So it’s not surprising that, even though breast augmentation has been around since the 1960s, demand for the surgeries, well, surged. Even the 2010 PIP scandal (with its stories of ‘erupting’ Poly Implant Prothese implants, made from non-medical-grade silicone) couldn’t dissuade us. At their peak in 2013, more than 11,000 women went under the knife to boost their breast size in the UK (a huge 30% jump from 2009). If your prosthesis is damaged due to a manufacturing fault, you should be refitted with a new one free if you’re an NHS patient. If it’s damaged because you have punctured it or not followed the care instructions, you may be charged for replacing it.

Before you go to the appointment you should take your bra to see how the prosthesis sits in it. Full prosthesis

I decided not to have a breast reconstruction. I felt that a mastectomy bra and breast sponge would be OK for me."

The latest generation of lightweight implants– called B-Lite – are 3O% lighter than standard silicone, meaning the drop, over time, will be slowed down. Skin tightening The breast shapes come in different sizes, shapes and colours. Most women should be able to find something they are happy with on the NHS. But if not, there is more choice available if you buy your own from a manufacturer. Your breast care nurse arranges an appointment for a fitting at the breast prosthetic clinic. This is at the hospital where you had your surgery. They have a specially trained prosthesis fitter. They might be your breast care nurse, a surgical appliance officer or another member of staff. This is a type of partial prosthesis that may be used if your breasts are different in size from each other. This technique uses a 3D scanner to produce a computerised 3D image of the chest area, which can then be used to create a customised prosthesis shape. It is made to give a good fit to the chest, which stops the prosthesis moving, and is matched to your skin tone. Made-to-measure breast prostheses are not currently available on the NHS. Air-inflated prosthesisIf you’ve had a single mastectomy, a full-weight prosthesis may make you feel more balanced as it matches the weight of your other breast. However, if you need a large size, a lighter-weight version might be more comfortable. If you use your usual prosthesis when swimming, rinse it in clean water afterwards to get rid of any chlorine or salt. You might use this type of prosthesis if one breast is smaller than the other. The shell fits over the smaller breast. It is also made of silicone. Customization: Silicone breast forms can be customized to fit the wearer's body perfectly, ensuring a comfortable and natural fit. Insurance coverage varies. The most likely scenario for someone looking to have new prostheses covered by insurance is that person will need to wait until their plan covers the cost again, which typically is once every 1–2 years.

It’s a soft ‘shell’ of silicone that fits over your smaller breast so that it matches the larger one. Like this article? Sign up to our newsletter to get more articles like this delivered straight to your inbox.It’s important to take a well-fitting bra to your appointment so you and the fitter can see how the prosthesis will sit in your bra. Breast reconstruction methods create a smooth breast shape without a nipple or areola. For most people the breast reconstruction doesn’t feel complete until there is a nipple and areola. Medicare covers the cost of both prostheses and reconstructive surgery. A person will need to pay 20% of the cost of the doctor’s services and the prosthesis. What if the prosthesis no longer fits? You can request a replacement prosthesis on the NHS when it is worn out. You can also ask for a reassessment if your prosthesis is no longer a good fit, even if it’s still in good condition. This might happen if your weight or body shape changes or if your lifestyle changes (for example, if you become more active).

In the meantime, a nurse may provide a temporary breast prosthesis after surgery. This is a soft, fabric-covered prosthesis that others may refer to as a “softie” or “comfie.” Preparing for the fitting These small bubbles will disappear shortly after you have landed and will cause no harm to your prosthesis.Its lifelike shape, cleavage, and natural nipple, along with darker nipples and areola, create an overall realistic appearance.