If you've just had a mastectomy, reduction, augmentation, or other chest surgery, you'll need to stop wearing regular bras for a while until you recover. You will still have to wear a bra (except of course for washing both the bra and yourself) until you heal, but you'll need different post-surgical bras for each stage of recovery. I have broken these down in stages (from initial post-surgical wear to fully healed).
But first, I want to emphasize that I can give bra suggestions, but not medical advice. If you have questions about your operation, healing, or any follow-up procedures or visits, please consult your doctor and follow their recommendations.
I also want to stress that everyone recovers at a different pace, and you may heal more quickly (or more slowly) than you expect. If you think you have a problem, talk to your physician. It may also help you to seek out support forums to talk about your recovery with other people who have had similar operations. The actual lived experience of surgery and recovery has plot twists that doctors may overlook!
That said, here are some tips on how to navigate the post-surgical bra wearing and buying process.
Start with the bra the doctor gives you. Then, move on to an initial recovery bra with openings or pockets to accommodate your drains. Once you have healed a bit, depending on what type of procedure you had, you can switch from the post-surgery bra with drainage allowance to a soft cup front closure bra or a compression sports bra. Basically, something that's more similar to an everyday bra you would have worn before your operation.
You will likely be more comfortable in a seamless style, as there is less chance of irritation. Look for something breathable, such as a cotton or cotton-blend bra. It may be easier to put on a bra that closes in front, as there is less need to stretch and pull on your incision(s).
You’ll need to avoid wearing underwires for about three months. It’s best not to buy any new underwire bras until you have healed, the swelling has gone down, and you can be sure of your new size and shape (particularly if you had augmentation or reduction). This may take up to six months (everyone recovers differently).
If you had shoulder or rotator cuff surgery, enhancement, reduction, or reconstruction, you can start wearing regular bras when you are fully healed. If you had a mastectomy or lumpectomy, you can purchase bras with pockets for the form(s).
I’ve listed bras by each stage below.
Made of cotton, with two pockets for drainage pouches (right after surgery). The velcro straps make it easy to put on and take off, as well as to check on healing and your surgical dressing(s). This is good for breast surgery, rotator cuff surgery, shoulder surgery, or chest surgery. Measure under your bust (or your body size) to get the right size, rather than by cup size. S-XXXXL (28A-B, 30-32B, 34-36C-D, 36-38D-DD, 42-44DD, 44-46F, 46+) in white or black. The white is available in front hook or front velcro closure).
Comes in white only, sizes S-XXL (or roughly 30A through 44H)
If you’ve had a mastectomy, you will need bras with pockets to hold your prothesis. You may find that a front closure bra is more comfortable, and easier to put on. Since it closes in front you don’t have to stretch so much to reach the hooks and fasten them.
Designed to wear for leisure or sleeping, this bra is super soft, and made from 88% cotton knit. There’s elastic on the top, under the band, and on the straps for a better fit. It won’t provide tons of support, but it’s fine once you’ve passed the drain stage and are ready for a more “standard” bra. It does have pockets for breast forms (if you need them). Those are sold separately. And, it comes in some fun prints and colors too.
Sizes S-2X (32-50A-D) in white, beige, black, and orchid/white print
Here's something different! A bra you can close either in the front or in the back! So you can fasten it easily even if you are having trouble reaching around your back or forward. The seams do make it a bit retro, but they also give you a more uplifted shape.
A light lining hides any show through, and there are pockets (no forms though, those are sold separately) if you've had a mastectomy and need a prosthesis.
Comes in white or beige, sizes 34A-D, 36A-DD, 38A-DD, 40-DD, 42A-DD and 44A-D.
No seams, no wires, and the front closure makes it much easier to put on or take it off. No need to twist around to get dressed in the morning or undressed at night. Racerback styling puts less pressure on your shoulders.
The sides are high for better support, but they might be a problem if you have a short torso. The fabric is a lightweight nylon blend with a wide band for extra stability (note this is a leisure/sleep bra, it's not going to be super-supportive. It does run small, so you may want to size up.
Sizes S-2X (approx 32-38B-DD, 40B-D ) in beige and black.
Suitable for use after augmentation surgery, reduction, or lumpectomy. It won't work for post-mastectomy, unless you have expanders, as there are no pockets for a form.
This is a cotton blend bra, which closes in the front, making it easier to put on after your operation. There’s also cotton fabric behind the hooks, so that they don’t touch your skin.
It has a wide band for support and a racerback to help keep the straps from slipping (which is extra helpful when it’s hard to raise your arms). Then, once you’ve recovered, you can keep wearing it as a weekend, lounging bra.
