Do I have to wear a bra after a mastectomy?
A lot of things change after a mastectomy. As a woman, you have been though a turning point that requires not only physical healing but also emotional healing. Before a mastectomy, shopping for bras may have been a simple process, but your post-mastectomy body now faces you with new challenges that complicates bra shopping, if you do not know or understand what you are shopping for.
Give yourself time to adjust to your new body and recognize the changes you have been through, using this when you look for the right bra for you.
What to expect after surgery
It is going to take time to heel fully. Throughout this time, you must support the healing process by wearing the right garments with the features you need for the optimal recovery.
Your doctor will advise that you wear surgery bras immediately after your operation. This bra is not going to look like your normal day to day bra. It is made from special stretch fabric that provides gentle compression to speed up and support the healing process. A post-surgical bra may also have features to hold surgical drains and allow easy examination of the wound site. Because of this, they will most probably feature a front closure and detachable Velcro straps.
To get the most out of the bra, you should be wearing it for around 6-8weeks, though always check with your doctor as they will confirm with you when you’re ready for the garment to be removed, and your bra shopping can begin.
Building your post-mastectomy bra wardrobe
Once you have been given all clear form you doctor, you’ll be able to get rid of your surgical bra and look for your new post-mastectomy bra. Throughout the entire first year after surgery, it is best to choose to wear a bra that has:
- Individual separate cups
- Full cups
- Soft seams and minimal detailing
- No underwire
- A wide under band
Have a selection of 4 or 5 bras, including bras to wear at home, sleep in, supportive bras and several seamless t-shirt bras for wearing every day.
Getting the right bra size may not be easy now; getting a professional to help you may be the best answer. It will help you save time, money, and emotional energy. You may be struggling to shop for bras post operation but seeing a specialist bra fitter will understand your situation and help you with your choices.
Learning how to wear a bra after any kind of breast surgery can be hard. Take the stress away form finding the right bra by visiting a fitter. You can visit the link here, to book in with one of our specialists for a personalized bra fitting at Cherry Blossom Intimates.