Mastectomy is the process by which a woman’s breast is clinically removed. Removing a breast is one of the curative measures of treating breast cancer. Breast mastectomy is necessary to prevent the spread of cancerous cells to the other breast or other parts of the body.
Lumpectomy, on the other hand, is removing lumps from the interior parts of the breast. Mastectomy and lumpectomy procedures leave permanent scars on the patient’s body. Breast forms are designed to cover and replace the removed breast.
The mastectomy prostheses are also necessary to help boost the self-esteem of the recovering patient. The market has different categories of mastectomy breast forms that offer different aesthetic and sanitary solutions. There are various factors that influence the choice of a mastectomy prosthetic, as discussed in this article.
The Diverse Forms of Mastectomy and Lumpectomy Breasts
A natural breast is hard to replicate and permanently attach to a patient’s body. Therefore, different mastectomy breast forms are designed to address different mastectomy needs.
A breast form that is used for swimming activities is different from a breast form worn while working under high temperatures.
Some of the mastectomy breast prostheses include;
Standard Prostheses
A full standard prosthetic breast is one that is attached directly to the chest over the scar. A standard breast form is ideal for patients who have little breast tissue left after mastectomy. If you had both breasts removed, a standard breast form is recommended.
During the design phase, the doctor will match the skin tone of the prosthetic breast to your natural skin color. You will be able to select the size of your new breasts, as the prosthetic breasts can be designed to attain the breast size of your liking.
Standard breast forms are balanced and supported using mastectomy bras. Some variations of the standard prosthetic breast are attached directly to your chest and covered with a bra, which gives the patient the same aesthetic look as natural breasts.
Prosthetic Stick-on Shells
Stick-on prosthetic shells are mainly used by mastectomy patients undergoing breast reconstruction. A reconstructed breast takes a very long time to develop new flesh tissue. In order to attain full recovery, a breast reconstruction will require multiple procedural surgeries.
All through the healing period, there is a significant difference in breast sizes. Stick-on shell forms are used to provide a balance between the two breasts. The stick-on shells are directly attached to the skin without adhesives.
Stick-on breast forms are also ideal for a more stylish look. The stick-on breasts are worn under camisoles and rarely require regular adjustments.
Permanent and Swim Form Prosthetic Breasts
Swim form breasts are specifically designed for women who are involved in a lot of swimming activities. The swim form breasts are made of clear silicone gel that is enclosed in a thin membrane resembling a natural breast.
Swimming suits have special pockets that hold the swimform breasts in place. Modern swim forms have nipple imprints that give the woman a complete breast feeling.
Permanent prosthetic breasts (permaforms) are designed to be worn with little adjustments. The permanent breast forms are permanently fixed in the pockets of a mastectomy bra. Therefore, the patient will have an easy time finding the right breast size and bra fit.
Prosthetic Shapes and Breast Weights
Some breast forms are used to add a more natural look to the prosthetic breast. Breast weight forms are primarily used to create a balance in weight and size between the two breasts.
Breast lumpectomy only removes lumps and other mutating cells and growths in the breast causing a significant loss in breast symmetry.
The nipples may also end up being removed during a lumpectomy. Prosthetic breast shapes are custom made to replace the lost breast parts. Prosthetic nipples are made to self-stick on the skin of the repaired breast. Adhesive products are also used to hold the prosthetic nipples on the breast.
Conclusion
Mastectomy and lumpectomy surgeries are irreversible processes. Therefore, the challenge of covering the scars requires a lasting solution. Prosthetic breasts go a long way to ensure that mastectomy patients are able to restore their femininity. Many companies are developing different mastectomy products, and there certainly is something for every mastectomy patient.