If you have had or are due to have breast surgery to treat breast cancer or surgery to reduce the risk of breast cancer, it can be challenging to know where to start when looking for the best bra to wear after your operation. Finding the right style of bra that feels comfortable to wear is very important, writes Teresa Gonzales, our cancer information nurse. Here she looks at some crucial things to consider when choosing a bra post-surgery.
Type of bra to wear straight after surgery
In the first few weeks after surgery, you are usually advised to wear a bra that fits comfortably but is not too tight and does not have an underwire. Your surgeon or breast care nurse can advise you on the best type of bra to wear, depending on the type of surgery you have had. Whether you have had a lumpectomy, mastectomy, or breast reconstruction, it is important to choose a style that feels soft and comfortable to allow the area to heal. For example, a bra made of cotton can feel softer on the skin.
If you have had lymph nodes removed, a front fastening bra can be easier to put on as your arm movement may be slightly restricted and feel stiff.
You may have swelling after surgery, so it may help to use the loosest bra hook when fastening the bra, and as the swelling reduces, you can tighten it more.
Your surgeon or breast care nurse will let you know if you need to wear a specific surgical bra and how you can get one after your breast surgery.
Type of bra to wear once the area has started to heal
The time it takes to heal from breast surgery can vary depending on the type of breast surgery. It’s best to avoid wearing an underwired bra for the first year, whether you have had breast reconstruction or used a prosthesis. Instead, choose a bra with a wide band underneath that goes all the way around to your back. Make sure the bra has full cups, side panels, wide adjustable straps and soft seams. Breast Cancer Now has information about bras after surgery for breast cancer.
As the area begins to heal, you may experience some changes. This may result from other treatments you have for breast cancer or if your weight changes. This can mean you need to change the type or size of your bra.
Where can I get a bra to wear after breast surgery?
You should be able to find a suitable bra in many of the high-street shops. Some shops have people who can help measure you for a bra to make sure you’re wearing the correct size. They will often have training and experience in helping people who have had breast surgery or are going to have breast surgery.
You may want to purchase supportive or mastectomy bras from specialist suppliers of bras for when you have had breast surgery.
Cancer Research UK also has a selection of mastectomy and post-surgery bras.
For women who may need a range of bras in different skin tones, an organisation called Nubian Skin will soon have a selection of breast softie inserts for mastectomy bras in different colour tones. Please sign up here to be notified when they become available.
You can also find a selection of bras to wear after breast surgery from The Bra Sisters, two cancer thrivers on a mission to transform post-mastectomy bra fitting.
Help with paying for bras after breast surgery
You usually have to pay for bras post-breast surgery. But there are ways to get help buying bras after breast surgery if you are on a low income or receiving social security benefits.
