Wacoal Thailand helps women who have undergone a mastectomy rediscover their feminity

Actress Angelina Jolie may have succeeded in inspiring women the world over with her open editorial about her mastectomy but for the majority of women, the removal of a breast remains taboo, a subject best discussed only with doctor, family members and perhaps a close friend.

Damage to the self-esteem is inevitable in those who have lost one or both of these symbols of femininity to the knife. Many women are so worried about their physical appearance that they hide themselves away and refuse to socialise. This adds to their stress and is likely to lead to severe depression.

Thai Wacoal first started helping women rediscover confidence and life's little pleasures back in 1985 when it introduced its first mastectomy bra.

Developed in consultation with physicians, rehabilitation specialists and patients as well as through many years of in-house research, this speciality product - the balancing bra - comprises a brassiere with a specially constructed pockets to hold and support a natural feeling prosthesis or artificial breast.

The prosthesis itself is light and easy to wear and is made of non-toxic permeable micro beads and foam then covered with soft and breathable fabric. This horizontal, teardrop-like bead form can be worn on either side and is available in 11 sizes from the smallest cup size of 65A to the biggest 95E.

The mastectomy bra is made from cotton and lycra fabric for maximum

comfort and covers much more of the breast than a regular bra. It is cut higher in the centre and on the side to conceal any marks from the operation.

"We are making products that are very close to women so we must always try hard to understand what women want no matter whether they're happy or sad," says Thamarat Chokwatana, the director and executive vice president of ICC, which runs Thai Wacoal.

According to the latest statistics of the National Cancer Institute, breast cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death among Thai women, with 20-25 out of every 100,000 ladies - an average of 13,000 a year - newly diagnosed. Slightly more than a third of these - 4,600 - will go on to die. More alarmingly, 33.4 percent of breast cancer patients today are under 40 years of age.

Thai Wacoal recently opened its factory to the press to explain the production process of the balancing bra. Thamarat explained at the outset of the tour that the company has worked hard over the years to ensure that the prosthesis is as close as possible to the real breast in terms of size, weight and texture, allowing for freedom of movement and complete confidence.

Nine procedures and 10 separate parts are required in assembling a prosthesis and start with the staff carefully weighing 3-mm-diametre micro beads to get the accurate cup size and injecting a small amount of micro foam into the same pocket. This pocket will then be carefully assembled with the fabric sheets to form the cup.