best breast form for your body.

Decoding Amoena Breast Forms and Sizes

There are three factors that determine the shape and size of your breast form: cup fullness, shape, and bra size. During a fitting, a breast prosthesis fitter will look at all of these factors to determine the right breast form for you.

1. Cup Fullness

Cup fullness denotes the fullness and overall look of the breast. Note that this does not refer to the size of the breast. Cup fullness is designated by either a 1, 2, or 3.

1 – Shallow Cup Fullness. If you have shallow cup fullness, the breast is notably slimmer at the top with most fullness located at the bottom of the breast.
2 – Average Cup Fullness. If you have average cup fullness, the shape of the breast is balanced. It is rounded at the bottom and slightly slimmer at the top. This is the most common breast shape.
3 – Full Cup Fullness. If you have full cup fullness, the breast is round with volume at both the top and base of the breast.

2. Shape

The shape of the breast form is largely dependent on the space that needs to be filled. The right breast form shape should restore balance. Shape is designated by the letter S, A, E, or U.

S – Symmetrical. A symmetrical breast form can be worn on the both left or right side of the chest. In general, a symmetrical shape is ideal for women who have had a standard mastectomy.
A – Asymmetrical. Asymmetrical breast forms are available for either the left or right side of the chest. In general, asymmetrical breast forms are best for women who have had lymph nodes removed from under the arm.
E – Extra. This a type of asymmetrical breast form.
U – Universal. This is a type of symmetrical breast form.

3. Bra Size

Finally, your bra size determines the ultimate size of your breast form. The size is designated by a number between 1 and 17. Take a look at the chart below for reference.

Example:

A woman with average cup fullness who had a standard mastectomy and wore a size 36C bra would need the following Amoena breast form size:

2S Size 6

2, because she has average cup fullness. S because she had a standard mastectomy and needs a symmetrical shape. Size 6 because this is the size that correlates to her bra size, 36C.

The Headcovers Amoena Collection

At Headcovers, we offer some of the most common breast form sizes in 5 highly desired styles to service a great number of women who have undergone mastectomies. Take a look at the differences between the styles we carry to find the perfect breast form for you.

Essential Collection

Breast forms in the essential collection are designed for everyday use and meet the fundamental needs of women post-surgery. Breast forms in this collection are made from soft single-layer silicone that drapes like a natural breast. These breast prosthetics respond to movement and fit to the contour of the chest.

440 – Essential 2S

This is the most basic silicone breast form available. It is a natural weight and is available at the lowest price point of all silicone breast forms.

Decoded: This is an average fullness, symmetrical breast form that can be worn on the left or right side.

442 – Essential Light 2S

This breast form is lighter weight than the 440 Essential breast form. It is about 25% lighter weight than standard silicone. Available in Tawny and Ivory colors.

Decoded: This is an average fullness, symmetrical breast form that can be worn on the left or right side.

Natura Cosmetic Collection

Breast forms in the Natura collection are designed for everyday use. These multi-layer breast prosthetics have a thin exterior layer of standard silicone that creates a realistic drape; and an interior layer of lightweight, Comfort+ temperature regulating silicone. Natura breast forms are designed to move realistically with the body.

320 – Natura Cosmetic 2S Comfort+

This breast form is made from lighter weight silicone. It has a clear gel backing that fits snugly, securely, and comfortably against the chest wall.

Decoded: This is an average fullness, symmetrical breast form that can be worn on the left or right side.

400 – Natura Xtra Light 2S Comfort+

This is the lightest weight silicone breast form available, providing ultra-comfortable wear while helping to help balance weight. When one side of the body carries more weight than another, it can lead to back pain, so this is important. It is almost 40% lighter than standard silicone. Narrow, shallow grooves on the back help this breast form to contour to the chest. Available in Tawny and Ivory colors.

Decoded: This is an average fullness, symmetrical breast form that can be worn on the left or right side.

Leisure Collection: 132N – Leisure Form Weighted Comfort+

Made from slightly weighted foam with a removable, washable fabric cover, this breast form is ideal for leisure and sleeping. This breast form has Comfort+ temperature regulating technology for ultimate comfort.

Decoded: This is an average fullness, symmetrical breast form that can be worn on the left or right side.

Wearing Your Breast Form

While it is not required to wear your breast form with a special bra or undergarments, it is recommended for maximum comfort. Wearing a mastectomy bra that is specially designed to hold breast forms will ensure your prosthesis stays securely in place throughout the day. Mastectomy bras and camisoles have inner pockets in the chest where a form can be easily inserted. These bras can be attractive, comfortable, and flattering.