Underwear After DIEP Reconstruction

Hi Bramble22

I have posted this link before and just checked it still works

Everything Post Surgery related from Asda can be found clicking this link  (Includes swimwear etc)

Take care, G n' J

Thank you so much no idea why I couldn’t find this!! x

M&S do firm support bras. They do a 2 pack white & black. also high waisted firm control knickers. I used these after my diep. 

Hi

I used an M&S sports bra with front fastening zip (for the hourly inspections post op) and very firm control knickers. They will put on the bra in theatre and the knickers you will need post op on coming home. Both will be then your best friends for quite a while afterwards.The support knickers really do help with the abdominal surgery. If able, wear some lightweight ordinary knickers underneath so you don't have to wash your support ones every single day. I didn't do this on the Diep but did so on subsequent lipo modelling and it really helped with the laundry. Good luck. XXxxx

Thanks both! Moresleep I thought front fastening bras were best but have been told by the hospital to buy back fastening ones and also to buy bra extensions and not to buy post surgery or mastectomy bras. Everyone seems to be told different things

Indeed, I can't understand why the are saying back fastening ones with extensions - bit odd. You need support on surgery areas to help with swelling and in the first 72 hours (?) they need constant access to new boob with their little machine to check blood flow.During the night if dozing (sleep - not much!!!!) they tried not to wake me up too much and were very adept at unzipping my bra checking, zipping up and quietly going out but with a back fastening one you can only imagine the performance involved. You will be sleeping(!!!!!) on your back or slightly to the none affected side.  Back fastening bra is going to be very annoying for both you and them - and possibly extremely uncomfortable for you as it will need to be undone every 1 hour for the first 24 hours then every 2 etc. Believe me, you want to be as comfortable as possible as you will have so many other restrictions - can't use arm on affected side etc etc. I agree about mastectomy bras though and many post surgery bras although smooth and comfortable looking, don't give the support needed, especially to begin with. Im not sure why your hospital are saying to buy back fastening ones. Some breast nurses are mindful of the cost to patients of buying supportive bras that may have little use later on but........ I had mine done at St Thomas' in London and they were quite specific. Not that I'm saying you should ignore your hospital's instructions as there might well be a very valid reason but it might be worth just querying and getting to the bottom of their reasons for back fastening ones.XXXxxxxx

Thought it very odd Moresleep but both the nurse at my pre-op assessment and also an information sheet from the hospital said back fastening. Have another appointment with surgeon next week so will ask again.