How to care for your prosthesis
Wash your prosthesis daily with warm water and soap and dry using a towel.
Prosthesis may feel cold at first but warms up quickly with body contact.
Do not place your prosthesis on anything hot, such as a radiator. Talcum powder, creams or oils should not be applied directly to their surfaces.
Silicone prosthesis will split if pierced with a sharp implement, so care should be taken when wearing brooches or handling pets. If it splits, cover the split with tape until another prosthesis can be obtained.
Breast prosthesis with careful handling usually will last for two to three years.
All NHS patients are entitled to breast prosthesis free of charge.
You are entitled to a new prosthesis if you lose weight, gain weight or when the prosthesis shows signs of wear, e.g., bubbles appear, it cracks or loses shape.
A silicone prosthesis can be worn when swimming, although it should be worn within a pocket in the swimsuit to prevent it moving or falling out.
Replacement
You are entitled to a new breast prosthesis on the NHS every two years. When you need a replacement and you would like to have the same prosthesis and size, then contact us in advance and we will order this for you. This can be collected from the breast screening reception. If you wish to come in for a fitting, this takes place on a Monday morning in the Breast Screening Unit at the QE or on a Tuesday morning in the Breast Screening Unit at Grindon Lane PCT by a Health Care Assistant.
You will have two weeks to exchange your prosthesis should you find it unsuitable.
Please contact: Breast Care Nurse Secretary
Tel no: 0191 4453746 between 8:30am-4:30pm (Monday to Friday)
Bras
Special mastectomy bras and swimsuits do exist but tend to be more expensive. Many ordinary bras and swimsuits can be adapted to accommodate the prosthesis. Underwire garments can be worn but are generally not advised, as they are likely to damage the prosthesis. If you choose to wear an underwired bra, it is advised to wait for six months from your operation.
It is important to remember when purchasing future bras that they accommodate your prosthesis appropriately as different bras may alter the overall appearance of the prosthesis which you were fitted with originally.
Strapless bras can be worn but the silicone prosthesis may be too heavy, and a lighter or temporary prosthesis may be better.
If you require pockets in your bras or swimwear: please contact the Breast Care Nurse Secretary, Tel no: 0191 4453746 between 8:30am – 4:30pm (Monday to Friday). These are free of charge on the NHS.
Alternatively, items that require a pocket can be left at Breast Screening Unit Reception QE. Please include details such as your name, address date of birth, telephone number, and which side you wish to have the pocket fitted to. Please pop these into a bag marked for the attention of Prosthesis Fitter.
Bra advice after breast surgery
After breast surgery you may be unsure about where to buy bras, lingerie and leisurewear. There are specialist mail order companies, which cater for post mastectomy women.
These include:
- Nicola Jayne Freephone advice/order/helpline Tel: 0870 751 2121
- Eloise Tel: 01908 340094
- Oops & Downes Tel: 0133 2587900
- Ameona Freephone Tel: 0800 0726636
- Trulife Freephone Tel: 0800 716770
Bra fitters available in the following stores:
Fenwicks of Newcastle
Tel no: 0191 232 5100
Marks & Spencer, Newcastle and Metro Centre
Tel no: 0191 232 1368
Sadie 62, 33 Sea Road, Fulwell, Sunderland
Tel no: 0191 5489113