INDEX
0. What's new in this version/wish list for future versions
1. Disclaimers
2. Thanks To...
3. Purpose of the FAQ
4. What is a breast form?
5. Medical purpose for the breast form industry
6. How the TG community benefits
7. Materials Used in Commercial Breast Forms
(Good points and Bad points)
A. Silicone
B. Rubber/Latex
C. Foam
D. Cotton Batting
8. Types of forms
A. Symmetrical
1. Triangle(tri-corner)
2. Teardrop
3. Heart shape
B. Assymetrical
1. Curved teardrop
2. Extended triangle
C. Other types of breast form and accessories
1. Thin shell breast forms
2. Attachable forms
3. Attachable nipples
9. More details about attachable breast forms
A. What are the parts of an attachable form?
B. What are the advantages of this type of form?
C. How are they attached to the chest?(step by step)
1. Shaving the chest area
2. Preparing the skin
3. Marking the position for the supports
4. Attaching the support
5. Attaching the form to the support
6. Detaching the form from the skin support
7. Detaching the support from the chest wall
D. Tips for attachable forms
10. Do I need a special bra to wear a breast form?
11. How long can I expect my breast forms to last?
12. Taking care of your breast forms
13. Fitting tips
14. How to measure for a bra
15. Reasons why it may be difficult to receive a professional
fitting. ***EVERYONE SHOULD READ THIS***
16. Manufacturers of commercial breast forms
17. Retailers/suppliers of breast forms
WISH LIST:
* Info for those not wishing to get realistic appearance forms(camp)
* Info on local retailers who do form fittings(reccommendation list)
* Info on how to make your own breast forms
* Add picture illustrations of different breast form types(web only.)
1. Disclaimers
* I have absolutlely no interest in the companies mentioned except
as a consumer.
* All information listed about the breast form manufacturers and
products is not guaranteed to be fact. The reader is urged to
verify for themselves any information in this FAQ
* Where mentioned, all prices are US dollars(unless otherwise stated.)
* This document is not copyrighted and may be distributed freely.
No profit shall be made from its distribution. If you wish to reprint
this elsewhere you must contact the author(bloo@eskimo.com) first.
* Shop for, and wear breast forms at your own risk.
2. Thanks To...
* Amanda: For buying some forms after reading this document. In
so doing she was able to add some wonderful and invaluable
information.
* Carla: For having bought breast forms before, and being patient
while I bombarded her with questions on how to do it right.
* Chris: Fitter extraordinaire.
* Mom: For being mom, as well as being so supportive of me. It also
helped that she is a survivor of breast cancer...
3. Purpose of the FAQ
To provide information about all aspects of breast forms for the TG
community or for those just seeking to simulate natural breast tissue.
Much of the information here relates to silicone breast forms, since that
is the primary material used in commercial forms.
Currently, most of the details in this document relate to complete
forms for those without chest development. However, information about other
types of forms (thin-shelled forms, breast enhancers and pads) can also be
found here.
4. What is a breast form?
A breast form is a prosthesis worn either inside a bra or attached
to the body to simulate the weight, bounce, feel, movement, and especially
shape of the natural female breast. Depending on the material or shape used,
these qualities can be achieved to different degrees.
More expensive modern breast forms are designed by computers and can
even be attached to the chest. They can be worn while bathing, sleeping or
even during strenuous activity.
5. The medical purpose of the breast form industry
The main intent behind the commercial breast form industry has been to
supply genetic women with replacement prosthetics to restore physical symmetry
and to restore peace of mind following the devastating effects of breast
cancer. This year alone, over 180,000 women will be diagnosed with some form
of breast cancer(of that number over 45,000 will die because of the disease.)
Traditional treatments often involve chemotherapy, radiation or hormonal
therapy to halt the spread of the cancer, coupled with a removal of the
affected tissue areas. The traditional removal method is called a "radical
mastectomy" or "modified radical mastectomy," and involves removal of the
entire affected breast, the lymph nodes under the arm, and possibly the
lining over the chest muscles. In recent years, new techniques have been used
in which it is not necessary to remove the entire breast(lumpectomy or
partial mastectomy.)
This results in an industry that produces a wide variety of prosthetics
for a large (unfortunately) market. The range of products which are available
to the post-mastectomy patient(to restore the visual and physical balance
between the affected breast area and the non-affected area) is amazing.
6. How the TG community benefits
Most medical insurance plans allow for at least partial reimbursement
for the purchase of breast forms and surgical bras each year(section 6109A of
a 1974 Medicare ruling). Unfortunately, this is limited to genetic women who
have had breast surgery, and the TG community can not take advantage of this.