Sizes 34-42 B-DD in beige and black.
Looks more like a sports bra and is has a easy on/off front closure. It’s much easier to put on while you are recovering. It has cotton pockets for forms (if you need them; those are sold separately). There are no wires, just a wide underhand which will help keep you from shifting around. There’s mesh along the sides and back to help keep you cooler and more comfortable. A good option if you need a large band, small cup as it comes in band sizes up to 44 in A and B cup sizes.
Comes in white or black in sizes 34A-D, 36A-DD, 38A-DD, 40-DD, 42A-DD and 44A-D.
This is a good choice if you are larger than a D or DD cup. While it doesn’t close in front, it is soft, comfortable and gives excellent support without an underwire. There’s no lace or seams to irritate your skin, just a bit of decorative openwork between the cups. This does not have pockets, so it’s not suitable for a mastectomy. It will work if you’ve had reconstruction, reduction, or augmentation.
The fabric is stretchy and breathable for a better fit and greater comfort.
Comes in 34-44 B-DDD in beige.
Smooth, and made of an exceptionally soft knit fabric. There are no wires to rub against your skin or irritate your incisions. It does have some boning on the sides for better support. The plunge shape won’t show under lower necklines. Keep in mind that if you’re very round the plunge may not be a good option (as you could pop out of the center).
No pockets for prosthetics; this is best for recovery from other types of surgery (reconstruction, augmentation, or reduction).
Comes in beige, black, clove, sand, pecan, rose, beet, periwinkle, light blue, navy, and raspberry in sizes 30-32B-DDD, 34A-DDD, 36A-DD, 38B-D, and 40A.
Now that you’ve recovered, it’s time for a more standard sort of bra. This one has no wires, so it’s comfortable, but the horizontal and vertical seams will give you more lift and support than a seamless bra.
There’s even a touch of embroidery on the cups. The pockets inside are comfy, soft cotton with elastic at the edge to hold the form(s) in place. And, it comes in a variety of colors, as well as band sizes up to 50.
Choose from beige, black, sand, white, or ivory. Sizes 32-44 A-F, 46-50 A-D.
Sometimes you just need a seamless bra (so it doesn’t show through shirts). This one is smooth, with just a small embroidered appliqué leaf between the cups. In fact, it looks a lot like the sort of bra you probably wore before surgery.
There’s a bit of padding for modesty, rather than size. It does seem to run a bit big, particularly in smaller cup sizes, so keep that in mind.
Comes in black, beige, and white in sizes 32A-C, and 34-40 AA-D.
A truly pretty mastectomy bra! This one is cut and sewn for better fit and shaping, but has no wires to irritate your skin. The lining is a special cooling material to keep you more comfortable.
The bra comes in several colors (so you're not stuck with just white or beige) and the cups are trimmed with pretty lace. Most of all, no more plain Jane bras, even if you need a larger band. This bra comes in band sizes up to 52!
It's got a narrow center, so it's better if you are close-set. There are pockets for a prosthesis.
Comes in beige, white, wild rose, navy, and black in sizes 323B, 34-52 B-D.
If you were active before surgery and want to keep working out, or take it up, you’ll need a sports bra with pockets for your prosthesis. This will gave you the shape you want, while minimizing sweating and discomfort from exercising.
Keep in mind that sports bras tend to run tighter in the band, so you may want to sister-size up a band size and down a cup size for a more comfortable fit.
This has pockets for breast forms and a front zipper to make it easier to get it on and off. There's a tab on the zipper to lock it in place and prevent it from slipping as you move around. The fabric is designed to wick moisture away from your body and keep you cooler.
There are no wires, just a soft support band under the cups. The cups are padded for shaping and to hide the headlights. It will keep everything from moving around whether you are post-op or recovered and out power walking. It's also got a racerback for more comfort as you lift and move your arms around.
Sizes S-XL (roughly 32A-46D) in black.
A bra that works both for regular wear and for low impact activities such as yoga or a brisk walk (essentially the less bouncing and jumping the lower the impact). There are ventilated stretch mesh panels in the back, inside the cups, and on the sides to minimize wetness and moisture against your skin and give you a better fit.
It’s designed as a post-mastectomy bra, so there are pockets for forms (but those are not included with the bra).
US sizes 32AA-D, 34-42 A-DD in black. It does run tight, so you may want to size up.
But first, I want to emphasize that I can give bra suggestions, but not medical advice. If you have questions about your operation, healing, or any follow-up procedures or visits, please consult your doctor and follow their recommendations.
