Medical Oncologist
Body image and recovery
External breast prosthesis: types, fitting and cost in India
An external breast prosthesis is a breast form worn inside a bra or clothing after surgery. Soft forms suit the early weeks; silicone forms come after healing. A good fitting matters, costs vary with material and brand, and support may be available. This page explains your options.
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Medically reviewed by Dr. Muralidhar MuddusettyConsultant Surgical Oncologist · MBBS (AIIMS), MS (Surgery, AIIMS), DNB (Surgical Oncology), MRCS (Edinburgh) · last reviewed September 2026, next review due September 2027
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On this page
- What is an external breast prosthesis, and how do you choose one in India?
- The main kinds of breast forms
- Factors that influence the price, in general terms
- The vocabulary, in plain language
- Honest realities of wearing a prosthesis
- What happens at a prosthesis fitting
- Wearing a prosthesis with Indian clothing and climate
- Finding support for a prosthesis
- Living day to day with a breast form
- What people assume about breast prostheses
- Common questions about breast prostheses
The short answer
What is an external breast prosthesis, and how do you choose one in India?
An external breast prosthesis, also called a breast form, is an artificial breast shape worn inside a bra or clothing after a mastectomy or when a lumpectomy has left a noticeable difference in size. It is not surgery and nothing is implanted. Many women in India choose a prosthesis because it restores a balanced shape under clothes such as sarees, blouses, salwar kameez and western wear, helps posture by balancing weight on both sides, and can protect the chest wall. Others prefer to go without, or choose reconstruction; all these choices are valid. There are several main types. Soft, lightweight forms filled with fibre are used in the first weeks after surgery while scars heal. Silicone forms, which feel and move more like natural breast tissue and have weight, are usually fitted once healing is complete, often after several weeks and after radiation skin has settled. Partial forms or shells fill out the breast after lumpectomy. Some forms attach directly to the skin, while most sit in a pocketed bra. Costs vary widely with material, size, brand and where you buy, and some hospitals, charities and insurance policies can help. A proper fitting makes a big difference to comfort.
When to be fitted
Soft forms can be worn soon after surgery. A weighted silicone form is usually fitted once the wound has healed and swelling has settled; ask your team when.
Where to get one
Hospital breast care nurses, specialist stores in larger cities, and some online sellers offer prostheses. A trained fitter helps you choose the right size and shape.
Your choice
Wearing a prosthesis is entirely personal, and you can change your mind at any time.
This page gives general information only. It does not quote prices or recommend brands.Types of prosthesis
The main kinds of breast forms
Different types suit different stages and lifestyles.
Soft fibre-filled forms
Lightweight and gentle on healing scars, used in the early weeks or for sleep and relaxing.
Silicone forms
Weighted to match the other breast, with a natural feel and movement.
Usually fitted after healing.Partial forms and shells
Fill a smaller difference after lumpectomy or even out asymmetry.
Lightweight and swim forms
Lighter silicone or foam for heat, exercise or swimming.
Other options
- Self-adhesive forms worn on the skin
- Knitted or cloth forms
- Nipple forms after reconstruction
What affects cost
Factors that influence the price, in general terms
Factor
How it affects cost
Material
Fibre and foam forms usually cost less than silicone
Brand and origin
Imported brands are often more expensive than Indian-made forms
Special features
Lightweight, temperature-regulating or adhesive forms cost more
Bras and accessories
Pocketed bras, covers and swimwear add to the total
Support available
Charities, hospital programmes or insurance may reduce the cost
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Words you will hear
The vocabulary, in plain language
- External breast prosthesis
- An artificial breast shape worn outside the body, inside a bra or clothing.
- Breast form
- Another name for an external breast prosthesis.
- Softie
- A soft, fibre-filled form for the early weeks after surgery.
- Symmetrical form
- A form that can be worn on either side.
- Asymmetrical form
- A form shaped for the left or right side, often extending towards the armpit.
- Mastectomy bra
- A bra with pockets to hold a breast form.
Being straight with you
Honest realities of wearing a prosthesis
A good prosthesis can help many women feel confident, but it takes some adjustment.
It may feel strange at first
The weight and feel can take a few weeks to get used to. Many women say it soon feels natural.
Heat can be uncomfortable
Silicone can feel warm in Indian summers. Cotton covers, lightweight forms and breathable bras help.
Fit changes over time
Weight changes, swelling or radiation effects can alter the fit, so refitting may be needed.
Choice may be limited locally
Smaller towns may have few options. Hospital nurses, larger city stores and online suppliers can help.
What this page cannot tell you
It cannot fit you. A trained fitter or breast care nurse can advise.
Talk to our team
Have a question about your situation?
Call the helpline or leave your details, and someone will help you arrange a consultation at the CION centre nearest you. One helpline serves every CION centre.
Call 1800 202 8726
Helpline open 24/7
Fitting
What happens at a prosthesis fitting
A fitting is usually done in a private room by a trained fitter or nurse, and it is normal to feel a little nervous.
Measuring
The fitter measures your band and cup size, looks at the shape of the chest wall and the other breast, and asks about your lifestyle and clothing.