The TG community _can_ benefit from all of the work by this industry to
develop materials and form shapes that resemble the natural female breast as
closely as possible.
7. Materials Used in Commercial Breast Forms
The predominant material used in the more expensive commercial breast
forms is silicone gel inside a very thin, slick plastic shell with tapered
edges. Other materials such as rubber/latex, foam, or cotton batting are
sometimes used. Here are the main qualities of each of the types of materials
used to help in deciding if a certain material is right for you:
A. Silicone
Good Points: The material gives the form a comparable weight,
movement and feel of a natural breast. The silicone can be
colored; many forms of this type are available in a variety
of shades to match skin tone. The material of this type of
form warms to your body temperature and feels
very comfortable.
Bad Points: Silicone forms are _expensive_, ranging anywhere from
100-400$ U.S. per form.
B. Rubber/Latex
Good Points: Cheaper alternative to silicone, while still retaining
some of the qualities of silicone that make it so desirable.
Bad Points: While still having some of the qualities of silicone
_to_a_certain_degree_, rubber/latex can not dare to match
the weight, feel or movement of even the cheapest
silicone forms.
C. Foam
Good Points: Commercial foam forms are very cheap and can even be
easily homemade.
Bad Points: Will not likely have the drape, weight or movement
approximating a real breast. The primary goal of this type
of form is to approach the _shape_ of the natural breast.
D. Cotton Batting
Good points: Very cheap and easily home made. This can be a good
way to estimate what cup size might fit best for your frame
and body type.
Bad Points: VERY light and has no draping qualities. This type of
form will not move the way a natural breast would due to its
lightness. The goal of this type of form is usually to
restore the visual and physical balance of a missing breast.
8. Types of forms
Commercial breast forms come in all shapes, materials and prices to meet
a variety of needs. With all the choices available, it can sometimes be
difficult to make sense of all the terminology.
A. Symmetrical: A form that can be worn on either side of the body.
1. Triangle(tri-corner): This is the most general type of form,
and offers the most complete and natural bra fit for most
users.
2. Teardrop: The name implies its shape. The tapered end is used
for a better fit either under the arm or on the upper part
of the chest.
3. Heart shape: This type of form has double extensions, both for
under the arm and the upper chest wall.
B. Assymetrical: A form designed to be left or right side specific.
1. Curved teardrop: This is essentially the regular teardrop type
with one rounded portion of the teardrop having a slight
extension for the upper chest wall.
2. Extended triangle: This is a modification of the symmetric
style. One of the lower corners of the triangle will have
an extension which goes under the arm for better fitting in
a bra with some wearers.
C. Other types of breast forms and accessories:
1. Thin shell breast forms: These usually serve as an augmentation
for surgeries that remove only a portion of the breast. They
can also be worn as breast pads to augment the size of
smaller busts.
connects first. This is to ensure a better drape.
DETACHMENT:
6. Detaching the form from the skin support: At all times holding
the skin support to the chest, slowly pull the form away
from the support, starting from the armpit area.
7. Detaching the support from the chest wall: "This might
sting a little" 8-} You have been warned. It is a gigantic
bandaid. If any hair is underneath, this may hurt a bit,
but generally, it is far less painful than you might think
(It is also easier if the support is removed in the shower
or when wet.)
D. Tips for attachable forms
* Note a freckle or mark on the skin you can use as a guide when
positioning the skin support.
* It works best to put on the skin support at night and waiting
until morning to put on the form. The heat from your body helps
the attachment last longer.
* Most skin supports are NOT reusable. The replacement skin supports
are sold separately.
* If you are wearing something strapless or a swimsuit, you might
find it helpful to attach the support while wearing the garment.
* Be careful when positioning the skin support, as the adhesive will
work better if only used once.
* You can keep the skin supports on without the forms attached, and
no one will be able to tell under an undershirt and a shirt or
sweater. This way, you can get more use out of the supports if
you cannot live full time as a female.
* You can even shower with the supports on, but make sure the support
is thoroughly dry before attaching your forms.
* Attachable forms do not have to be attached- they will fit in a
regular bra, and they have a fuzzy velcro padding that covers the
rough side of the velcro on the back of the breast form.
* You will have some slight redness if you leave the skin supports
on, so plan accordingly if you need to have your shirt off for
whatever reason.
10. Do I need a special bra to wear a breast form?
This depends usually on the fashions you wish to wear while using
your form, but for a more seamless look, a full coverage bra will be better
suited to a breast form. Most breast form manufacturers also carry special
lines of bras that contain a pocket that the form can be placed in to
reduce movement of the form while worn.
