SILICONE BREAST FORM REPAIR TIPS

Since, we first published this article over 4 years ago a lot of customers have tried the Tegaderm fix with mostly positive results, adding a good amount of life to the damaged breast form in question. However, we are always on the look-out for an even better ‘fix’ and think with the aid of one of our newsletter subscribers we may have found the best solution yet! We have spent a week testing out this new repair solution and can report back that it is a success and as good as the Tegaderm fix if not, better. With a little care you can make the repair almost invisible.

At least once a week we receive a phone call or an email from someone plugging the leak from a silicone breast form just caused by the cats claws, a pin or even an exposed sharp edge on an old under wire bra asking how they can repair the form. Once punctured or slit the breast form will never be the same again but depending on the size of the wound you can make a repair and at least prolong the life of your breast form. If the form has a large gash it will not be possible to mend it. However, small nicks, pin holes etc should be able to be repaired sufficiently to add considerable lifetime to the injured object.

Whether you can repair the breast form is really dependent on:

Size of the hole
Amount of silicone lost and bleeding from the puncture
Time lapse from the time it was damaged
Correct silicone and vinyl friendly products that will work

As always, here at GlamourBoutique.com we like to help save you money where ever possible, so if we can help you prolong the life of your forms then that’s a good thing.

Most folk have tended to use Scotch Tape that has to be liberally re-applied as the edges invariably curl up after a short period of time. And the more times the tape is replaced the more chance of silicone seepage and enlarging the damaged hole. Until recently the best ‘fix’ we came across was using the very thin yet strong medical adhesive sheets called ‘Tegaderm’ available in some drug stores. Now we have a new comparable and quite different product since it is a clear liquid and you can choose which suits you best.

Whilst Scotch Tape is ok to use in an emergency there are better products on the market including 3M medical tape and even vinyl tape that can be bought in hardware stores if it is soft and flexible enough. Bear in mind you need the tape you use for the patch needs to be strong. flexible and preferably in a clear nutral color. We have even had customers tell us they have had great success with ‘duct tape’ available at your local Lowe’s or Home Depot but we have yet to see a neat repair carried out using such a method. Try the following methods – Tegaderm is the tape method and for more advanced users the second method uses Permatex clear liquid silicone adhesive sealant.

Punctured Breast Form with clean surface

REPAIR USING TEGADERM:

Tegaderm is a medical barrier/tape and comes in different forms. The most common is sheets purchased at a drug store which are incredibly light, flexible and durable. You can make a repair using a piece of 2″ long by 1.5″ wide to repair a nasty gash in a breast form with great results. The following are directions on how to use this product when repairing your damaged breast form:

Attempt the repair as soon as you discover the breast form is damaged/compromised
Rest/hold the damaged form in such a way so the liquid silicone does not escape whilst you quickly gather the items you need for the repair
Gather together within easy reach scissors, cotton wool, tissues, sealing product such as Tegaderm cut to size for the repair
Using cotton wool or soft tissue carefully mop up any liquid silicone residue off the outer vinyl covering of the breast form
Carefully holding the breast form in such a ways so that the split/hole remains sealed/closed, carefully apply the Tegaderm patch to the area – do not press too hard but apply gently
Ensure there are no air bubbles and that you have a close seal so that the silicone is firmly sealed in
If the edge/seam is split then apply a strip of Tegaderm to each side of the split (i.e. one strip on the back of the form and one on the front) and where they overlap stick firmly together and then trim off excess so the patch is inline with the remainder of the breast form seal

If you use the Tegaderm and take your time; provided the rip is not too large, you will have excellent results (certainly a better improvement than a quick-fix using Scotch Tape).

NEW – BREAST FORM REPAIR USING PERMATEX

Try this new ‘liquid silicone’ repair for the next time you damage a breast form. It is quick and easy to use though it can be a little messy if you are not careful. Our early tests have shown this to be a really effective solution that anyone can use. If you really take your time you can blend in the clear solution to get as close to a seamless fix as possible BUT you have to be patient. Permatex is available at most automotive supply stores and comes in different compounds. For breast form repairs you need Permatex Clear RTV Silicone Adhesive Sealant and start with just a 3oz tube which will go a long way. Directions for using Permatex to repair a punctured breast form:

Thoroughly clean the area you intend to repair. The immediate area must be clean of any silicone gel/liquid and thoroughly dry
Cut the nozzle on the tube to the desired width of the puncture/gash in the breast form
Gently squeeze tube and apply in an even flow over the length of the cut
If the wound in the form is gaping it may be necessary to gently press each side of the repair together whilst the Permatex sets
Leave surface for 20 to 30 minutes until firm and a full hour for the surface to become completely tack free
Immediately after use replace cap to save Permatex for next time and be sure to clean any off skin

The Permatex dries within an hour or so to maximize strength and forms a clear skin on the original wound that is clear, strong and flexible allowing for full range of movement of the breast form.

Patched Breast Form with Permatex

As always a little maintenance can ensure you won’t get to the point of having to repair. Try to keep your forms in their box after use and get in the habit of cleaning with lukewarm water and gentle soap after use – particularly if you use adhesive and remover products. After washing simply pat dry with a clean soft cloth/towel or allow to air dry. Most breast forms are damaged when not being worn so if you keep in the box you reduce the chances of damage.

Other essential care tips

- Do not cover forms in lotions, potions, perfumes and oils etc – you never know what could have an adverse reaction with the vinyl cover on the forms
- If using forms in salt or chlorinated water be sure to wash forms carefully after use
- Check bras for sharp edges before wearing – not only under wire bras but also those with sharp lace edges too
- If you have pets then always store in a cupboard/closet for added protection
- Do not expose your forms to extreme hot or cold temperatures as that will almost certainly lead to a degrading of the silicone
- If you tend to wear pins on clothing then place them on clothes before you dress and check all jewelry before wearing – do not wear jewelry when fitting you breast forms. All it takes is a sharp edge on a crystal to cut through the vinyl outer membrane

Most of the above is common sense but re-fresh yourself and you will have years of trouble free dressing with your forms. They can withstand much wear but try to treat them gently and with care which you would if they were the real thing.

If you have used the Tegaderm method you know it’s effective but why not use the Permatex the next time which if you are careful will give as close to an invisible seal as you can get.

Good Luck!