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Breast prostheses: Difference between revisions
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===<u>Shape</u>=== | ===<u>Shape</u>=== | ||
There are five main shapes of breast form: oval (or teardrop), round, triangle, asymmetrical and a breastplate. There's two main shapes for the back of the forms too - concave (for those who have some breast tissue), and flat (for those without). | There are five main shapes of breast form: oval (or teardrop), round, triangle, asymmetrical and a breastplate. There's two main shapes for the back of the forms too - concave/shell (for those who have some breast tissue), and flat (for those without)<ref>https://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/information-support/facing-breast-cancer/living-beyond-breast-cancer/your-body/breast-prostheses/prosthesis-styles</ref>. | ||
====Oval/Teardrop==== | ====Oval/Teardrop==== | ||
This is marketed as the "classic" breast shape. | This is marketed as the "classic" breast shape. The breast forms do not have a specific side to be worn on. | ||
====Round==== | ====Round==== | ||
Simple, and the easiest shape to aim for if creating your own. | Simple, and the easiest shape to aim for if creating your own. These do not have to be worn on a specific side. | ||
====Triangle==== | ====Triangle==== | ||
Shaped more like a pyramid, these give more outwards. | Shaped more like a pyramid, these give more shape outwards. These can also be worn on either side. | ||
====Asymmetrical==== | ====Asymmetrical==== | ||
Combine both the oval and triangle shapes. | Combine both the oval and triangle shapes. The wearer must make sure that the forms are worn on the correct side because, as the name states, the forms are not identical. | ||
====Breastplate==== | ====Breastplate==== | ||
Also known as a cleavage top, these allow the wearer to wear lower cut outfits. The join around the neck is the more noticeable thing here, but | Also known as a cleavage top, these allow the wearer to wear lower cut outfits. The join around the neck is the more noticeable thing here, but it can be hidden with makeup or chokers. | ||
===<u>Material</u>=== | ===<u>Material</u>=== | ||
====Foam==== | ====Foam==== | ||
Often cheaper | Often cheaper than silicone, although they may not feel as realistic as desired. These are cooler and lighter, so are good for those who lead active lifestyles or are looking for something to wear while exercising. | ||
====Silicone==== | ====Silicone==== | ||
These can look realistic and are simpler to take care of (see below), and are the most widely available (marked mainly at those who have had a mastectomy) | These can look realistic and are simpler to take care of (see below), and are the most widely available (marked mainly at those who have had a mastectomy). | ||
==== If you're not buying one, how can you make your own? ==== | ====Bead-filled==== | ||
The bead will fill the shape of the bra worn, and as air is able to circulate, they can be cooler than other materials. | |||
====If you're not buying one, how can you make your own?==== | |||
*socks? | *socks? | ||
*crocheting | *crocheting | ||
* | * | ||
===<u>Care</u>=== | ===<u>Care</u>=== | ||
Taking care of a breast prostheses is rather like taking care of yourself. Wash it daily with soap and warm water, then dry with a soft cloth or towel, or air dry. Silicone prostheses may come with a cradle or plastic packaging. Store those in the packaging/cradle to help preserve the shape of the prostheses. Do not use anything you would not use on your skin to help preserve the life of your forms. | |||
== | ===Repairing Damage=== | ||
Sometimes, damage may happen to a form. A silicone form may tear, a bead-filled form may tear. The silicone form can be repaired temporarily with a plaster or bandage, but should be replaced soon. Depending on the outer material of the bead-filled form, it could be sewn back together to prevent the remaining beads from falling out. If some have escaped, replacing the form would allow the pair to remain symmetrical. | |||
==Air travel and breast prostheses== | ==Air travel and breast prostheses== | ||
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==Sports== | ==Sports== | ||
It may be a good idea, if possible, to have a second pair of forms for sports and exercise. You will be able to carry on wearing one pair while the other is still drying. | |||
===Swimming=== | |||
There are prostheses available specifically for swimming that won't get damaged by chlorine or salt water. Any swimming costumes used with prostheses will need to cover it to hold it in place. If you choose to wear a bikini top, choose one that comes in bra cup sizes, has a full cup and has a supportive underband. Although you can swim in a silicone or foam leisure prosthesis it’s important to rinse it well afterwards to avoid any possible damage from the chlorine or salt water. | |||
==Donations== | |||
[This section is incomplete. Please add places who offer giveaways, or give help to those looking for breast forms.] | |||
== See also == | ==See also == | ||
== External links == | ==External links== | ||
* https://translife.uk/product-category/silicone-breast-forms/ | * https://translife.uk/product-category/silicone-breast-forms/ | ||
== References == | ==References== | ||
[[Category:Transition]] | [[Category:Transition]] | ||