Mastectomy Breast Forms & Prostheses

Breast forms come in several types: silicone breast forms for everyday wear, foam breast forms for recovery and low-activity days, swim forms for the pool, and partial shapers after lumpectomy. Most are worn inside a pocketed mastectomy bra. Not sure where to start? The guide below will walk you through it.


  1. Silk Xtend 478 Breast Form by Trulife
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    Silk Xtend 478 Breast Form by Trulife

    Retail $468.00 Our Price $357.99
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From Someone Who's Been There

Types of Breast Forms & Prostheses

The right breast form is one you stop thinking about.

You probably weren't expecting to need to know any of this. Most women aren't. You've just been through something enormous, and now you're navigating a product category you've never had to think about before.

This company was founded because our founder survived breast cancer and couldn't find what she needed. For over 31 years we've served women through diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. We know this moment -- the overwhelm, the questions, the wanting to just feel like yourself again. This guide is our honest attempt to make that easier.

Breast forms, also called breast prostheses, prosthesis breast forms, or mastectomy breast forms, are worn after surgery to restore shape and balance. They come in several materials and profiles, each suited to a different stage of recovery or daily life. Here is what you are looking at.

Everyday Wear

Silicone Breast Forms

Silicone breast forms are the standard long-term choice for most women after mastectomy. A quality silicone breast form closely matches the weight, warmth, and movement of natural breast tissue, which can help the body feel more balanced through the day.

Most silicone breast forms are symmetrical and designed to be worn inside a pocketed mastectomy bra. Some can also be worn directly against the skin with a self-adhesive backing. Silicone breast forms for mastectomy come in a range of profiles and are sized to match your bra cup.

Not sure where to start? Amoena Natura Light 2S Average fullness, symmetrical shape. A dependable place to start if you are not sure what to choose.
Early Recovery & Everyday Comfort

Lightweight & Leisure Breast Forms

During the early weeks after surgery, a full-weight silicone form is usually too heavy while healing is still underway. Lightweight breast forms and leisure forms, including foam breast forms made from fiberfill or lighter-density silicone, provide coverage and shape without pressure on the surgery site.

Many women also keep a lightweight or leisure form for sleeping, low-activity days, or simply wearing around the house when the weight of silicone feels like too much. Some women alternate between a silicone form for work or going out and lightweight breast forms at home. Foam, fabric, or fiber-filled forms usually need replacing around six months with regular use, while high-quality silicone forms are commonly replaced around every two years.

Early recovery ABC Triangle Puff The adjustable fiberfill adapts as swelling changes, so fit stays comfortable while your body is still healing.
Want an upgrade? Amoena Priform Adds a silver-infused antibacterial backing, worth having against healing skin.
Pool, Beach & Active Use

Swim Breast Forms

Swim breast forms are a special type of silicone breast form made specifically for water activity and designed to resist chlorine and salt water better than everyday forms, so they hold their shape and dry quickly. Standard everyday silicone forms are not intended for regular water use, and using a dedicated swim form helps preserve your everyday prosthesis.

Swim breast forms are also lighter than everyday silicone, which makes movement in the water easier. They are worn inside a pocketed mastectomy swimsuit, which is designed to hold them comfortably in place.

For swimming Amoena Aqua Wave Most popular. Designed specifically for water. Lighter, faster-drying, and easier in the pool than an everyday silicone form.
Lumpectomy & Partial Mastectomy

Partial Breast Prosthesis & Shapers

If you had a lumpectomy or partial mastectomy, you likely do not need a full breast form. A partial breast prosthesis, also called a breast shaper, fills in where tissue is missing rather than replacing an entire breast. These lightweight inserts sit inside a pocketed bra and create a smooth, balanced silhouette under clothing.

Partial shapers are also useful after reconstruction if volume is not yet symmetrical on both sides.

Not sure which type you need? Start with your stage of recovery. If you are still healing, a lightweight form is the right starting point. Once your surgeon clears you for a weighted form, silicone becomes the everyday standard. Most women end up with more than one type over time. Silicone breast forms for everyday wear, lightweight breast forms for low-activity days, and swim breast forms for the pool covers most situations. Our Breast Form Buying Guide walks through the decision in more detail.

Material & Construction

Why Silicone Is Used in Breast Forms

Silicone has been the standard material for breast prostheses for decades. Here is what makes it different from the alternatives.

Weight & Balance

Silicone gel has a weight and feel that more closely resembles natural breast tissue than foam or fiberfill. That is what makes a silicone breast prosthesis feel more balanced on the body and why it remains the everyday standard for many women. Carrying asymmetrical weight across the chest and shoulder over time puts strain on posture and the spine, and a well-fitted silicone form can help reduce that over time.