The more support offered, the better the fit, since there will be
less chance for the form to move in the bra. Bras with underwires tend to
work better than those with just elastic because they offer better support
for the form(the same reasoning that applies to natural breasts.)
Push-up bras, on the other hand, will generally not work with breast
forms, since they need to push something FROM someplace that it is attached.
Unless the form is attached to the chest, this type of bra will have no
chance to create the desired effect of enhanced cleavage.
11. How long can I expect my breast form(s) to last?
Many silicone forms have two year warranties, and you should be able
to get at least that much life out of one. "Casual" wearers(not full daily
use) should be able to get much longer form life spans than this; possibly
5-10 years or more. Fiberfilled or foam forms are not as resilient as
silicone over time and may change their shape, decay, or become compressed.
The time involved is dependent again on how much the form is worn.
12. Taking care of your breast forms
(Especially Silicone Forms)
* While temperature extremes should not adveresely affect a form for a
short period of time, storage temperatures should stay at more
moderate levels.
* You can sleep in your forms, but it's not recommended.
* The original boxes for most forms are designed to protect the form
and help keep its shape.
* You should wash your form every day you wear it. Use warm water and
a very mild soap (possibly unscented dish soap). DO NOT use soaps with
perfumes or moisturizers- one fitter singled out Dove as an example of
a bad soap to use. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry.
* Remove all jewelry before handling your forms. The edges and stones of
rings could damage the form. If you plan to wear a pin or brooch, put
it on your clothes before putting your forms in place.
* You can wear your forms for pretty much any normal activity, but be
careful around pets - their claws could puncture your forms through
your clothing.
* Don't use perfumed deodorants. Even better, stick with anti-perspirants,
as sweat can damage the form over time.
* Putting your forms on while sitting on the floor or the bed can help
protect them if one happens to slip.
* Putting a cotton make-up remover pad behind your form can help absorb
perspiration during hot weather and strenuous activity.
* Some adhesives can damage your forms, so be careful (especially with
respect to attachable nipples.)
13. Fitting tips
The range of options available in breast forms is truly astounding. Some
manufacturers make over 500 different shapes, sizes and colors of breast forms
for the needs of different body types, breast shapes and surgeries. Since many
in the TG community will be starting from scratch, matching a form to an
existing breast will not be a factor.
* DON'T EXAGERATE THE SIZE!
This is the most important tip to be stressed if passing is your
goal. Many of us wish to pass as well as possible, and this point
was stressed to me by my fitter. Nothing will draw attention more
than a bosom that looks too buxom. By the same token, also, if you
have a large frame, a smaller cup size can look unnatural. Try for
as natural a look as possible, and that can be one less worry
in passing.
* Breast form sizing can be a little different than bra cup sizing.
As much difference as there is in bra cup size or shoe size,
or... between different manufacturers, there is as much difference
between sizes of natural breasts. Instead of letter cup ranges,
breast forms are usually numbered (smallest sizes having the lowest
number.) There will typically be 2 or 3 numbers within a given cup
size range. This will affect not only the depth of the form but
the volume and coverage of the form as well.
* If you are lucky enough to be fitted for a form by a professional.
They reccommend bringing a favorite bra that fits comfortably
if you have a size that you already like. Another good idea also is
to bring a blouse or some other piece of clothing that will give
you a good idea of how you will look.
* If you are having trouble finding a store that sells breast forms.
Try looking in the phone book under BREAST FORMS, PROSTHETICS,
or ORTHOTICS for local retailers.
14. How to measure for a bra
They will do all of the measuring at the store, but it's better to
go in with an idea of what you'd like so that you're not tempted to get
forms that are too large (if passing is your goal).
Bras have two measurements: the bandwidth and cup size. To determine
your bandwidth, simply put the tape measure around your ribs about an inch
below your chest muscles. Hold the tape parallel with the floor, put your
arms to your sides and take a medium-sized breath. The tape should be snug,
but not tight. This is your bandwidth. The other measurement, cup size, is
the difference between your bandwidth and the fullest part of your bust.
It's designated by letters, so an A-cup is 1" more than your bandwidth,
B=2", C=3", etc. For instance, a 36B has a bandwidth of 34 and is 36
inches around the fullest part of the cup. Once you have your bandwidth, you simply
need to determine what size you'd like to be.
15. Reasons why it may be difficult to receive a professional fitting
(PLEASE READ THIS!!!)
For women that have had breast cancer, the experience can be
devastating, both physically and emotionally. The fitter I had explained that
the loss of a breast is a very painful blow to a person's self-image and sense
of femininity. Many women have a very hard time looking in a mirror after
surgery. Many women also experience rejection from family, spouse or loved-
ones (Does this sound familiar?)