Trying different forms
You try several shapes and weights with a suitable bra, and look at yourself in clothes to see what feels balanced.
Checking comfort
Move your arms, bend forward and sit down to check the form stays in place without pressing on scars.
Taking someone with you
A trusted friend or relative can help you decide, if you would like.
Ask about care
Ask how to wash and store the form and how long it is expected to last.
Everyday wear
Wearing a prosthesis with Indian clothing and climate
A prosthesis can be worn comfortably with most traditional and modern Indian clothing.
Sarees and blouses
A well-fitted blouse with a built-in pocket or a mastectomy bra underneath keeps the form in place, and the pallu drapes naturally over it.
Salwar kameez and kurtas
Loose kurtas are forgiving, and a dupatta can add confidence in the early days.
Managing heat and sweat
Use cotton covers, change bras midday if needed, and wash the form daily in hot weather.
Tailoring
Local tailors can add pockets to blouses and bras, or adjust necklines.
Help with costs
Finding support for a prosthesis
Several sources may help make a prosthesis more affordable.
Hospital programmes
Some cancer centres provide soft forms after surgery or run fitting clinics. Ask your breast care nurse.
Charities and support groups
Cancer charities and survivor groups sometimes offer free or subsidised forms, or can guide you to suppliers.
Insurance and employers
Some insurance policies or employer benefits may reimburse prosthesis costs. Keep your prescription and bills.
Cloth and knitted forms
Handmade cloth or knitted forms are a lightweight, low-cost option many women like.
Daily life
Living day to day with a breast form
A few simple habits keep your prosthesis comfortable and help it last longer.
Cleaning
Wash a silicone form daily or every few days with mild soap and lukewarm water, rinse well and pat dry with a soft towel. Avoid harsh soaps, oils and very hot water, which can damage the surface.
Storing
Keep the form in its shaped box or cradle when not in use, away from direct sun, pets and sharp objects such as brooches and safety pins.
Skin care
Check the chest wall skin for redness or rubbing, especially in hot weather. A thin cotton cover between the skin and the form can reduce sweating.
Sleeping and resting
Many women remove the weighted form at night and use a soft form or nothing at all while relaxing at home.
Travel
Pack the form in its box in hand luggage. Airport security staff may ask about it, and a brief explanation or a note from your nurse is usually enough.
Commonly believed
What people assume about breast prostheses
A prosthesis is only for older women.
Women of all ages choose prostheses after surgery.
You must wear one straight after surgery.
Soft forms can be used early; silicone waits until healing.
Everyone will notice a prosthesis.
A well-fitted form is usually not noticeable under clothes.
A prosthesis can cause cancer to return.
External forms do not affect the risk of cancer returning.
Questions we are asked
Common questions about breast prostheses
When can I start wearing a silicone prosthesis?
Usually after the wound has healed and swelling has settled, often several weeks after surgery. Ask your team.
How long does a prosthesis last?
Silicone forms often last a few years with good care.
Can I swim with a prosthesis?
Yes, with a swim form or a swimsuit with pockets.
Can I wear it during radiation?
A soft form is often more comfortable while skin is sore.
Do I need a special bra?
A pocketed bra helps, or a tailor can add pockets to your own.
Is a prosthesis covered by insurance?
Some policies cover it. Check with your insurer.
What if my weight changes?
You may need refitting for comfort and balance.
Who can help me choose?
Breast care nurses and trained fitters.
What moves the figure
What affects the cost
Four things change the total more than anything else.
The technique used
A shaped or image-guided delivery costs more than a conventional one, and is chosen on clinical grounds rather than preference.
How many sessions
The total is driven by the number of sittings or cycles, not by a single per-visit figure.
Supporting tests
Scans, blood work and pathology done alongside treatment are billed separately.
Your cover
Aarogyasri, CGHS, ECHS, EHS or cashless insurance usually change the out-of-pocket figure substantially.
Paying for it
Insurance, schemes and payment
What you actually pay usually differs a great deal from the sticker figure.
AarogyasriEmpanelled. Bring the card and a referral where you have one.
CGHS / ECHS / EHSAccepted at CION centres for eligible treatment.
Cashless insuranceMost major insurers are empanelled. Pre-authorisation is handled by our desk.
Self-payItemised estimate given before treatment starts. No EMI scheme exists.
Accreditation and empanelment
- NABH
- NABL
- ISO 9001:2015
- ArogyaSri empanelled
- CGHS accepted
- ECHS accepted
- EHS accepted
- Major cashless insurers
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Talk to our team
Speak to a breast cancer specialist
Call the helpline or leave your details, and someone will help you arrange a consultation at the CION centre nearest you. One helpline serves every CION centre.
Call 1800 202 8726
Helpline open 24/7
Sources
- Breast Cancer Now — Breast prostheses, bras and clothes after surgery
- American Cancer Society — Breast forms and bras after surgery
- National Cancer Institute — Breast reconstruction after mastectomy
This page is general information, not a prescription. Do not change or stop any treatment based on what you read here. If anything is worrying you, contact your own treating team — or call our helpline and we will help you reach the right specialist.