Triangle vs. Teardrop Prosthesis

samon · September 2007

I was just wondering how to tell what type of form you would need if you had bilateral and don't need to match up to anything. I bought my first and only set of prosthesis two years ago that insurance will pay for and I was fitted with the triangle form. As I think about it, that was all that the fitter brought out. Right after my surgery I had gone to a fitter to get the soft form that feels more like foam inside and that was a teardrop. That was all they had.

I have been looking at the forms in the TLC catalog and I would like to order another set. Since insurace won't pay for any more I would like to make an informed decision and I don't want to go back to the fitter and pay over $300 for some. Anway, I keep looking at the forms in TLC and I see both types and I really don't know how to decide between the two. I mostly want the extra set for the winter when I wear lots of baggy sweatshirts or sweaters and keep the expensive forms for the summer.

Any adivce would be appreciated. Thanks

ddd · September 2007

As for the shape, I would go with what you think looks best on you and what feels most natural or comfortable to you.

Erica3681 · September 2007

Samon,

First, regarding insurance, most insurance companies pay for new forms every one or two years. Are you sure yours doesn't? If you have a good fitter in your area, she might be able to check for you--fitters are experts at dealing with insurance cos.

Second, regarding the shape--perhaps you could go to a fitter and ask to try on a variety of forms of different shapes. You wouldn't have to buy any from her. Also, if you order forms on the Internet, make sure you can return (or at least exchange) them if you don't like them. Silicone forms are expensive and you shouldn't have to keep them if they're not right. Also, check around various Internet websites--prices vary and so does service. Some Internet retailers will talk with you on the phone and give advice.

My own experience with shape has been interesting. Like you, I was shown only triangular silicone forms when I went to be fitted. They are definitely more common than the teardrop. But I also shopped online and bought a pair of Illusions, which are made by Still You and much less expensive than silicone. They're creme-filled, cloth-covered. They come in only one oval shape. At first I didn't think they were a good shape for me at all as they didn't fill out the triangle shapes of my bras. But after experimenting, I found that in some bras, they look great. Yet, I also love my triangular silicone form (Airway Tritex Triangle). So, I think either can work. The only way to really know what's best for you is to try on a variety.

In addition to the Illusions, there are a variety of foam forms available that could work well, especially in winter when wearing non-revealing clothing. And they are generally very inexpensive. I like the Amoena Leisure Forms, Style 126. Unfortunately, I recently tried a pair of weighted latex teardrop forms from tlc and they were an inferior product--the covers didn't fit right at all and the sizes weren't equal! Fortunately, it wasn't a big deal, as I was able to return them.

You can check out my non-profit website, BreastFree (the url is below), as I have more suggestions about breast forms, bras, camisoles, etc.

Barbara

Gippy · September 2007

Hi Samon. I have both. I sleep in a small size tear drop -- most comfortable and during the day I wear a size larger (one size smaller than my breasts were) which is the triangle. I find the tear drop more comfortable, but not as secure as the triangle for some reason. I believe they just feel fuller. I truly feel very natural and swim in them too (the triangles). Hope this helps. Good luck, Gippy.

Triangle vs. Teardrop Prosthesis

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