breast forms ·

The Ultimate Guide to Silicone Breast Forms

The range of breast forms available can be overwhelming. A professional fitting appointment is the ideal place to start, but we understand that sometimes this can be difficult to achieve or you may just want an idea of what your options are beforehand.

A great place to start is our guide to the different types of breast forms, Which Breast Form is Right for Me After Breast Surgery? 

If you are looking to even out different sized breasts, such as after a lumpectomy or partial mastectomy, have a look at our guide to Breast Asymmetry and Partial Shapers.

If you've decided that a silicone breast form is right for you, here is a guide to the different types and styles.  First we will go through the different types of silicone forms, and then explain the different shapes.

various breast forms and shapers

Types of Silicone Breast Forms

Basic Silicone Breast Forms

These fulfill all the essential functions of a breast form - they restore a feminine shape, ensure your bra stays in place and doesn't ride up, and they balance out the weight across your chest equally so that you don't develop shoulder and back and neck strain. They tend to be a little heavier than newer silicone technology, and a little less natural looking (as they are firmer with less "wobble"), but are also more affordable.

essential breast form

Examples:

Standard Silicone Breast Forms

These are some of our best-selling styles. They come in different weights (standard, light and extra light) and whilst many women like a lighter form, keep in mind that you need adequate weight to keep your shoulders and posture balanced and keep your bra in place. They all have a soft natural feel, and incorporate temperature regulating materials on the side that sits against your body.

natura light

Examples:

Temperature-regulating Silicone Breast Forms

These are designed with channels on the back to permit air circulation and moisture evaporation, so are perfect if you live in a hot climate, suffer from hot flushes, or exercise a lot.  They contain high levels of temperature-regulating technology such as Amoena's Comfort+ layer. They have a soft, natural feel, and are about 25% lighter than the basic forms.

energy

Examples:

Adherent Breast Forms

These have a non-sticky self-adhesive back that adheres to your body, keeping the breast form in place.  This is a great option if you have an active lifestyle and want your breast form to feel like part of your own body. They require daily cleaning (with the small scrubbing brush supplied) to maintain their adhesiveness. They must not be worn with the adhesive until 6 months after surgery, once the scars have matured, but can be worn in the bra pocket before that time.  They have a soft, natural feel and temperature-regulating lining.

contact breast form

Examples:

Adaptable Breast Forms

These breast forms are highly customisable to fit your body. An air filled chamber, which can be inflated or deflated with the small tube and pump supplied, allows a perfect fit against your body, so they can be fantastic if you have quite a concave (hollow) or uneven chest wall.  Once the chamber has been inflated to your liking, the air remains sealed inside and will not leak out.  They cannot be used for swimming. 

adapt air

Examples:

 

Breast Form Shapes

Symmetrical

The most commonly used shape, symmetrical breast forms have a triangular shape and can be used on either side.  In the Amoena range this is indicated by "S" after the name of the breast form.

 symmetrical breast form

Asymmetrical

These extend a little further and are designed for either the left or right breast. They are useful if a lot of extra tissue has been removed near the breast. In the Amoena range this is indicated by "E" for extra axillary (armpit) coverage, or "U" for universal which can be rotated as needed to cover missing tissue under the arm (axilla) or along the sternum.

        Extraasymmetrical breast form shape                                UniversalU shape

 

Breast Form Projection (Fullness)

Women's breasts vary in shape as well as band size and cup size. To match your natural breast and feel comfortable you need to select the right amount of fullness. (Note: this sizing refers to the Amoena range only).

breast projection shapes

Shallow (1)

The upper part of the breast is thin and most of the fullness is in the lower half of the breast. This is the usual shape in more mature breasts.

Medium (2)

An average shape, with some fullness in the upper part of the breast but the lower half is still fuller.

Full (3)

There is as much breast tissue in the upper breast as the lower breast. This is a common shape after augmentation (implants).

 

Putting It All Together

So you've chosen a type of silicone breast form based on what suits your lifestyle and budget (keeping in mind rebates may apply from your health fund or government).

You've chosen a breast form size based on your bra size (it helps to start with a correctly fitted bra, so that you are comfortable!) and the sizing tables in our fitting guide here or as below:

or by choosing a size from the dropdown menu on the product page and checking that the "Suitable Bra Sizes" listed below it match your size:

Let's say you wear a 12B bra and you choose the Amoena Natura breast form in a symmetrical shape (S) and shallow projection (1), so you would select the Natura 1S in a size 4.

If you wore a 16AA bra and chose an adhesive breast form in an asymmetrical shape (E) with an full projection (3) you would select the Amoena Contact 3E, also in a size 4.

Not all types of breast forms are available in all the different shapes and projections. You will find the 2S (symmetrical shape, average fullness) is available in every type of form, but the options for asymmetrical shapes and the shallow or full projections are a bit more limited.  Get in touch with us by phone, email or book a video call to get personalised advice if you are unsure!

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