'SILIMA' BRAND, TRIFORM LITE, SIZE C, No. 7, FOR MASTECTOMY BREAST FORM, COMPLETE WITH INSTRUCTION LEAFLET IN ORIGINAL CARD BOX
Inscription
Silima/ by/ THAMERT : C Triform/ Lite (66/375) / 7/ 42 B< 40C> 38 D
Production place
GERMANY
Production organisations
THAMERT UK LTD THAMERT
Labels
A mastectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove either one breast or both. It is usually performed on people receiving treatment for breast cancer, or people women who are believed to be at high risk of developing breast cancer. It does not matter what stage of cancer someone may have to undergo this procedure. However, the progression of the cancer may influence the amount of tissue taken and if other tissue around the breast, such as lymph nodes, are removed.
Mastectomy breast forms were created as a replacement for the removed breast tissue. The silicone forms are usually worn by women who have not received a reconstruction of the breast tissue. Women who are going to receive a reconstruction may wear a lightweight, foam alternative between surgeries. The form is worn in the bra of a woman who has had a mastectomy and is referred to as a prosthesis. Along with the forms women also have to purchase post-surgery bras, which aid in wearing the forms. The bras are designed with pockets in the breasts to hold the forms in place. Breast forms are available on the NHS after treatment and for the rest of a woman's life. The forms can damage with use and a woman can lose or gain weight meaning that their breast size may have changed, leading to needing a replacement form.
William Halstead performed the first mastectomy in 1882. This surgery was a milestone for medical treatment, but it left women feeling that losing their breasts affected their body image. Women began creating their own breast forms with bags that would be hand stuffed with items like wool or cotton. This then became the start of a long development of breast forms and pads throughout the 19th and 20th century. The first silicone breast forms were originally created in the 1960s by the Dow Corning company, in the USA, as a safer alternative to silicone injections or implants. In the 1970s and 1980s the style, size and shape of the forms evolved as more companies started producing them.
The brand of the form here is ‘Silima’, who have been making breast forms since the 1970s. All Silima breast forms are manufactured in Germany and made from skin-friendly materials to make them gentler and more comfortable. This specific breast form is from 2003/04 as there is a lingerie catalogue with the breast form, for underwear that would be compatible for the breast forms. Silima is owned by the THUASNE group, which sepcialises in designing and manufacturing medical equipment to help people take control of their own healthcare.
