Prosthetic nipples haven’t always been available. But thank goodness now they are. The difference these simple items can make to a woman’s peace of mind can be enormous. Being able to use silicone nipples after mastectomy can help with healing the heart and mind, which will help heal the body. Breast cancer survivors deserve to feel whole again.
Who Chooses the Prosthetic Nipple Option?
When the only treatment for breast cancer is mastectomy, the nipple sometimes has to be removed along with the rest of the breast. Some women are able to have a nipple-sparing mastectomy, where the nipple is left in place. Although it’s a simplification to state this, the proximity of the cancerous tumor to the nipple has a significant bearing on whether the nipple can be spared – or not.
I am thankful to have had nipple sparing surgery. Thankfully, I feel it did make my decision and adjustment somewhat easier. However, I was mindful that my mom underwent mastectomy some forty years ago. And, she did have to forego her natural nipple. Fortunately, even back then there were alternative options!
Alternative Options to Adhesive Nipples After Mastectomy
Prosthetic nipples are only one option for women having lost their own natural breast features to mastectomy. It is possible to have surgery to have a realistic nipple feature reconstructed from natural body tissue. It’s also possible to have tattooing applied to bring about a resemblance to a natural nipple appearance. Sometimes a combination of both is applied. However, these nipple reconstruction options are invasive and permanent. Not everyone is ready for that commitment. And, not everybody wants permanent nipple reconstruction and the additional medical procedures that go with that. Furthermore, sometimes there needs to be a delay between the mastectomy surgery and any further cosmetic surgery. It may be necessary to wait many months for further cosmetic surgery, such as breast reconstruction. So, being able to choose a nipple prosthetic either as the first choice or as an intermediate choice is a blessing to some women.
What Are the Options for Nipple Prosthetics?
There are two main ways to go for women wanting to choose this type of prosthesis.
Custom Made
There are several options for custom-made prosthetics and these come at quite a cost. In the long term, if nipple prosthetics are to be a permanent choice (over surgical options) this is certainly an option worth looking at. Custom made options will have their own advantages and disadvantages.
Off-the-shelf or Ready Made
Although there are a couple of options for ready made silicone nipples, there is a stand out winner. That is the Amoena Adhesive Nipple Set.
What makes the Amoena Adhesive Nipple Set so Special?
We think the Amoena Adhesive Nipple Set is special for a few reasons. Amoena is a specialist women’s medical supplies designer and manufacturer. Furthermore, they’ve been in business for years. That means they focus very closely on their customer and what they need. So, they have a lot of information about women who had experienced breast cancer and need specialised garments and prostheses to aid their recovery. That means the silicone nipples they have developed have very specific requirements to address. As we outlined in our review of Amoena HERE, they listen to a lot of real-life feedback from their customers.
Pros of the Amoena Adhesive Nipple Set
1. Increased self confidence
A well-made prosthetic nipple set, such as these by Amoena, can look surprisingly real. Even if solely for your own self-image – to know you look more like the ‘old’ you – they can provide emotional comfort. Customers have commented that they make them “feel complete” and better about themselves. Others report that these prosthetic nipples after mastectomy help them feel feminine again, even if they only wear them at chosen times. And all that for such a low investment…
2. Sit securely in place
Surprisingly, these nipple prosthetics stay in place very well when applied as recommended. Even when exercising or swimming, the wearer can be confident that they look as they should.
3. Versatility
Whether the adhesive nipple is needed for a breast form, a shaper, reconstructed breast, or a natural breast, they can be attached.
4. Simple attachment
The prosthetic nipple is fully self adhesive – very simple. Both applying and removing is simple and no messy or potentially irritating adhesive substances are involved. Customers comment that they are very easy to use.
5. Different sizes and colors available
There are three different sizes of the Amoena Adhesive Nipple Set available (where size relates to the areola diameter): Small (1.375 inches / 3.4cm) Medium (1.562 inches / 3.9cm ) Large (2 inches / 4.9cm) and they each come in four choices of colors: Ivory, Almond, Bronze and Tawny. Customers comment that they are very realistic and that they look real!
