All you need to know about breast prosthetics! 

For many trans women, transfeminine people or other genderqueer individuals, breast prostheses or breast forms can help reduce gender dysphoria and promote gender euphoria. Starting out with breast prostheses can be a daunting task though, as there are a range of shapes and sizes out there. We've compiled a list of general information and safety instructions to help you get started.

 

What are breast prostheses?

Breast prostheses are silicone or foam paddings that are intended to look like breasts. They can act as enhancers to existing breasts, or they can create a whole new chest altogether. These breast forms can be worn by anybody who is looking to create a fuller looking bust, whether you’re a trans woman, or you’ve undergone a single or double mastectomy due to the effects of breast cancer or other breast-related illnesses. Two of the most common types of breast forms are silicone breast prosthetics, or foam paddings. There are breast prosthetics that are made very realistically, and there are very basic foam paddings. Depending on the shape of your torso, different kinds of prosthetics can be the best match for you. 

Which type of breast prosthetic should I choose?

Deciding which type of breast forms to choose is a highly personal process. The most common types of breast prosthetics are silicone breast prosthetics or foam paddings. Let’s dive a little deeper into the different types of breast forms!

Foam Paddings

One of the most simple types of breast prostheses are foam paddings. These are pieces of foam that will fit right into a bra or bratop, or they can have an adhesive layer that you can attach to your skin. Foam paddings tend to have a triangular shape and exist without any details, or they can have details such as nipples. Either way, this is a very simple way to emulate the look of a fuller bust without breaking the bank. 

 

Silicone Prostheses

If you’re looking for breast forms that give a realistic feel, silicone prostheses are the way to go. Made from soft, lifelike silicone, they can be worn inside a bra or bratop to provide shape and enhance body contour. These prosthetics are popular for their realistic texture and weight, offering a comfortable option for creating a feminine silhouette. They come in various sizes and shapes to suit individual preferences and body types.

 

Which size and shape of silicone prosthetic suits my body the best?    

Shape

The two most commonly used shapes for breast forms are a triangle and an oval shape. Which of these two shapes will work the best on your personal body shape depends on the width of your chest and shoulders.

• Triangular: Usually, triangular shaped prosthesis work best on people with wider shoulders and a wider chest. Prostheses with this triangular shape are a little wider, making them blend in more naturally with your body.
• Oval: If your chest and shoulders are on the narrower side, oval shaped (or ‘teardrop shaped’) prostheses might be the best option for you. These prostheses are less wide than triangular prosthesis, and will look the most natural. Watch the video below for a visual explanation:

 

 

Size

When it comes to deciding which size or weight to use, this firstly depends on your personal preference. Some people prefer to have a small bust, whereas others want a full and dramatic looking chest. It also depends on the size and width of your body which size/weight looks natural on you - for example, a 150 gram prosthetic can be big enough on someone with a smaller frame, while a 600 gram prosthetic looks very dramatic. On the other hand, a 600 gram prosthetic can look natural on someone with a wider frame, whereas the 150 grams prosthetic doesn’t have enough effect. So when choosing your size and shape, keep your personal body size, width, and height in mind.   

To help you visualize the different weight and shapes of our breast prosthetics, below is an overview of the different sizes as seen on a person with a neutral to narrow frame. (This person has a chest of 89 cm (without any prostheses), a waist of 77 cm, a shoulder width of 47 cm and is 189 cm tall.                          

 

If you’re still unsure which size and shape would work best for you, you can always reach us via our contact form or you can email us at service@untag.com. If you would like to try our prostheses out in person, you can also make an appointment with us! 

Safety

Although wearing breast prosthetics is generally a very safe practice, there are some things that you should keep in mind. Some key points of advice are: 

• Make sure you’re not allergic to the material of the prosthetics. If you’re wearing the breast forms and you notice any irritations, remove them. 
• Be careful with sharp nails or objects. Silicone breast prosthetics can leak if there is a small hole somewhere. 
• Always use ‘prosthesis pockets’ to protect the forms from wear and tear. These pouches prevent the prostheses from moving around in your top, and will keep them looking nicer for longer. We offer them on our website as well. 

How to use your breast prostheses

Instruction for tops:

Place the breast forms in the prosthesis pockets, and then insert them into the pouches of the top you want to wear them with. Pay attention that the top of the prosthetics points upwards. With oval prosthetics the pointy side is the top side, with the triangle prosthetics the most narrow side is the top side.

Put the top on and maneuver the prosthetics to the right place. Watch the video below for a visual explanation for wearing the prosthetics with a top:

 

Instruction for bathing suits or body suits:

Place the breast forms in the prosthesis pockets, and then insert them into the pouches of the bathing suit you want to wear them with. Pay attention that the top of the prosthetics points upwards. With oval prosthetics the pointy side is the top side, with the triangle prosthetics the most narrow side is the top side.

Put the bathing suit on and maneuver the prosthetics to the right place. Watch the video below for a visual explanation for wearing the prosthetics with a bathing suit:

 

How long can I wear my breast prostheses

You can wear your breast forms the whole day, as long as you’re sure you’re not allergic to the material. Silicone breast prosthetics can withstand both salt- and chlorine water, but please note that excessive use in the water can make the material disintegrate more quickly. Be careful with sharp nails or objects. Silicone breast prosthetics can leak if there is a small hole somewhere. Prosthesis pockets can help protect your prosthetics from wear and tear. 

Cleaning your breast forms

Most breast forms can be cleaned using lukewarm water and some mild soap. After rinsing them, leave them to dry on a towel (don’t leave them in the sun!). For hygienic purposes we do recommend cleaning your prostheses after every time you wear them. 

We hope this overview of breast prosthesis info has helped you on your journey to create your desired bust. Good luck!