Breast cancer leaves behind emotional and physical scars that stay with survivors even after the cancer is gone. According to the American Cancer Society, there is currently over 2.8 million breast cancer survivors in the United States alone. The emotional stress and physical changes that accompany breast cancer, chemo therapy, and a mastectomy cause women to lose their confidence. Many feel dissatisfied with their appearance and experience decreased sexual desire.

To regain their confidence and feel like themselves again, some breast cancer survivors decide to have reconstructive surgery while others choose to wear a prosthetic. Women can wear prosthetics if they are waiting to have reconstructive surgery, chose not to have reconstructive surgery, or are unhappy with their appearance after reconstructive surgery. Prosthetics can also be worn by women who had only one part of their breast removed. Women can find ready-made or custom-made prosthetic nipples in a variety of different shapes, sizes, colors and materials.

Choosing a Prosthetic

There are many different kinds of prosthetics for women to choose from. They can also choose ready-made or custom-made prosthetic nipples, which are fake nipples that stick onto the breast via medial adhesive. Prosthetic nipples are a popular option for women who chose not to undergo reconstructive surgery. They are also a great option for women whose surgery did not include a nipple or for women who do not like the appearance of their nipple. Or, it can also be applied to a breast prosthetic that does not have a nipple.

Prosthetics are made from a widespread of materials. The most common materials are silicon and fiberfill foam. Silicon breasts and nipples look and feel more natural than other prosthetics. Some silicon prosthetics are waterproof or water resistant, making them easy to wear while women swim or shower. Fiberfill or foam prosthetics are a great option for women awaiting or healing from surgery and are typically less expensive than silicon prosthetics.

Women can also choose between ready-made and custom-made prosthetics. Both types of nipple prosthetics are handmade to look and feel the same as a healthy nipple. Women can choose an already made nipple with the right shape, size and color to fit their breasts. Custom-made nipples are customized to match a woman’s nipple size, shape, color and areola gland. An impression is taken from the real nipple to make the custom-made nipple.

There are many benefits of prosthetics. The biggest benefit is women can love who they see in the mirror. Prosthetics help women feel like they did before their mastectomy. Women who use prosthetics are more satisfied with the size, softness and sexual sensitivity of their breast and nipple.