A breast prosthesis is an artificial breast form worn outside the body to restore the natural shape and silhouette of the chest after a mastectomy, lumpectomy, or other breast surgery. These devices fit inside specially designed bras or attach directly to the chest wall, and they range from lightweight temporary forms used right after surgery to weighted silicone prostheses designed for years of daily wear.
Types of Breast Prostheses
Breast prostheses come in several styles, each suited to different situations, body types, and stages of recovery.
Silicone prostheses are the most common long-term option. Made of medical-grade silicone, they’re weighted to closely mimic the feel and movement of natural breast tissue. That weight serves a functional purpose beyond appearance: it helps maintain balanced posture and prevents the shoulder on the surgical side from dropping over time.
Non-silicone prostheses are lightweight forms made of foam or fiberfill. Because they weigh very little, they’re popular choices during exercise, in hot weather, or while swimming. They won’t provide the same postural balance as silicone, but many people prefer the comfort for active use or casual wear.
Attachable prostheses are self-adhesive forms that stick directly to the chest wall using adhesive strips. These allow you to wear regular bras and clothing without a mastectomy-specific bra, which some people find freeing.
Post-surgical soft forms are the lightest option, designed for the immediate recovery period. They slip into a camisole, a soft stretchy garment with lace elastic straps that can be pulled up over the hips if raising your arms is difficult. These are typically the first prosthesis someone wears after mastectomy, lumpectomy, or radiation.
Partial prostheses (sometimes called shapers or shells) are designed for people who still have breast tissue but want to restore symmetry. Made from foam, fiberfill, or silicone, they fit over the existing breast to even out size differences between sides.
Swim and Sport Prostheses
Standard silicone prostheses can degrade with repeated chlorine or saltwater exposure, so manufacturers make swim-specific forms. These use water-resistant materials that won’t deteriorate in pool or ocean water. They’re also engineered for matching buoyancy, so you stay balanced in the water rather than feeling lopsided. The design accounts for the range of motion needed for swimming strokes, allowing natural movement without the prosthesis shifting.
Some sport models use lightweight beads instead of solid silicone. These beads don’t absorb water and dry quickly, often paired with fast-dry spacer fabric on the outer layer. This makes them practical for water aerobics or beach days when you’d rather not deal with a waterlogged form.
When and How to Get Fitted
Timing matters. Right after surgery, most people wear a soft lightweight form while the surgical site heals. Your care team will tell you how long to wait before transitioning to a permanent silicone prosthesis. If radiation therapy is part of your treatment plan, you may need to wait until that’s finished too, since radiation can change the shape and sensitivity of the chest wall.
A proper fitting is done by a certified fitter, often at a medical supply store or a specialty boutique. The fitter will help you find a prosthesis that matches the size, shape, and skin tone of your remaining breast (or your preferred look after bilateral mastectomy). A well-fitted prosthesis should sit naturally in a mastectomy bra without shifting, and it shouldn’t press on any tender areas of the chest. Many people try several shapes before finding the right one.
Daily Care and Replacement
Silicone prostheses need daily cleaning. After each wear, hand-wash the form with warm water and mild unscented soap or a cleanser from the manufacturer. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a towel. Avoid wringing or twisting, which can damage the silicone membrane. When you’re not wearing it, store the prosthesis in its original case or a soft container to protect it from punctures.
With proper care, most prostheses last about two years before they need replacing. The actual lifespan depends on how often you wear it, your activity level, and how well it’s maintained. Signs it’s time for a replacement include visible cracks, changes in shape, or loss of the natural weight and feel.
Insurance Coverage
Medicare covers one breast prosthesis per side for the useful lifetime of the device. If you’ve had a bilateral mastectomy, you’re covered for two. Replacement is covered if the prosthesis is lost or irreparably damaged, though normal wear and tear doesn’t qualify. If your medical condition changes in a way that requires a different type of prosthesis, that switch is also covered.
Medicare also covers mastectomy bras when they’re used with a covered prosthesis, since these bras have built-in pockets to hold the form securely. Post-surgical camisoles with removable forms are covered for the recovery period before you get a permanent prosthesis.
There are limits to what Medicare considers necessary. Custom-fabricated prostheses and models with built-in adhesive have been denied coverage on the basis that they haven’t demonstrated a clinical advantage over standard prefabricated silicone forms. Private insurance policies vary, but most plans that cover mastectomy are required under federal law (the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act) to also cover prostheses. Check with your insurer about specific brands, fitting appointments, and how often replacements are approved.
Choosing Between a Prosthesis and Reconstruction
A breast prosthesis is one of two main paths after mastectomy, the other being surgical reconstruction. Some people choose a prosthesis because they want to avoid additional surgery, prefer a noninvasive option, or aren’t candidates for reconstruction due to other health conditions. Others start with a prosthesis and later decide to pursue reconstruction, or vice versa.
There’s no medical reason you need either option. Some people choose to go flat and skip both. The choice is entirely personal, and many people own multiple types of prostheses for different situations: a weighted silicone form for work, a lightweight foam version for the gym, and a swim form for the pool.