Surgical Bras - do's and don'ts

Try M&S Debenhams and budget end Asda.  Order online and try at home as less stress and you can return the lot for free.  

Hi

I had a mastectomy with immediate implant mid March and was advised by my surgeon to use a local company that specialised in mastectomy bras (Nicola Jane). Although expensive £25-£30 it was worth it and I still use the bras 3 months later. You will need to have a front opening bra for ease of putting and taking off but also for easy inspection. I would recommend getting professionally measured if you can and inform them you will be having a mastectomy as they will take that into account. You can of course order on line if you know your exact size. 

Good luck

Linda x

Thanks Linda for the advise!

I really appreciate it. Due to the pandemic I am not risking shopping at stores if possible which makes the whole getting sized bit tricky. 

I will definitely check out Nicola Jane.

Hiya,

I had an implant and I bought lots of bras from Asda. The sports bras were ok and also they do after surgery bras. The nurses complemented me on my bras! I bought my normal size. They also have lots of soft cup bras that are quite pretty.

Good and also quite cheap. 

Cwtches,

Gay xxx

I think the main thing to keep in mind.... they 'prefer' you to have a 'front fastening' bra.  

I had a lumpectomy and was told to bring a 'front fastening' bra.... the reason being, when you are in surgery they put your bra on (not on themselves) they put your bra on you whilst you are under anaesthetic - I believe the reason is to fold, first it is easier for them to put on you and then the main reason, if you have any problems or when they come to check on you - it is far easier for you to open a front fastening bra than to be trying to reach behind your back - especially if you are lying upright in bed, then a front fastening bra is far more easier.

I am a larger lady (hahaha I'm a lady) and did leave it till the last minute, expecting to be able to buy a bra easy.... no, not true, so I actually didn't get a front fastener in time for my operation, I don't think it mattered so much, they got my bra on and the location of my wound was near to the top of my breast.

If I had understood the reason for a front fastening bra, I would of shopped around earlier - it does make sense. Have a look online at J D Williams, Curvisa, Asda, etc - they are very resonable - you might find something here that is suitable. 

Like I say, I think the main the main reason for front fastening to enable simple access if needed/check-up etc.

I am sure other ladies that have had mastectomies will come forward and offer their advice and opinions xx 

WhatHappened I had a lumpectomy and they didn't tell me to bring a bra and I didn't come around from surgery with one on.  Never mentioned. I did have a large pressure dressing which no one told me to remove after 24 hours though so whem I saw my BCN a couple of days later for wound check she was horrified as it was stuck well and good and I lost a bit of skin off my back.  My hubby had to wipe it daily with baby oil to try to remove stickiness and fluff!  He said WD40 would work better but I told him to continue with baby oil!!

Oh cool! Thanks for sharing.

Es x

My reconstruction op was cancelled due to coronavirus so I just had a mastectomy. (Just ha) They told me to buy support BACK fastening bras which puzzled me a bit but it turns out it was to keep the fastening away from the wound? I think you should go with what your surgeon wants.

For immediately after the op, I bought the front fastening sports bra type post surgery bras from the Asda website (2 for £15). They are very comfortable and soft. I still wear them now as sports bras. For prettier bras, I have also had some nice ones from Nicola Jane.

Hi,

I had high grade DCIS and had a mastectomy and immediate reconstruction by DIEP. I did use the same bra as has been recommended to you - it was very comfortable. I was also used a M & S front zipped sports bra. They do put the bra on you during surgery but also they need to have a front opening bra as if you are having a DIEP they need quick and easy access to the new boob every hour to do their observations to check blood flow. It is really important. If you are having an implant things will be different. In fact I still use my soft surgery bra (2 years on!!) for bed wear so these things do have uses afterwards!!! I would go with what you have been advised by your surgeon or breast nurse.