Learning Objectives
➤ Describe the types of breast prosthetics.
3.4.1 Breast Prosthetics
After your breast cancer surgery and other treatments, you may have the opportunity to use a prosthetic (artificial) breast that can fit into a bra or swimsuit to recreate your natural breast shape (Canadian Breast Cancer Network, 2022). Whether you want to use a prosthesis is completely up to you.
There are various types of breast prosthetics, including permanent, temporary, and partial (Lymphedema Working Group, 2012).
Permanent Prosthesis
Permanent prostheses resemble a normal breast as much as possible (Lymphedema Working Group, 2012). This type of prosthetic can be glued to your chest using special glue or fitted into a regular bra. You can wear some prostheses while swimming, but others you cannot; ask your prosthesis fitter if you can use your desired prosthetic while swimming if that is important.
Temporary Prosthesis
Unlike permanent prostheses, a temporary prosthesis is more lightweight and soft (Lymphedema Working Group, 2012). You can wear this prosthetic inside your bra or pinned to the inside of your clothes.
Partial Prosthesis
You can wear a partial prosthesis if you have had breast-conserving surgery that removed a lot of breast tissue (Lymphedema Working Group, 2012). The purpose is to create the appearance of a full breast. You can wear this prosthetic in either a regular bra or a mastectomy bra, whichever is most comfortable for you.
