About Breast Forms
Breasts forms are available in a large variety of materials, shapes, and sizes. Below, you'll find descriptions of the primary types of breast forms available and recommendations for specific options that have worked well for many women. In addition to the two major categories, Silicone and Non-Silicone Breast Forms, we have created a separate category for Swim Forms, which includes both silicone and non-silicone options. Also, in the introduction to Non-Silicone Breast Forms, you'll find links to instructions for making your own micro bead, knitted, or crocheted breast forms.
Bear in mind that a form alone is only part of a comfortable, attractive solution. Finding the right bra for a particular form can make all the difference in providing comfort and a natural look.
If you've had a single mastectomy, you'll need to select a breast form that will help you balance your remaining breast and prevent back pain and posture issues. This doesn't necessarily mean that the breast form must be as heavy as your remaining breast, just heavy enough to prevent discomfort. Some women, particularly small-breasted women, find that after a single mastectomy they can wear an unweighted form or even no form at all without a problem. As with many aspects of living breast-free, everyone is different and it may take some experimentation to find the type of breast form that's right for you.
If you've had a bilateral mastectomy, you don't need to wear weighted forms. The American Cancer Society's TLC website, affirms that "after a double surgery, weighted forms are not necessary. You can wear unweighted foam forms, as well as adjustable fiber-filled forms, in any size you choose; it's up to you. Or, you may opt for silicone forms, even though weight is no longer a consideration." When both breasts have been removed, your body remains symmetrical. Sometimes posture even improves once heavy breasts no longer weigh you down! This gives you freedom to choose the breast forms that look and feel best to you, or you may even opt to wear no forms at all.A link is provided for each recommended form, so you can see what the form looks like and gather other information. Just click on the name of the item you would like to learn more about. Where possible, the link is to the company that manufactures the form. In some instances, where links to manufacturers don't exist or don't provide adequate information, links to online retailers are used instead. The retailers are selected from among those included in our Helpful Links section. These are retailers that offer excellent service, fair prices, and a good selection of post-mastectomy products. If you do not have insurance and cannot afford breast forms, local hospitals and volunteer organizations sometimes provide free forms.