Breast prostheses are breast forms intended to simulate breasts. There are a number of materials and designs although the most common construction is silicone gel in a plastic skin. Off-the shelf breast prostheses come in a range of shapes and sizes, while customised breast prostheses are moulded to fit an individual's chest by taking an impression of both breasts and sculpting a mirror image. Fabrication of customised prostheses is typically done by an anaplastologist who makes somato prostheses. The areola and nipple may be replicated by being moulded into the breast form or a separate nipple prosthesis may be attached to the breast prosthesis. Both custom made and off-the shelf breast prostheses come in varieties that are designed to either be held in a pocket in a specially designed mastectomy bra or attached to the skin and worn with a standard bra.
Breast prostheses have a long history. In the 19th century they were made of rubber. On 22 September 1885, one Charles L. Morehouse received US patent 326915 for his "Breast-Pad", made of natural rubber and filled with air at normal pressure.
Read more about Breast Prostheses: Mastectomy, Transgender, Shapes
Famous quotes containing the word breast:
“I told him this is a pleasant life,
To set your breast to the bark of trees
That all your days are dim beneath,
And reaching up with a little knife,
To loose the resin and take it down
And bring it to market when you please.”
—Robert Frost (1874–1963)