Q: What did you make?

We designed and produced external breast prostheses for women who have undergone mastectomy.

Q: Why did you make it?

Many post-mastectomy patients face difficulties finding breast prostheses that are comfortable, functional, and suitable for daily wear. Existing options, usually made of silicone gel, tend to be heavy, non-breathable, and can cause discomfort during extended use. I set out to create a new type of external breast prosthesis that is lightweight, breathable, and compatible with swimwear and sports undergarments.

Q: How did you make it (skills, techniques, resources)?

We use biocompatible materials combined with advanced additive manufacturing techniques. With the help of sophisticated CAD software, we design internal 3D hollow lattice structures to optimize weight, comfort, and breathability. In addition, we are collaborating with undergarment companies to co-develop post-surgery underwear that works seamlessly with our prosthesis.

Q: What inspired you?

The initial inspiration came from listening to real needs shared by patients—I was deeply moved by their stories and felt a strong urge to apply what I've learned to solve real-world problems. My current research in photonics, where we engineer optical properties through nanoscale structural design, further inspired me to explore how similar principles could be applied to prosthetic design using artificial lattice structures. Additionally, my hands-on experience in makerspaces gave me the technical confidence to experiment with various manufacturing techniques for this project.

Q: What are you going to make next?

We're now focusing on gathering insights from breast cancer patients to better understand their needs and iterate our product design accordingly. At the same time, we’re continuing our partnership with undergarment companies and exploring paths to commercialize the product.