Breast Prosthesis: The Complete Canadian Guide

If you're researching breast prostheses - whether surgery is ahead of you, behind you, or you're helping someone you love - this guide covers what they are, the types available in Canada, how sizing and fitting work, what provincial programs and insurance cover, and how to care for one. It's everything we explain in our fitting room, written down.

What is a breast prosthesis?

A breast prosthesis (also called a breast form) is an external prosthetic worn inside a bra or attached to the body to restore shape after mastectomy, lumpectomy, or for uneven breasts from surgery or genetics. Unlike surgical reconstruction, a prosthesis involves no operation, can be fitted within weeks of surgery, and can change as your body and preferences do.

Modern silicone prostheses are weighted to match your natural side - which matters more than most people expect. Balanced weight keeps your posture aligned, prevents shoulder and neck strain, and stops your bra from riding up. A well-fitted form moves and feels natural, even under sheer fabric.

You may also see the term "prosthetic breasts" or, plainly, "fake boobs" - whatever words you use, you're in the right place, and there's nothing to be embarrassed about. This is what we do all day.

Types of breast prosthesis

Silicone (everyday) forms are the standard full prosthesis - weighted, shaped, and worn in a pocketed bra. Our everyday and essential forms range covers symmetrical and asymmetrical shapes in every size.

Air-adjustable forms let you fine-tune volume with a small valve - helpful when your body is still changing after surgery or through weight shifts. See Adapt Air forms.

Adhesive (contact) forms attach directly to the chest wall rather than sitting in a bra pocket, moving with your body and opening up clothing options - lower necklines, strapless styles, and more freedom in what holds them. See contact forms.

Cooling forms use temperature-regulating material against the chest wall - the most common request from women who find standard silicone warm. See Energy cooling forms.

Ultra-light forms weigh up to 40% less than standard silicone - often recommended for larger cup sizes, lymphedema risk, or all-day comfort. See Natura ultra-light forms.

Partial forms and shapers restore symmetry after lumpectomy or for naturally uneven breasts - a thin shell worn over the breast for an invisible, fashionable solution. See Balance partial shapers.

Leisure and recovery forms are soft, lightweight fabric forms for the weeks right after surgery and for sleeping or lounging. See leisure forms.

Swim forms are made for chlorine and salt water with quick-drain construction. See Aqua Wave swim forms.

Custom forms are scanned and made to match your chest wall exactly - the closest external option to reconstruction. Learn about custom breast forms.

How sizing and fitting work

Prosthesis fitting is bra fitting and form fitting together - the two only work as a pair. A certified fitter measures your band and cup, assesses your chest wall and any asymmetry, and has you try weighted forms in a properly fitted pocketed bra until the mirror looks right and the weight feels balanced. The appointment is private, unhurried, and typically takes about an hour.

Timing: most surgeons recommend waiting until incisions have healed - commonly six to eight weeks after surgery - before being fitted for a weighted silicone form. In the meantime, a soft leisure form and a recovery camisole bridge the gap. Your surgical team's guidance comes first; when in doubt, ask them and then book.

We fit in person at our Barrie boutique and virtually by video across Canada. Book a fitting or read our breast form fitting guide to see how the appointment works.

What does a breast prosthesis cost and what's covered in Canada?

Silicone breast prostheses in Canada typically range from about $250 to $500+, with custom forms higher. Most Canadian women pay far less than sticker price, because coverage is broad - under the right program names:

Ontario - Assistive Devices Program (ADP). Ontario's ADP contributes toward external breast prostheses, renewable every two years. We're an ADP-registered vendor, and we provide all the paperwork for submission and reimbursement at your fitting.

Other provinces. Most provinces offer some form of coverage or subsidy, with different program names, amounts, and renewal periods. Our Provincial Funding Guide breaks it down province by province.

Private and workplace health plans commonly cover prostheses and pocketed bras — most plans cover between one and six mastectomy bras per year. Ask your provider about "external breast prosthesis" coverage specifically.

Income tax. Out-of-pocket costs for prostheses and mastectomy bras are eligible medical expenses on your Canadian income tax return - keep your receipts.

If navigating this feels like a second job, that's normal - bring your questions to your fitting and we'll walk through your situation.

Caring for your prosthesis

A silicone prosthesis lasts two to three years with simple care (conveniently matching ADP's renewal cycle): hand-wash with mild soap and warm water after wearing, pat dry, and store it in its cradle or box to hold the shape. Keep it away from sharp objects - including pet claws and brooch pins - and out of extreme heat. Swim forms should be rinsed in fresh water after every pool or ocean swim; everyday silicone forms are pool-safe occasionally, but chlorine shortens their life, which is why dedicated swim forms exist.

If your weight changes noticeably, or the form no longer sits the way it did, come back in - refitting is part of the service, not a new purchase every time.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a special bra for a breast prosthesis? A pocketed (mastectomy) bra holds the form securely against the body. Many of our mastectomy bras look indistinguishable from department-store lingerie - pockets included, aesthetics uncompromised.

Can I wear a prosthesis right after surgery? A soft leisure form, usually yes - a weighted silicone form typically waits until healing is complete, commonly six to eight weeks, on your surgeon's advice.

Will people be able to tell? A properly weighted, properly fitted form under a well-fitted bra is invisible in clothing, including sheer and fitted styles. This is precisely what fitting appointments are for.

What if I've had a double mastectomy? Everything above applies - you'll be fitted with two forms, and symmetry is simpler to achieve. Some women take the opportunity to choose a different size than before. That's allowed.

Is a prosthesis better than reconstruction? Neither is "better" - they're different answers for different women, and some use both (a prosthesis while deciding on, waiting for, or after revising reconstruction). This is a conversation for you and your medical team; we're here for whichever path includes an external form.

More questions? See our FAQs or contact us - no question is too small or too awkward.

Fitted with care, in Barrie or anywhere in Canada

Naturally You is an ADP-registered vendor and Canada's certified mastectomy fitting specialists. Fittings are private, unhurried, and by appointment - in our Barrie boutique or by video wherever you are. Book your fitting or browse breast forms.