If you've had a mastectomy and have not opted for a breast reconstruction, external breast prostheses can restore the look of having two breasts when wearing clothes and provide you with the weight of the breast so you don't feel lopsided.
What kinds of external breast prostheses are available?
A temporary prosthesis is a pocket filled with soft, fluffy material and can be used while your scar is healing and until you're ready for a permanent prosthesis, if you choose to wear one.
A permanent prosthesis is a silicone mould resembling the shape and weight of the breast and fits into your bra to restore shape and maintain balance and alignment of the spine.
There are also special prostheses for swimming costumes.
How much are they?
Breast prostheses can cost between $130 and $400 and usually need to be replaced every two years.
The cost of prostheses can be claimed through Medicare. You can make a claim for a new prosthesis every two years. The National External Breast Prostheses Reimbursement Program page on the Medicare website has more information.
You can also read an article about the program in Issue 55 of The Beacon magazine (Winter 2011). This article includes information for women who may have difficulty meeting the upfront cost of purchasing a prosthesis.
Some private health insurance funds also provide a rebate for post-mastectomy items, including prostheses, bras and swimming costumes. Some women have told us they claim the cost of their prosthesis through Medicare, and claim the cost of post-mastectomy bras and/or a swimming costume through their private health insurance fund.
Where can I get a prosthesis?
Breast prostheses are available from a number of retail outlets, including department stores, specialist stores and online. Your nurse or Cancer Council helpline (telephone 13 11 20) can help you find a specialist prosthesis fitter in your area.
If you are visiting a store to purchase a prosthesis, it may be a good idea to phone first and make an appointment with the prosthesis fitter.
If you are purchasing a prosthesis from an internet site, it is important to remember that you may not be able to have it fitted properly by a specialist fitter.
Some organisations offer a mobile service where they bring a variety of breast prostheses to you, so you can try them in the privacy of your home.
You may like to shop around before purchasing your prosthesis as they can vary in terms of quality and price.
Travel tip
If you wear an external breast prosthesis and are travelling overseas, you may like to carry with you a letter from your doctor explaining the prosthesis. While there is no rule in Australia against wearing a breast prosthesis, or carrying one in your hand luggage, some women have found it helpful to have a letter if they are questioned during the security screening process. This is especially the case at US airports.
If you are asked to undergo a body scan at an international airport and they use the new high-technology body scanners, you may like to let the security staff know before the scan that you are wearing a prosthesis. They can then ensure you are treated discreetly.
More information
- Ask your healthcare professional to order you a My Care Kit which includes a comfortable Berlei bra and temporary prosthesis.
- The Cancer Australia Guide for women with early breast cancer in My Journey Kit has more information on breast prostheses.
- Join our online network if you think that talking to others online and sharing experiences will help.
- Phone the Cancer Council help line on 13 11 20 for advice on a specialist breast prosthesis fitter in your area.
- Cancer Council NSW has comprehensive information on Understanding breast prostheses and reconstruction. (opens in a new window)
- The Cancer Australia website section on breast prostheses has more information on choosing your prostheses. (opens in a new window)