Because of this, stores that sell breast forms and offer professional
fittings offer an atmosphere that is very private, and also male-free. My
fitter said some women may be very vocal about this privacy if it is
"violated", and the store can suffer because of it(both financially because
of lost business, and reputaion in the post-surgery community.) If you wish
to be professionally fitted for breast forms, it would be a good idea to
respect these wishes(to promote more shops doing business in the TG community)
Call first and inquire whether a shop can help. Some stores will not do
so(see above reasons), but many more stores are seeing the opportunity in the
TG community and are very friendly and willing to help.
Expect personal fittings to be arranged at low-traffic times or
after-hours to lower the chances of conflict with other customers.
16. Manufacturers of Commercial Breast Forms
Forms and Accessories Key:
Active, Inc.
Phone: 1-800-562-4290
Address: 125 Peekstok Rd.
Kalamazoo, Mi. 49001
Product Line: Stri, Atri, STD, ATD, SHS, TSh, Foam, Nipp, Bra
(silicone forms are translucent and come in 3 shades:
"light", "medium" & "dark" skin tones)
Airway
Phone: 1-800-543-0458
Address: 3960 Rosslyn Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45209
Product Line: Stri, STD, ATD, SHS, TSh, Foam, Bra
Almost U
Phone: 1-800-626-6007 (1-914-737-5976 in NY)
FAX: 1-914-739-8987
Address: P.O. Box 2032
Peekskill, NY 10566
Product Line: STD, ATD
Amoena Corporation(owned by Coloplast(Discrene) now)
Phone: 1-800-926-6362
Fax: 1-404-426-6332
Address: 1955 West Oak Circle
Marietta, Georgia 30062
Product Line: Stri, ATri, STD, ATD, SHS, TSh, Attach(Stri, Atri),
Foam, Nipp, Bra (silicone forms come in three
different skin tones.)
Camp International, Inc.
Phone: 1-517-787-1600
Address: P.O. Box 89
Jackson, MI 49204-0089
Product Line: Stri, Atri, STD, TSh, Foam, Bra
Discrene (Coloplast, Inc.)
Phone: 1-800-237-4555
Address: 5610 W. Sligh Avenue
Suite 100-C
Tampa, FL 33634-4468
Product Line: Attach(STri), Nipp
Freeman Orthotics and Prosthetics
Phone: 1-800-253-2091
Fax: 1-616-651-8248
Address: 900 West Chicago Road
Sturgis, Michigan 49091-9756
Product Line: STD, SHS, ATD, Foam, Bra, Nipp
Jodee After Surgery Inner Fashion(also available thru JC Penney)
Phone: 1-800-423-9038 (8:00 A.M. - 6:00 P.M Mon.-Fri., Eastern Time)
Address: P.O Box 3837,
Hollywood, FL 33083-9978
Product Line: Stri, STD, ATD, TSh, Attach, Foam, Nipp, Bra
Nearly Me(owned by Spenco Medical Corp.)
Phone: 1-800-877-3626
Address: P.O. Box 2501
Waco, TX 76702-2501
17. Retailers/suppliers of breast forms
(Please note the [TG Friendly] mark after some retailers. These are companies
that explicitly seek the business of the TG community. If this mark is not
present, it is because the status is not known at this time.)
Best Value Products
[TG Friendly]
Phone: 1-215-782-9024
Fax: 1-215-782-9180
Address: P.O. Box 156, Dept. EM
Wyncote, PA 19095-0156
Email/Web: bvp@cpcn.com, http://www.cdspub.com/bvp11.html
Product Line: Symmetric teardrop and symmetric heartshape silicone forms
with preformed and colored nipples.
Size&Price: B, C, D, DD. 396.15$US/pair. Optional adhesive&remover with
form: 431.00/pair.
ButterFly Image
[TG Friendly]
Phone: 1-607-865-4624
Fax: 1-607-865-4624
Address: RD 3 Box 401D
Walton, NY 13856
OR: P.O. Box 326
Sidney, NY 13838
Hours: By Appointment
Email/Web: iiimage@magnum.wpe.com, web: http://www.wpe.com/~bfi/welcome.html
Product Line: Breast forms, Bras, and accessories.
Manufacturer lines:
Active, Amoena (both attachable and non), Camp,
Discrene (both attachable and non), Nearly Me.
Notes: Forms bought in pairs specially priced. Mail orders accepted.
Product brochures are $2.00 to cover S&H. All inquires
kept confidential.
