Caring for Your Breast Form: Maintenance Tips That Extend Its Life

Simple daily care to keep your prosthesis looking and feeling great for years.

Your breast prosthesis is an investment - in your comfort, your confidence, and your daily life. With simple, consistent care, a quality silicone form will last its full 2-year lifespan (and sometimes beyond). Here's how to take care of it.

Daily Care

End of Each Day

1. Remove your form from your bra - Don't leave it in the bra overnight. Both need air.
2. Wipe gently with a soft, damp cloth to remove body oils and perspiration.
3. Pat dry with a soft towel - never rub.
4. Store in its case or cradle - Most forms come with a storage container. Use it! Storing on a flat surface keeps the shape.

Morning Routine

1. Check for damage - Quick visual check for any cracks, tears, or discoloration.
2. Place gently into bra pocket - Don't force or fold the form.

Weekly Deep Clean

Once a week, give your form a proper wash:

1. Fill a basin with lukewarm water and a small amount of mild soap (like Dove or a dedicated prosthesis wash)
2. Gently wash the form with your hands - no scrubbing, no washcloths
3. Rinse thoroughly in clean lukewarm water
4. Pat dry with a soft towel
5. Air dry completely before storing - place on a clean, soft towel away from direct heat or sunlight

What NOT to Use

• ❌ Hot water (damages silicone)
• ❌ Harsh detergents, bleach, or alcohol
• ❌ Abrasive scrubbers or cloths
• ❌ Hair dryer or direct heat
• ❌ Perfume or lotions directly on the form

Bra Care

Your mastectomy bras need love too - and proper bra care keeps the pockets in good shape for your form.

• Hand wash in cool water with gentle detergent (best option)
• Or machine wash in a lingerie bag on delicate/cold cycle
• Never put in the dryer - Air dry by laying flat or hanging
• Rotate between at least 3 bras - Elastic needs 24 hours to recover between wearings
• Replace every 6–12 months - Stretched-out elastic and worn pockets can't support your form properly

Storage

• Always store in the original case or cradle when not wearing
• Keep away from heat - Never leave on a car dashboard, near a heater, or in direct sunlight
• Don't stack heavy items on top - Pressure can deform the shape
• Travel tip: Keep your form in its case inside your carry-on luggage (not checked bags, where temperature extremes can occur)

When to Replace Your Form

Even with perfect care, breast forms don't last forever. Signs it's time for a new one:

• Cracks or tears in the silicone skin
• Discoloration (yellowing or darkening)
• Changes in shape - the form doesn't conform like it used to
• Weight change in YOU - if you've gained or lost weight, your form may no longer match
• It's been 2 years - Insurance covers replacement every 1–2 years for a reason

Pro Tip

When you get a new form, keep the old one! It makes a great:

• Backup form
• Swim form (saves your new one from chlorine)
• Form for yard work or messy activities

Adhesive Form Care (If Applicable)

If you wear an adhesive (stick-on) breast form:

• Clean the adhesive side after every wear with the manufacturer's recommended cleaner
• Clean your skin before applying - no lotions, powders, or oils
• Replace adhesive strips as recommended (varies by brand)
• Store adhesive-side up on the included form holder

Seasonal Tips for South Florida

Living in Florida means extra consideration for heat and humidity:

• Carry a small towel in your bag - a quick pat-down on hot days prevents moisture buildup
• Consider a lightweight form for the hottest months
• Use a cotton prosthesis cover - It absorbs moisture and reduces heat between the form and your skin
• Rinse more frequently in summer - extra perspiration means extra care

A Simple Care Schedule

| When | What | |------|------| | Daily (evening) | Remove, wipe, dry, store in case | | Weekly | Gentle soap wash, thorough dry | | Monthly | Inspect for damage, check bra elastic | | Every 6 months | Consider new bras if elastic is worn | | Every 2 years | Schedule fitting for replacement form |

That's it. A few minutes a day keeps your form in great shape and keeps you feeling your best.

Questions about care? Schedule a follow-up visit →

Restored by Randi - We're here for you, long after the fitting. West Palm Beach, FL.