After breast cancer surgery
A breast prosthesis is an artificial breast shape that sits inside your bra to replace all or part of your breast.
You use a prosthesis after you have surgery to remove the whole breast (mastectomy). This is called a full prosthesis. There are also prostheses available if you have surgery to remove part of the breast. These are called partial prostheses.
Some women may have a delayed breast reconstruction after a mastectomy. You can wear a prosthesis after the mastectomy until you have your reconstruction. A breast reconstruction is surgery to create a new breast mound after a mastectomy.
Some women have a prosthetic nipple and areola after breast reconstruction. The areola is the darker area of skin around the nipple.
Find out more about breast surgery
You can wear your usual prosthesis for the occasional swim or make your own swimming prosthesis by cutting an ordinary sponge to fit. However if you are a regular swimmer there are specially made swim prostheses that you can get. These you have to buy as they aren't available on the NHS. They don’t get damaged by the chorine and salt.
If you use your usual prosthesis when swimming, rinse it in clean water afterwards to get rid of any chlorine or salt.
If you use a sponge, you can discreetly press your arm against it when you come out of the water, to squeeze the water out.
Many of the breast cancer organisations supply bras and swimwear for women who have had a mastectomy.
Mastectomy bra and swimwear suppliers
You can get a replacement artificial breast shape on the NHS. You might need a new prosthesis if yours gets worn or damaged. You might also need to replace it if you gain or lose weight.
You can ask your breast care nurse about a replacement. Or you may need to ask your GP for a referral to the breast clinic or a surgical appliance officer in your area.
You will find that you can usually wear the same style of clothes you wore before surgery. Sometimes making small adjustments to your clothes may help.
Wearing clothes that you feel comfortable and good in can make you feel more confident. It may help to talk to other people who have had similar surgery and experiences.
You can talk to other people affected by cancer on our Cancer Chat forum
Your breast prosthesis won’t cause the metal detectors to alarm. But it might alarm for something else you have on. If this happens you are usually pulled aside for a more thorough search such as a pat down. Or you might have a body scan. In this case you might want to let the security staff know you are wearing a prothesis. Some women also carry a letter from their GP or healthcare team about this.
If you have a lightweight silicone breast the air pressure can cause air bubbles to form in the prosthesis. This can look like small black dots. This is temporary and will disappear afterwards.
If you carry your prosthesis in your hand luggage this is classed as medical equipment so won’t be restricted.
This is Pam's story about her diagnosis and surgery.
"I decided not to have a breast reconstruction. I felt that a mastectomy bra and breast sponge would be OK for me."
Last reviewed: 04 Aug 2023
Next review due: 04 Aug 2026
Most people begin their breast cancer treatment with surgery. Find out about the different types of surgery for breast cancer, how to prepare for your operation, and how to recover well.
There are different types of surgery for breast cancer, including mastectomy, breast conserving surgery (lumpectomy), lymph node removal and breast reconstruction. Find out about each of these.
Read about what happens after breast surgery, exercises you need to do, and how to cope with possible problems.
Treatment for breast cancer depends on a number of factors. Find out about breast cancer treatments, where and how you have them, and how to cope with possible side effects.
The main treatments for breast cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and hormone therapy. Your treatment depends on a number of factors such as how big the cancer is and whether it has spread.
Find out about breast cancer, including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, survival, and how to cope with the effects on your life and relationships.
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