Delana's Specialty Merchandise
[TG Friendly]
Address: P.O. Box 50091,
Indianapolis, IN 46250
Email/Web: 73641.2046@compuserve.com, http://a1.com/dsm/gender.html
Product Line: Symmetric teardrop solid back, unweighted mastectomy pads
(latex foam, washable tricot cover.)
Thin shelled pads.
Size&Price: XS, S, M, L: 25.99$US each (mastectomy pads)
Dr. Leonards Health Care Catalog
Phone: 1-718-768-0010
Address: 74-20th Street
Brooklyn, NY 11232
Product Line:
"Silicone Comfort": Symmetric teardrop silicone form, 2 Yr.
warranty. Cup sizes A-D, 160$US each or 2/290$US
"Contessa": Liquid gel symmetric teardrop form. Cup sizes A-D
60$US each or 2/110$US
Also carries foam pads, thin shelled forms and mastectomy bras.
Notes: One person reported great dissatisfaction with the customer
service of this company
Fantasies in Lace
[TG Friendly]
Phone: 1-305-581-8412
Address: PO Box 100279
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33310
Email/Web: http://www.abmall.com/fil/fil.html
Product Line:
"Breast Pad" (latex rubber) One size, 6.95$/PR
"Comfort Breasts" (silicone symmetric teardrop) Bra size 30-50,
325$/PR. (Also in "Larger projection" size, 375$/PR)
"Breast Form" (Asymmetric Triangle silicone form, pre- shaped
nipples), Bra size 30-50, 199.95$ each or 349.95$/PR.
"Weighted Form" (Foam) B and C cup only, beige color 45$/PR
Feminine Image
Phone:
Address: 312 Crosstown Drive, Suite 168
Peachtree City, GA 30269
Product Line: (Still waiting for their catalog)
Size&Price:
Fredericks of Hollywood
Phone: 1-800-323-9525 (24/7 - call for free catalog)
Address: 6608 Hollywood Blvd.
P.O. Box 229
Hollywood, CA 90078-0229
Product Line: (a wide range of bras and lingerie also available)
"Silicone Breasts" (silicone symmetric teardrop) 239$/Pr.
Bra Size: A Cup: 32, 34, 36 B,C,D Cups: 34, 36, 38
"Push Up Enhancers" (thin-shelled silicone; used to increase
cup size by one full size) 88$/Pr.
Bra Size: (size indicates original/target cup size)
AA/A, A/B, B/C, C/D
H.F.I.S. forms (Beverley, A.k.a Ben)
[TG Friendly]
Phone: 1-310-450-8740
Address: Box 762
Santa Monica, CA 90406
Product Line: Makes her own
Size&Price: B: 84.95$US + 7.45 shipping
C: 89.95$US + 7.45 shipping
D: 94.95$US + 8.25 shipping
DD: 99.95$US + 9.50 shipping
(Plus California sales tax if appropriate)
JC Penney Catalog
Phone: 1-800-222-6161
Address: P.O. Box 2056
Milwaukee, WI. 53210-2056
Product Line: Call and ask for the Jodee Catalog[TA 009-0423 A]
(this is not a JC Penney Catalog.) This is the full line
of Jodee brand forms and accessories. The info is valid
only in the U.S.
Mystique Intimates
Phone: Unknown
Address: N.W. 36th Street.
Virginia Gardens, FL 33166
Product Line: Unknown
Take A Walk On The Wildside
[TG Friendly]
Phone: 1-416-921-6112
Address: 161 Gerrard Street East
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
M5A 2E4
Hours: Sun, Mon: CLOSED
Tue-Fri 1OAM - 7PM
Sat 1OAM - 11PM
Email/Web: info@wildside.org, http://www.wildside.org
Product Line: Airway Ultra Teardrop(style no. 1850, assymetrical):
400$/pr (price is Canadian$, tax exempt, 2 yr. guarantee)
Sizes: 4-11 (approx. 36A through a 44DD)
Notes: This is a boutique in Toronto that caters exclusively to
the TG community.
Tanya Brown's Prosthesis Emporium(TP Brown)
(It seems the product line for this retailer has recently changed.
I will try to get updated information as soon as possible)
[TG Friendly]
Phone: None listed
Address: P.O. Box 257
Windsor, OH 44099
Product Line: Simone W19(foam): 32$/PR Nearly Me III: 405$/PR
Natural Touch Classic: 390$/PR
Natural Touch(symmetric teardrop and heartshape):367$/PR
Traditional(symmetric teardrop and heartshape):294$/PR
So Soft: 285$/PR
Casual: 90$/PR
Attachable Nipples: 19.50$/PR
Almost U teardrop silicone form: 215$/PR