I also want to stress that everyone recovers at a different pace, and you may heal more quickly (or more slowly) than you expect. If you think you have a problem, talk to your physician. It may also help you to seek out support forums to talk about your recovery with other people who have had similar operations. The actual lived experience of surgery and recovery has plot twists that doctors may overlook!
That said, here are some tips on how to navigate the post-surgical bra wearing and buying process.
Start with the bra the doctor gives you. Then, move on to an initial recovery bra with openings or pockets to accommodate your drains. Once you have healed a bit, depending on what type of procedure you had, you can switch from the post-surgery bra with drainage allowance to a soft cup front closure bra or a compression sports bra. Basically, something that's more similar to an everyday bra you would have worn before your operation.
You will likely be more comfortable in a seamless style, as there is less chance of irritation. Look for something breathable, such as a cotton or cotton-blend bra. It may be easier to put on a bra that closes in front, as there is less need to stretch and pull on your incision(s).
You’ll need to avoid wearing underwires for about three months. It’s best not to buy any new underwire bras until you have healed, the swelling has gone down, and you can be sure of your new size and shape (particularly if you had augmentation or reduction). This may take up to six months (everyone recovers differently).
If you had shoulder or rotator cuff surgery, enhancement, reduction, or reconstruction, you can start wearing regular bras when you are fully healed. If you had a mastectomy or lumpectomy, you can purchase bras with pockets for the form(s).
I’ve listed bras by each stage below.
Initial Recovery Post-Surgical Bras (after Chest or Shoulder Surgery, Reduction, Augmentation, Mastectomy, or Reconstruction)
Made of cotton, with two pockets for drainage pouches (right after surgery). The velcro straps make it easy to put on and take off, as well as to check on healing and your surgical dressing(s). This is good for breast surgery, rotator cuff surgery, shoulder surgery, or chest surgery. Measure under your bust (or your body size) to get the right size, rather than by cup size. S-XXXXL (28A-B, 30-32B, 34-36C-D, 36-38D-DD, 42-44DD, 44-46F, 46+) in white or black. The white is available in front hook or front velcro closure).
Made largely of cotton for soft, comfortable wear and breathability, this bra is meant to be used right after surgery. It closes in front, with velcro, so it's easy to fasten and get on and off. There are pockets for forms, and you can cut the sides for easier drainage (such as a catheter).
The straps also peel on and off with Velcro so it's easier to reach drains, or receive treatment without having to entirely remove the bra.
Comes in white only, sizes S-XXL (or roughly 30A through 44H)
Post Surgical Bra Front Closure Mastectomy Bra
If you’ve had a mastectomy, you will need bras with pockets to hold your prothesis. You may find that a front closure bra is more comfortable, and easier to put on. Since it closes in front you don’t have to stretch so much to reach the hooks and fasten them.
Designed to wear for leisure or sleeping, this bra is super soft, and made from 88% cotton knit. There’s elastic on the top, under the band, and on the straps for a better fit. It won’t provide tons of support, but it’s fine once you’ve passed the drain stage and are ready for a more “standard” bra. It does have pockets for breast forms (if you need them). Those are sold separately. And, it comes in some fun prints and colors too.
Sizes S-2X (32-50A-D) in white, beige, black, and orchid/white print
Here's something different! A bra you can close either in the front or in the back! So you can fasten it easily even if you are having trouble reaching around your back or forward. The seams do make it a bit retro, but they also give you a more uplifted shape.
A light lining hides any show through, and there are pockets (no forms though, those are sold separately) if you've had a mastectomy and need a prosthesis.
Comes in white or beige, sizes 34A-D, 36A-DD, 38A-DD, 40-DD, 42A-DD and 44A-D.
Post Surgical Compression Bras
No seams, no wires, and the front closure makes it much easier to put on or take it off. No need to twist around to get dressed in the morning or undressed at night. Racerback styling puts less pressure on your shoulders.
The sides are high for better support, but they might be a problem if you have a short torso. The fabric is a lightweight nylon blend with a wide band for extra stability (note this is a leisure/sleep bra, it's not going to be super-supportive. It does run small, so you may want to size up.
Sizes S-2X (approx 32-38B-DD, 40B-D ) in beige and black.
Suitable for use after augmentation surgery, reduction, or lumpectomy. It won't work for post-mastectomy, unless you have expanders, as there are no pockets for a form.
This is a cotton blend bra, which closes in the front, making it easier to put on after your operation. There’s also cotton fabric behind the hooks, so that they don’t touch your skin.
