Finding the appropriate post-mastectomy bra to wear during recovery from breast cancer surgery is one of the most important considerations. A post-mastectomy bra is essential for providing support to the chest wall and any breast tissue that remains after a mastectomy. There are a lot of mastectomy bras out there, and many of them have features that speed up the healing process and help your body regain its shape and symmetry.
However, before you go ahead and make your purchase, you need to give careful consideration to a number of different factors.
Top Considerations When Buying Mastectomy Bras
Pick a suitable breast form to use.
If you decide against undergoing breast reconstruction, you might want to think about getting breast forms to help improve your figure. In addition to selecting the appropriate mastectomy bra, you will also need to choose breast prostheses that either complement your natural breast (in the case of a unilateral mastectomy) or are in keeping with the size and proportion of your body.
When selecting a breast form, there are a few things to keep in mind, including size, shape, weight, and material.
A certified mastectomy fitter can assist you in selecting the ideal breast form for your body and lifestyle. If you are not sure what is the size or type of breast form to select, a certified mastectomy fitter can assist you in making this decision. In order to determine the optimal shape and cup size, they will take precise measurements of your chest wall, taking into account both your natural breast tissue and any scar tissue that may be present.
If you have a broad chest or shallow bust projection, you should consider getting breast forms in the shape of a triangle. The tapered corners reach from the center of your chest to under your arm, adding volume to your breasts while also giving the appearance that they are more evenly distributed.
Women with an average cup profile and more breast tissue volume below the nipple may find that teardrop-shaped breast forms are the most natural-looking option. Breast forms that are round or oval in shape have more bust projection and provide even volume distribution above and below the nipple.
Determine the kind of bra that best fits your needs.
The degree of your recovery will determine which style of mastectomy bra is appropriate for you. In order to facilitate healing after surgery, you will need a firm support bra that is made of extremely soft and breathable materials. After your wounds have healed, you will need seamless bras to wear on a daily basis. Then, when you get clearance from your physician to start exercising again, you need to have a supportive sports bra to wear so that you can minimize the movement of your breasts. These types of mastectomy bras are among the most common:
Recovery/Compression Bras
You will require either a recovery bra or a compression vest for immediate use after surgery. These post-surgical bras are designed to apply light pressure to the chest wall to stop fluid accumulation and improve blood circulation. This protects the patient from common post-operative complications like lymphedema and infection.
Seamless Pocketed Bras
You will need a pocketed mastectomy bra to hold your breast forms in place if you have had a mastectomy or lumpectomy but did not undergo breast reconstruction after the procedure. Look for designs that are seamless to reduce the amount of irritation around your surgical site and to make sure they are comfortable enough to wear every day.
Sports Bra
When you are ready to resume your normal exercise routine, you will require supportive sports bras to minimize the bouncing of your breasts and protect the surgical site from unnecessary strain. In addition, the fabric of your mastectomy sports bra should be moisture-wicking so that it can help you control your perspiration and maintain a consistent body temperature.
Choose the right material
During the time that you are healing from breast surgery, you might find that the area around your chest wall is more sensitive than usual. It is absolutely essential that you search for post-surgical bra models that are constructed from materials that won’t irritate your surgical site when you are shopping for one. You should also look for mastectomy bras that are made from materials that have some stretch to them for a more comfortable fit, as well as fabrics that have a knit or weave that allows air to pass through them.
Cotton is a great material to use because of its suppleness and breathability; therefore, it is an excellent choice for leisure or recovery bras. On the other hand, it does not have a very high degree of elasticity and has a propensity to absorb rather than wick away moisture. The best choice would be to go with a bra that is constructed out of a cotton blend, such as cotton blended with Lycra®, cotton blended with elastane, or cotton blended with polyester.
Determine your budget
There is a wide range of prices for mastectomy bras; however, as a general rule, they are slightly more expensive than standard bras because of their superior construction, higher-quality materials, and additional features.
After breast cancer surgery, you should have at least two and preferably three different bras so you can switch between them, wear one while the other is in the wash, and so on. This also prevents wear and tear from occurring prematurely.
As part of their standard coverage, the majority of insurance providers offer between four and six mastectomy bras to their policyholders each year. However, the style of bra you wear may have an effect on whether or not you are eligible to make a claim. Most insurance policies will only cover bras with built-in pockets or forms.
Check that the bra size is right for you.
A properly fitting mastectomy bra is essential. A bra that is too small could further dig into your skin, which is extremely uncomfortable, and a bra that is too large may not provide the necessary amount of support. It is possible to find a bra that fits you perfectly if you go to a certified mastectomy bra fitter.
Prior to having surgery, you should make an appointment to have a post-surgical compression bra and a recovery bra fitted for you. This ensures that they are ready to be worn as soon as you walk out of the operating room after the procedure.
Get a second appointment to get a fit for an everyday pocketed mastectomy bra once the initial swelling has subsided, which typically occurs after six to eight weeks after the mastectomy.