6. Affordabilty of nipple prosthetics
With custom-made nipple prosthetics starting at hundreds of dollars, one of the most beautiful aspects of the Amoena Adhesive Nipple Set is the sheer affordability. For some, it may make sense to go on to have a custom-made set crafted. And, the investment in a custom-made set may be well worthwhile. However, for some the cost will be out of reach. Furthermore, until we’ve tried something so completely different as an adhesive nipple, how will we know if we can be sure we’ll get the wear out of them? I know personally I would prefer to trial something a bit more affordable before committing a larger sum of money.
Cons of the Amoena Adhesive Nipple Set
1. Not matched for a unilateral mastectomy
Clearly, if you’ve had a single mastectomy then selecting from only 4 colors (mostly a version of pink in color) and three sizes of prosthetic choices is going to be unlikely to be a perfect match. That would be too much to expect! This is the type of situation where custom-made adhesive nipples might be considered. The benefit of the custom-made option is they will copy the remaining nipple for an optimum match.
2. Not to everyone’s expectations
Whilst they’re pretty good, quite realistic and adhere well, not everyone assesses them against the same criterion! So some will expect them to stay on through ‘thick and thin’ and are not happy when they tear after multiple uses.
Amoena Adhesive Nipple Set – Prosthetic Nipples Review Wrap Up
If you’d like to experience the feeling of looking closer to your ‘old you’ again after breast cancer and mastectomy, then it’s well worth trying out the Amoena Nipple Prosthetics. Whether you’ve had a reconstruction and are just missing the nipple, or you have a breast form, they’re designed for this. They can be a great option to try whilst you’re recovering from surgery and considering whether further cosmetic surgery is worth it for you. Or, they can be your new nipples for evermore.
By far, the majority of reports and reviews and feedback about the Amoena Adhesive Nipple Set are tremendously positive. The feeling of relief, inner-satisfaction, improved body image and emotional comfort resulting from the possession of these nipple prosthetics is palpable. More than one reference is made to how the feeling of completeness they provide eases the way to intimacy for the wearer. Heaven knows life and love can be challenging enough at even the best of times.
Because these nipple prosthetics are designed and made by Amoena, a pioneer and leader in the breast cancer prosthetics and garments field, you know they’ll be on point. So to speak. We can recommend purchasing from Amazon at this link, because the products are simply and clearly laid out by size and color on their website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a nipple prosthesis?
Nipple prosthetics are made of soft medical grade silicone and attaches to your reconstructed breast. The size of the prosthetic is the size of the areola diameter. It is very lightweight and soft and surprisingly realistic. It is often possible to attach it to a breast form, depending upon the breast form material and shape.
What are the benefits?
If you have lost your nipple or nipples as a result of breast cancer and mastectomy, even with a breast reconstruction you will not automatically be complete with a reconstructed nipple. Although it is possible to undergo further procedures, not everyone wants that. The major benefit of silicone nipples is to have the appearance and feel of natural nipples and all the consequent boosts to self esteem.
How is a nipple prosthesis attached?
The medical grade soft silicone is able to adhere naturally to the breast and when worn with a bra, will stay in place. Alternatively, if the nipple is worn without a bra, a suitable adhesive may be used to ensure it doesn’t move.
How to apply
Be sure to wash your hands and breasts with a gentle soap and water to remove any excess skin oils, then gently dry your hands and skin with a soft, well-worn towel. The goal here is to not have any oils, fluff or other contaminants or particles on the skin that might prevent a good adhesion of the nipple. It’s best to do a trial positioning of the nipple, even marking it with a soft pencil (say a makeup pencil) so you know where you want it to go. If using the natural ‘stickiness’ of the prosthetic, and both surfaces are clean, the nipple will adhere easily without adhesive. However, for added reassurance that the nipple will not move, a special adhesive can be added before placing the nipple on the breast. Press lightly to ensure a good bond.
How to remove
If no adhesive has been used, the silicone nipple can be gently lifted at the edge and softly rolled off. When an adhesive has been used, the directions from the manufacturer should be followed for removal.
How to care for a nipple prosthesis
Warm water and a gentle soap can be used to clean the prosthesis. Remove any residual adhesive by gently rolling or rubbing it off the breast and/or prosthesis only using the fingertips – no nails! Pat dry very gently with a soft, clean towel. Store in the container it was delivered in and you’re good to go next time you want to apply the nipples!