A: Wearing the breast prosthesis inside the bra pocket keeps the prosthesis off the skin. This creates more ventilation to evaporate perspiration. Another solution is to wear a CoolPad® to block the heat transfer from the prosthesis to the chest wall. Some women claim that a lighter weight prosthesis feels cooler. It is very important to wear a bra that supports the breasts and prosthesis and keeps them from resting on the abdomen, as constant moisture in this area can create skin irritation. You can also try the Comfort Plus or Climate breast forms by Amoena. They use Phase Change Material (PCM) technology to keep a woman cool when her body temperature rises and keep her warm when her body temperature lowers.

A: Amoena® Soft Cleanser is recommended for daily use. Skin oils can break down the outer skin of a breast prosthesis and shorten the useful life of the prosthesis. It is a good idea to clean the prosthesis every night and store it in its cradle.

A: Most Amoena® breast prostheses are warranteed against manufacturer's defects for two years from the date of purchase. The warranty does not cover damage to the prosthesis from punctures or erosion to the skin of the prosthesis from perfume or lotions. Premium breast prostheses may last longer than two years with proper care. It is still a good idea to see a Certified Mastectomy Fitter yearly to have a fit assessment, as women's bodies change with age and weight.

A: The first thing to evaluate in this situation is the fit of the bra. Bras have a lifespan of three to six months of constant use before they need to be replaced. If the bra doesn’t adequately support the prosthesis and hold it snugly against the chest wall, then the straps of the bra end up supporting the weight of the prosthesis and pulling down on the shoulder area.

A: Many women who cannot tolerate a weighted silicone prosthesis find that a light weight prosthesis is much more comfortable. Some medical conditions such as lymphedema or osteoporosis of the spine warrant a light weight prosthesis.

A: Balance™ Symmetry Shapers are partial prostheses or "shells," made of the same high quality silicone used in premium Amoena® prostheses. The difference is that Balance™ is much thinner, and can go over a breast that just needs a little more fullness in front or on the side to provide symmetry.

A: In skin compatibility tests, most women did not have any issues with skin irritation or allergic reactions. If you have reactions to the silicone used in products such as stockings and strapless bras in the past, then the Contact breast form may not be the right choice. We recommend you discuss any concerns with your physician. Your skin may require a certain period of time to get used to the breast form’s adhesive. When you first wear the breast form you may experience slight skin reddening when you remove the form. This is generally caused by increased circulation and not an allergic reaction. If you experience an unusual skin reaction, immediately stop use and seek medical attention.

A: The precise life of the adhesive layer will vary from woman to woman. On average the adhesive lasts approximately one year. While the life of the adhesive is determined by several factors, it is primarily dependent on properly caring for the form by following the provided care instructions.

A: Yes. The Contact form must be cleaned every day it is worn in order for the adhesive back layer to maintain its adhesive properties. The adhesive will pick up lint from clothing, dry skin cells, and body oils during daily wear. These deposits, if not cleaned and removed, will reduce the effective life of the adhesive and decrease the its ability to adhere to the body.

A: The adhesive back layer is permanently affixed. It should not come off on your skin or come loose from the form itself.

A: Besides careful daily cleaning, a well-fitting bra is the best guarantee that the breast form will adhere securely. If you're active, exercising or in a warm climate and perspire, this can inhibit the secure adhesion of the Contact breast form to the chest wall. Because the adhesive layer of the Contact breast form and your skin must be completely dry to securely attach the breast form to the body, many women have found the Contact breast form with Comfort+ technology helpful—a revolutionary temperature-regulating material is integrated into the form and hinders perspiration behind the form during wear. You may also choose to wear the form unattached in the pocket of a bra using the provided BackPad.

A: It's the skin on the chest wall that must be considered. If your skin is extremely oily on your chest wall, the adhesive may not adhere well. Remember to properly cleanse the skin on the chest wall before applying the breast form.

A: If you have had radiation therapy on your chest wall, a Contact breast form may not be the right form for you. It is best to consult your physician before wearing a Contact breast form.

A: If you use a skin moisturizer on your chest wall, the adhesive layer may not adhere properly. Moisturizers often leave an oily or greasy residue on the chest wall that inhibits the adhesiveness. If you must moisturize your chest wall, use a small amount of Amoena Skin Balance Gel Cream. This cream is formulated to leave the skin feeling dry to the touch while providing ample moisture.

A: The most common reaction associated with hormonal breast cancer therapy is hot flashes similar to those many women experience during menopause. These hot flashes usually cause perspiration. Moderate to heavy perspiration will affect the ability of the adhesive back layer to adhere and to stay secure on the body. Choose a Contact breast form with Comfort+ technology—a revolutionary temperature-regulating material is integrated into the form and hinders perspiration behind the form during wear. You may also choose to wear the form unattached in the pocket of a bra using the provided BackPad.

The Contact breast forms with Pearl technology and their medical grade silicone gel adhesive have undergone extensive testing to ensure a high level of safety and performance. Women tested this product concept over four years. The durability of the adhesive, the performance of the form, and customer satisfaction were all closely monitored during this testing.
    In wear tests, the breast form performed very well with high levels of customer satisfaction in several categories. In accordance with international standards for biological evaluation of medical devices, the gel adhesive was tested by an independent laboratory to determine its suitability for use on the skin. Tests were performed to assess skin irritation and skin sensitization. The adhesive was also tested to ensure that it is nontoxic and inert (non-reactive). In all cases, the gel adhesive successfully passed these tests.
    In order to maintain user safety, some of these biocompatibility tests are performed repeatedly. Additionally, we have an agreement with our silicone supplier that we will be informed about changes in the silicone formulation, which could adversely affect the biocompatibility.