Can I get a breast prosthesis on the NHS?
Can I get a breast prosthesis on the NHS?
You can get a replacement artificial breast shape on the NHS. You might need a new prosthesis if yours gets worn or damaged. You might also need to replace it if you gain or lose weight. You can ask your breast care nurse about a replacement.
What are the different types of breast prosthesis?
Sometimes people choose to just wear their temporary prosthesis (softie) instead of a permanent prosthesis.
- Full or standard prosthesis.
- Partial or shaped prosthesis.
- Shell prosthesis.
- Stick-on prosthesis.
- Symmetrical.
- Teardrop.
- Asymmetrical.
- Made-to-measure.
Where can I get a breast prosthesis fitted?
Your prosthesis fitting will often be at your local hospital. The breast care nurse may do the fitting herself or it may be done by another trained fitter, such as a surgical appliance officer or a representative from a prosthesis company. At this appointment you will need to have a well-fitting, supportive bra.
How do you measure for a prosthetic breast?
To find your cup size, measure over the fullest part of the breast from the centre of chest to the centre of your back. Double this measurement. This is your cup size. The underbust should be firm but comfortable and should not ride up at the back.
What is external breast prosthesis?
An external silicone breast prosthesis is a weighted prosthesis, made of silicone, which is designed to simulate natural breast tissue. Because this type of breast prosthesis is weighted, it may help your posture, prevent shoulder drop, and problems with balance.
Do you need a prescription for a breast prosthesis?
For breast prostheses, get a prescription from your doctor stating your diagnosis, right or left breast prosthesis, and prosthetic bras. Medicare covers bras and prostheses as medically necessary. Most insurance companies cover breast prostheses and bras. Check with your insurance carrier for your specific coverage.
What size breast prosthesis do I need?
What is the lightest breast prosthesis?
Lightweight breast prosthesis
| When used | Everyday use |
|---|---|
| How used | Worn in a pocketed bra |
| Material | Ultra lightweight silicone; slightly firmer lightweight silicone in the back layer helps keep the form in place when worn in a bra pocket |
| Weight | 40% less than a standard silicone form of the same shape and size |
How do I find the right breast form?
To determine the size of breast form, the fitter will measure you to check your bra size, by taking measurements at strategic points on the chest wall and around the rib cage. The fit of your bra is crucial to how natural the breast form will feel, so this is an important step.
How long can you wear breast forms?
How long does the adhesive surface last? The adhesive strength lasts from 12-14 months on average, depending on wear, care and skin type. This is an extraordinarily long life, since the breast form can be worn directly on the body for up to 16 hours a day!