Breast prostheses and breast forms

A breast prosthesis, or breast form, is an artificial breast shape. It is designed to be worn inside your bra after a single, double or partial mastectomy.

Prosthetics come in a different materials and styles. The type you choose will depend on:

• the surgery you’ve had
• where you are in your recovery
• your personal preference.

Your breast care nurse can give you the best advice on your options.

Some people use a breast prosthesis while they wait for breast reconstruction surgery. Others decide not to have reconstruction surgery and wear a prosthesis or no prosthesis.

Temporary breast prosthesis ('breast form')

A breast form is a lightweight pocket filled with soft material. People often choose this while they:

• wait for the scar from breast cancer surgery to heal
• have radiotherapy treatment after surgery
• wait for a permanent prosthesis to arrive.

There are several different types of temporary prosthesis. Your breast care nurse or a specialist bra fitter can explain the options.

If you have had part of your breast removed, you might find it helpful to wear a partial prosthesis. This can be a soft form (like the insert in a push-up bra) or silicone or another material.

Free temporary soft form

People who have recently had breast surgery can request a free temporary prosthesis.

This is part of BCNA’s free My Care Kit, which you can order through your breast care nurse. Your nurse will measure and fit you for the bra. We can post the kit to you at home or to your nurse at the hospital.

The kit also contains a Berlei bra, designed to be comfortable and supportive while you recover from surgery.

Permanent external breast prosthesis

A permanent breast prosthesis is generally made from silicone and is long-lasting. You wear it inside your bra. It is designed to complete the shape of your breast and give shape to your clothes.

This prosthesis can match the same weight, size and shape as your remaining breast. It is specially weighted so that it feels and moves like your other breast. This helps you keep your balance and keeps your spine aligned.

To make sure the external breast prosthesis fits correctly:

• ask an experienced breast care nurse for help
• find someone who is accredited to fit breast prostheses using our Service Finder.

You can also get special prostheses to wear when swimming.

Where to buy breast prostheses 

Breast prostheses are available from department stores, specialist lingerie stores and online.

The quality and price can vary, so shop around before you buy.

Before you visit a store, you can phone first to make an appointment with the prosthesis fitter. 

Some organisations offer a mobile service. They bring a variety of breast prostheses to you, so you can try them in the privacy of your home.

To find a specialist prosthesis fitter near you:

• ask your nurse
• use our Service Finder to find shops that sell and fit breast prostheses, including those that come to you 
• contact our Helpline.

Cost and rebates

The cost for a permanent breast prosthesis is usually between $300 and $500. You can claim for a new one every 2 years.

Through Medicare, you can claim:

• up to $400 for a single prosthesis
• up to $800 if you need a prosthesis for both breasts after a double mastectomy.

Find out if you are eligible and how to claim on the Services Australia website.

If you have private health insurance, ask if they provide a rebate for post-mastectomy items including:

• prostheses
• bras
• swimsuits.