Breast Form recommendations

[Johanna]

This topic has probably been discussed before, but I could not find a recent thread.

I would like to buy decent quality breast forms, but am confused by the different types available. I would like them to look as realistic as possible and have the capability of using adhesive, so I could wear them without a bra.

There are many different shapes and types. Any recommendations?

[Susan]

Johanna,

I got mine from Amoena - they are triangular post mastectomy forms and as realistic as you can get. I recommend them. They have lasted two years of regular wear so far with no noticeable degradation

[Davita]

I got mine from http://www.metromedicalonline.com/maste ... ducts.html I've even called them with a question. Very friendly and caring batch of folks.

Now other girls have gone with the Nearly Me, brand and seem to love them too.

[CharLee]

Check out Truekare.com for breast forms. A few girls and myself have gotten our forms from there and are very happy with them. Also they are less expensive than from other sites.

[Carol Ann]

Look up The BreastFormStore, very nice people to talk to and will walk you through what you would like and need.

I have had mine for 7 years now and still good as new.

[Danielle S]

I cast another vote for TruKare. They nicely shaped and quite inexpensive, especially if you buy their factory seconds. They are somewhat self-adhesive, although I'm not sure I'd trust them in every situation. The only criticism I have is that their nipples are very small, but I see on their web site that they have add-ons for those who prever something a bit larger. Enjoy!

[Absaroka]

I'vwe been very happy with my truekares. I got factory seconds although I have no idea what the imperfection is. You have to reapply the adhesive. I'd suggest if you want to go braless go with a relatively smaller size, they may be more likely to stick.

Make sure to subtract whatever male breast tissue you have from their size charts. I found discussing it all with them via email to be quite helpful.

[SharonRose]

Mine are from the Breast Form Store. I agree with Carol Ann. The folks are very helpful there, and the forms are high quality.

[Johanna]

Asymmetric, I guess, means that the forms are more like real breasts, since they grow different from each side?

What about triangle, or oval

Thank you for the recommendations so far!

[Absaroka]

Asymetric means that you wouldn't put the right form on the left breast, and vice versa.

I like the ones with the little part that goes towards your arm. I forget what they are called. I know at the Truekares website the ones I have are described as a favorite for crossdressers, while some of the others are described as better for masectomy patients.

[Johanna]

I still don't understand why the two types. Does anyone know which type is better for CDers?

[Carolynn]

The asymmetrical ones have more mass for size, from what I could tell. A "10" in the asymmetrical forms has more bulk overall than the oval. If you have plenty of tissue or fat going under your arm (are overweight a bit or larger chest muscles) you may want either a triangular or or an oval. The tail that goes under the arm is usually the form that women who have had a radical mastectomy may wear due to glandular removal, while most men do not really need that.

The oval, due to it's shape, can either be worn with the "tail" going under the arm if needed, or sitting upright. The triangular one is good if you have plenty of underarm tissue and are just looking for something to fill a bra. If you are thin, then the asymmetric forms seems to give the most realistic shape in a bra. (Shrug) It's what you perceive as your needs and shortcomings.

As far as size goes, most cders seem to go for the larger size on the theory that they have such a broad, male chest they need to correct the image with larger forms, or they just like larger boobs. Most plastic surgeons doing breast augmentation on TS patients go for the larger sizes for reasons of symmetry (top to bottom and chest size), but I have observed that most plastic surgeons are "breast men" and at least some seem to be projecting their own prejudices of what is esthetically pleasing. To counteract the broad chest, low projection breast forms in a larger "pocket" that "spread" over the chest seem to give the best results and most realistic cleavage and drape, though that often means a slightly greater mass overall.

High projection or overlarge forms results in your breasts entering a room several seconds ahead of you, and may give the wrong impression and call unwanted attention to you. As far as detached forms go, most forms are rather "stiff" rather than yielding so that they conform to the shape of the chest and bra. The softer and more conforming the form (and more expensive too) then the better usually. You have to let your own needs be your guide there (frequency of use vs. expense and so on).

From what I have seen and experienced, the size form to give you a solid "C" cup should be a really good choice. Large enough to be obvious, and small enough to be comfortable even if the bra doesn't fit all that well. On some average male bodies, that would be a size "9", on others a size "10" (if you go by the sizing on ebay and some stores and manufacturers). Also some cders and early transition pre-ops think that the undeniable presence of larger breasts takes away from any cues that shout "male" when in public, or help distract from heavy makeup needed to cover 5 oclock shadows. Many "drag queens" choose to over-emphasize the "breasts" in their costumes, but then they are creating characters rather than trying to blend in. Look at people who have body sizes and forms as close to yours as possible and then make your choice.

Over large forms can create a problem of comfort when wearing them for extended periods, especially when glued on, similar to the complaints of back/shoulder pain by cisgendered women who have large breasts and/or ill fitting bras and need a breast reduction for health and comfort. Larger forms also need a careful bra selection for the same reasons. So choose size according to the image you want to project and how comfortable you might be with going out to get a bra fitting. Some TS who chose larger breast augmentations in early transtition have them replaced later as the shortcomings of the larger breasts become apparent.

I have thought that in a way people who wear forms have an advantage, in that they can have several sizes to wear for each situation they might be in. Larger forms for clubbing and jiggling while dancing, smaller forms for everyday or active wear such as jogging or working, etc. Kinda like having a selection of wigs to wear according to if you feel blonde one day, brunette the next, etc.

Carolynn

[Lana]

While I have been a customer of the Breastform Store for years and have bought maybe 5 sets from them, 3 sets of the Gold Seal forms, I have had problems with the gold seal silicon separating from the outer skin on the back side and the silicon itself breaking down, and TBS not wanting to admit there is a problem with them, I can't recommend that particular line.
Altho I do wear them for extended periods of time and even sleep in them which is not recommended to do, the latest pair I bought, I have not slept in not used the tape or any other adhesive to attach them, they still separated and the silicon broke down. I have worn them less than 12 times by continuing to wear the older set for extended wear.

Lana

[Anne]

I have had 38B forms for maybe 11 years. For the past year or two they've sprung silicone leaks so they are in knee-highs to keep them in. They flatten out over time also.

A year ago I ordered new ones from Janet's Closet but they turned out to be rather larger than I hoped and the shape was not great (oval) and the nipple was pretty big. I think she revamped her line not long after.

So I went ahead and ordered 38B (6) triangles from Truekare. I had heard good things, wanted a more natural shape (no "tail") and at $36/ea the cost was alot less. I got them and - heaven. They fit regular 38B bras well, filling the cups without a tail to try to tuck somewhere or poke out. Very soft and natural.

I've heard good things about the other sources mentioned. Yes, the Amoena brand is the ones used for mastectomy and are supposed to be excellent - given I'm not anywhere near full time I cannot justify the cost.

If you can afford forms (TrueKare, eBay, etc.) they are an excellent investment in having yourself fit the clothes (and possibly having the attitude that "this is what I was looking for").

[Anne]

Almost forgot - HIGHLY recommended reading would be the Breast Form FAQ, written by one of us years ago and refined by CD and GG alike, now in version 4

http://www.blooberry.com/bformfaq/