Breast forms are breast prostheses. Women get breast forms after undergoing mastectomy. After breast conserving surgery, where malignant tumors are removed and healthy breast tissue remains, women expect to look and feel much the same as they did before surgery. That’s when they resort to breast forms.

Breast Implants on the other hand, are used to make breasts look larger. Both breast implants and breast forms are made of medical grade silicone. People are wary about silicone because it is believed that there may be health concerns because of this material. But silicone in breast forms does not cause any health problems because these are worn outside the body, while silicone breast implants are inserted inside the body.

Implants are not as firm, and there is no pigment. Also, the film surrounding the silicone is different. Both use a polyurethane film, but of different grades. The polyurethane used with implants had to be resistant to water from body tissues. With breast forms, it’s more important to use a film that protects against the wear and tear of daily use.

Problems with silicone leaking into the body were a major source of trouble with implants, along with the fear that leaking implants might cause certain connective tissue diseases. If a breast form leaks you might get a sticky spot on your bra or on your chest wall, depending upon where the leak is. It is not toxic.

One of the most typical problems after breast conserving surgery is a small cavity in the breast which creates a sunken or shallow area visible under the bra. A balanced silicone shaper can fill this type of cavity and be worn in any fashion bra for a smooth, full, even shape.