Herbal Health

Replacement prostheses

If you have been treated under the NHS, you can request a new prosthesis when your existing one begins to show signs of wear, is damaged, or if you gain or lose enough weight to make a significant difference in the sizes of your breasts.

If there is a breast care nurse at your hospital, she will be able to arrange a fitting for you to choose a replacement. If you were previously fitted by an appliance fitter, contact the hospital appliance department for advice – you may need the authorization of your GP, consultant or breast care nurse, and the appliance fitter will be able to advise you about what to do.

Bras

An underwired bra will put pressure on the silicone of a permanent prosthesis which could cause it to split. Underwired bras should therefore be avoided, perhaps except for the odd special occasion.

Bras worn with prostheses should be able to hold the breast shape in place and prevent it slipping about, but otherwise there is no restriction on the type of bra which can be worn.

Your breasts should be accurately measured and you should make sure that your bra fits well. It may be worth asking at a large department store if there is staff experienced in fitting women following breast surgery.

If necessary, you can ask the breast care nurse or appliance officer about having a pocket fitted to your bra in which to insert your prosthesis. This service is usually available on the NHS.

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