Movement & Drape

Silicone gel moves with the body. It shifts when you move, settles when you are still, and responds to gravity the way breast tissue does. Foam and fiberfill forms hold a fixed shape. That difference is most noticeable under clothing: silicone drapes naturally, foam can look rigid or flat. For women who wear fitted tops or want a silhouette that reads as natural, this movement quality is why silicone is the long-term standard rather than a temporary solution.

Trusted Brands

The Breast Form Brands We Carry

We carry four brands of mastectomy prosthetics and breast forms because different women need different things.

Amoena

Our most recommended starting point for women new to breast forms. Amoena has the most structured sizing system of the four brands, a broad range from A through H cups, and graduated weight construction that closely mimics natural breast tissue. If you are not sure where to begin, start here.

Trulife

Worth considering if you want a side-specific form shaped separately for the left or right side, or a strong swim breast form selection. Some styles also offer a textured silicone backing for skin-worn wear without a pocket bra.

Nearly Me

Known for softer-feeling silicone and one of the widest size ranges available, including larger cup sizes that are hard to find elsewhere. A good fit if standard silicone feels too firm, if skin sensitivity is a concern, or if other brands do not carry your size.

ABC (American Breast Care)

Natural-profile forms that sit close to the chest wall, well suited after skin-sparing mastectomy and reconstruction. Their microbead prosthesis is softer and more pliable than standard gel-fill forms. A strong leisure and swim line rounds out a versatile range.

Insurance coverage: Many insurance plans, including Medicare, may cover an external breast prosthesis after mastectomy, depending on your plan and documentation requirements. You will typically need a prescription from your physician. We do not file claims directly, but we provide receipts with the correct clinical language and any supporting documentation your insurer needs. Call your insurer before ordering to confirm your specific terms and whether prior authorization is required. We have been serving cancer patients for over 31 years and are happy to help with documentation if you need it.

Common Questions

Breast Forms FAQ

The questions we hear most often before a first order.

Breast forms are designed to fully replace the volume of one or both breasts after a mastectomy. They restore balance and shape under clothing and are typically worn in a pocketed mastectomy bra or adhered directly to the skin. A partial breast prosthesis, also called a breast shaper or balance form, is used after a lumpectomy, reconstruction, or when there is asymmetry between sides. It gently fills in smaller areas of missing tissue to create a smooth, symmetrical silhouette.

Symmetrical breast forms have the same shape on both sides and can be worn on either the left or right. They work well for most standard mastectomies where the chest wall is relatively even. Asymmetrical breast forms are contoured specifically for the left or right side, with an extension that fills the underarm or upper chest area where tissue may have been removed. They offer a more personalized fit and natural drape, particularly if you have had lymph nodes removed or a more extensive surgery.

Silicone breast forms offer the most realistic weight, feel, and movement for everyday wear. Lightweight breast forms, including foam breast forms made from fiberfill, are ideal for early recovery and sensitive skin. Swim breast forms are made specifically for the pool and ocean. Adhesive forms can be worn directly against the skin without a pocket bra. Partial breast prostheses and shapers restore symmetry after lumpectomy or reconstruction. We carry Amoena, Trulife, Nearly Me, and ABC across all of these categories.

Each brand provides a size chart that pairs your band and cup measurements with the corresponding breast form size. Sizing is not universal across brands, a size 6 in Amoena and a size 6 in Trulife are not the same volume, so always check the chart for the specific product you are considering. Our Breast Form Buying Guide includes step-by-step measuring instructions and the full Amoena size chart. If you need help before ordering, contact us directly.

Most women wear their breast form inside a pocketed mastectomy bra, which holds the form securely in a built-in pocket against the chest wall. Some silicone breast prostheses can also be worn directly against the skin using a self-adhesive backing for occasions when a bra is not practical. Always follow the care and wearing instructions from the manufacturer for the specific form you have.

With proper care, high-quality silicone breast forms typically last about two years, which is also how often most insurance plans cover a replacement. Foam breast forms and other lightweight options wear out faster, usually around six months with regular use. To get the most out of yours, wash it after each wear with gentle soap and lukewarm water, pat dry with a soft cloth, and store it in its original protective case.

Many insurance plans, including Medicare, may cover an external breast prosthesis after mastectomy or lumpectomy, depending on your plan and documentation requirements. You will typically need a written prescription from your physician. Some plans reimburse after purchase, while others require prior authorization or supplier billing. Call your insurer before ordering to confirm your specific terms. We do not file claims on your behalf, but we provide receipts with the correct clinical language and any documentation your insurer requires.

Need more help? We have been serving cancer patients for over 31 years and are glad to help. Our Breast Form Buying Guide covers timing, types, sizing, fit, brands, care, and insurance in full.