It has a wide band for support and a racerback to help keep the straps from slipping (which is extra helpful when it’s hard to raise your arms). Then, once you’ve recovered, you can keep wearing it as a weekend, lounging bra.
Sizes 34-42 B-DD in beige and black.
Looks more like a sports bra and is has a easy on/off front closure. It’s much easier to put on while you are recovering. It has cotton pockets for forms (if you need them; those are sold separately). There are no wires, just a wide underhand which will help keep you from shifting around. There’s mesh along the sides and back to help keep you cooler and more comfortable. A good option if you need a large band, small cup as it comes in band sizes up to 44 in A and B cup sizes.
Comes in white or black in sizes 34A-D, 36A-DD, 38A-DD, 40-DD, 42A-DD and 44A-D.
Post Surgical Soft Cup Bras
This is a good choice if you are larger than a D or DD cup. While it doesn’t close in front, it is soft, comfortable and gives excellent support without an underwire. There’s no lace or seams to irritate your skin, just a bit of decorative openwork between the cups. This does not have pockets, so it’s not suitable for a mastectomy. It will work if you’ve had reconstruction, reduction, or augmentation.
The fabric is stretchy and breathable for a better fit and greater comfort.
Comes in 34-44 B-DDD in beige.
Smooth, and made of an exceptionally soft knit fabric. There are no wires to rub against your skin or irritate your incisions. It does have some boning on the sides for better support. The plunge shape won’t show under lower necklines. Keep in mind that if you’re very round the plunge may not be a good option (as you could pop out of the center).
No pockets for prosthetics; this is best for recovery from other types of surgery (reconstruction, augmentation, or reduction).
Comes in beige, black, clove, sand, pecan, rose, beet, periwinkle, light blue, navy, and raspberry in sizes 30-32B-DDD, 34A-DDD, 36A-DD, 38B-D, and 40A.
Post-Mastectomy Bras with Pockets
Now that you’ve recovered, it’s time for a more standard sort of bra. This one has no wires, so it’s comfortable, but the horizontal and vertical seams will give you more lift and support than a seamless bra.
There’s even a touch of embroidery on the cups. The pockets inside are comfy, soft cotton with elastic at the edge to hold the form(s) in place. And, it comes in a variety of colors, as well as band sizes up to 50.
Choose from beige, black, sand, white, or ivory. Sizes 32-44 A-F, 46-50 A-D.
Sometimes you just need a seamless bra (so it doesn’t show through shirts). This one is smooth, with just a small embroidered appliqué leaf between the cups. In fact, it looks a lot like the sort of bra you probably wore before surgery.
There’s a bit of padding for modesty, rather than size. It does seem to run a bit big, particularly in smaller cup sizes, so keep that in mind.
Comes in black, beige, and white in sizes 32A-C, and 34-40 AA-D.
A truly pretty mastectomy bra! This one is cut and sewn for better fit and shaping, but has no wires to irritate your skin. The lining is a special cooling material to keep you more comfortable.
The bra comes in several colors (so you're not stuck with just white or beige) and the cups are trimmed with pretty lace. Most of all, no more plain Jane bras, even if you need a larger band. This bra comes in band sizes up to 52!
It's got a narrow center, so it's better if you are close-set. There are pockets for a prosthesis.
Comes in beige, white, wild rose, navy, and black in sizes 323B, 34-52 B-D.
Post-Mastectomy Sports Bra with Pockets
If you were active before surgery and want to keep working out, or take it up, you’ll need a sports bra with pockets for your prosthesis. This will gave you the shape you want, while minimizing sweating and discomfort from exercising.
Keep in mind that sports bras tend to run tighter in the band, so you may want to sister-size up a band size and down a cup size for a more comfortable fit.
There are no wires, just a soft support band under the cups. The cups are padded for shaping and to hide the headlights. It will keep everything from moving around whether you are post-op or recovered and out power walking. It's also got a racerback for more comfort as you lift and move your arms around.
Sizes S-XL (roughly 32A-46D) in black.
A bra that works both for regular wear and for low impact activities such as yoga or a brisk walk (essentially the less bouncing and jumping the lower the impact). There are ventilated stretch mesh panels in the back, inside the cups, and on the sides to minimize wetness and moisture against your skin and give you a better fit.
It’s designed as a post-mastectomy bra, so there are pockets for forms (but those are not included with the bra).
US sizes 32AA-D, 34-42 A-DD in black. It does run tight, so you may want to size up.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Got a question or comment? Ask here.
Comments are moderated, so they may not show up right away.