Bra size after lumpectomy

My bra size didn't change but you can buy in Ebay bra extenders for 99p and use your current bras to accommodate any swelling or tenderness you might have.  You can use old bras and remove wires if needed.  I wore Underwired as I was 38G and my wound in top of breast and no modes removed so support was essential for me to stop dragging down of wound.  A cotton moulded,o added bra from M&s was my fav to wear.  

Good luck with op xx

Hi I had a mastectomy in august I was a 34b and I've been measured by the prostheses lady for bras and she says 36a. I've still got slight swelling around where the band of the bra sits. I've also bought post surgery bras from M&S and amoena 

Good luck and stay strong 

Louise

Hi jsj. I had lumpectomy (WLE) in February of this year. Scar at top of right breast. For first few weeks normal bra size fit fine. I used non wired for about six weeks. Since then have alternated between wired and non. Non are more comfortable but I sweat under the breasts.

Once swelling had gone properly I started putting a pad in right cup to lift the breast as it is at least one, maybe two cup sizes smaller than the non affected one. This isn’t because of how it looks but because my clothes twist a bit towards the left (bigger) breast and it drives me nuts. When I get around to it I will go and have a proper fitting somewhere but don’t want to go too soon as I only finished radiotherapy at the beginning of September.

Hello. I had the same problem. I ended up buying some cheap soft, non wired bras from Asda (a bit like a sports bra/crop top) prior to surgery. Your rib cage/chest size will not change post surgery so try the bra on, if it feels comfortable around your ribs, just under your breasts, it will be fine post surgery. I am still wearing them now (surgery was Sept 5th) as they are comfortable whilst having radiotherapy. Plus the radiotherapy staff write all over your chest with pen that comes off on your underwear, no point wearing nice stuff yet. By the way I was wearing a 38DD cup from M and S for years. My surgeon said my bra was too small (it felt ok to me) prior to the op. I have since been measured and I am 36G (go figure ????) How can I have a large lumpectomy but end up with a bigger cup size and smaller back size. The 36 feels too tight so I will be sticking with 38 but going to try lots of different styles on and go with what feels most comfortable.

According to media most women wearing wrong bra size!  About 30 years ago a specialist bra shop opened and I went in as I have always had large breasts even when size 10.  I had a good fired who told me support comes from band so should be snug and not move when you lift arms up and cups must fit in flat in the middle, if it didn't go up a cup size and then lift arms up high to see if it moves as forbidden need to go down a back size of you go up a cup size.  I think I was wearing a 36E when I was actually a 34g in most makes.  I have very round boobs so old full cup or balcony best and avoid plunge as the pressure would cause sore bombs due to pressure.  The snugger back was actually more comfortable all day as my boobs didn't mive , bra straps didn't fall down either.  Also told never buy a bra without trying and  going through movements of reaching up, twisting and a good jiggle.  Over the years I've gained and list weight but I can use a size as a guide to get a good fit.  Depends on make and style i am 34G/36G/36Ff or 34H.  

She was right on plunge bras i can barely tolerate on evening out!  Playtex stretch lace my favourite but different colours can mean different back size as some fit smaller due to dying process.  I buy in outlet when on offer and while a pain trying on I never just buy my size as know I need to try. 

When sire after surgery bra expanders can make your normal snug fit bras usable and save you wasting money.

I wore same size but a nonwired bra so it stretched to accommodate dressings etc. as i'm between sizes depending on brand/make. I have gone up a size for comfort. I usually go to a specialist shop which I did for a front fastening one but found it uncomfy as it cut under my armpit across a scar. I don't wear M&S as I'm a FF cup but was surprised at range and have found a bralette and a moulded bra quite comfy. hope you find something comfy x

Hi , I was advised to keep same cup but go up a size. I bought Royce front opening bras (poppers) from a local shop and stuck with them for months as they were soft cotton. But it may depend on your original size, which ones turn out to be comfortable. Royce were pricey but seemed worth it for the comfort. Some folk here swear by Asda as I think there’s lots of choice. I also used crop tops during radiotherapy as the bra started to rub underneath. 
When I developed lymphoedema in the breast I was told to get a more supportive bra so got fitted at M and S. I’m back to my original size pre surgery and have supportive but unwired bras which seem to do the job. It’s all a bit of a minefield but worth sorting so you’re comfortable. Xx