Since 1997
After getting a breast cancer diagnosis, many things in your life will change, including how you shop for bras. For many women, the thought of bra shopping for their post mastectomy body is daunting; however, there is a wide world of possibilities and support that enrich your post-mastectomy bra shopping experience.
Finding the Right Bra Size
Your bra size may change after surgery, particularly if you have a double mastectomy. The best way to find your new size is to get fitted by a professional. For some women, the idea of being fitted for a bra post mastectomy is nerve-wracking. The accredited fitters at A Fitting Experience Mastectomy Shoppe are trained to put you at ease and offer helpful advice.
You may go through several bra size changes, particularly if you have reconstructive breast surgery following your mastectomy due to post-operative swelling and implant settling.
The Type of Bra You Like May Change
Before being diagnosed with breast cancer and having a mastectomy, you probably had a clear idea of the style of bras you did and didn’t like based on the way they felt, the way they looked, and how they combined with your clothes. After breast cancer treatment, whether you have a lumpectomy or a bilateral mastectomy, your priorities and needs are likely to change. Some of the bra features you need to consider include:
Fabrics
After your mastectomy or breast reconstruction, you will probably find that bras with stretch fabric that molds to the shape of your breasts are preferable. Soft fabrics are also gentle on scar tissue and feel good on sensitive skin.
Front-fasten bras
Bras that fasten at the front are particularly useful soon after surgery when your range of motion may be limited. However, many women also find that a front closure bra makes it easier to adjust the fit when wearing a breast form.
Underwired bras
You should wear wire-free bras for several months after surgery as the underwire can dig into your sensitive surgery site. However, once you are healed, the choice is up to you. While many women find wire-free bras more comfortable and flexible, others prefer the boost and structure offered by underwire.
Bra shape
The shape of the bra you like may change after surgery. For example, if you have a high surgery scar, you might prefer to wear a bra with a high cup or lace panel to disguise it.
Bra pockets
If you decide against breast reconstruction, you may wish to wear a breast form to give you more balance and symmetry. To keep your breast form secure, mastectomy bras and swimwear come with bra pockets.
The Emotional and Physical Aspects of Mastectomy Bra Shopping
The way you feel both physically and emotionally will change as you get further from your breast surgery. Physically your body has gone through a lot, and in the weeks and months after surgery, your main focus when bra shopping will be comfort and practical features.
For instance, shortly after a mastectomy or reconstructive surgery, you will need a post-surgical bra for compression therapy, whereas after several months, you may need a bra that comfortably fits your breast form.
A mastectomy is both emotionally and physically challenging. You may experience moments when you don’t even want to think about bras, let alone shop for them. But, at other moments, hopefully, you will enjoy the idea of treating yourself to comfortable, attractive underwear.
Bra shopping after a mastectomy, especially when you do it for the first time, can feel stressful. During this vulnerable time, it’s important that you get support and advice from people who understand what you are going through and can help guide you through this new shopping experience.
You can reduce the stress around bra shopping by visiting A Fitting Experience Mastectomy Shoppe, which specializes in mastectomy bras and breast prosthesis, rather than a generic bra shop that happens to sell mastectomy bras. Our staff is experienced in supporting clients and has a wealth of post-surgery knowledge, from what bras are most comfortable to health insurance tips.
Pretty Bras are Still an Option
As you begin bra shopping after your mastectomy, you may worry that the bras you can wear now will be unattractive or matronly. Fortunately, this is not the case. There are all kinds of bras on the market, from pretty florals to sexy lace, so you can find the lingerie that makes you look and feel fantastic. Bra shopping after a mastectomy can be empowering.
Getting the Right Breast Form
For many women, breast forms are a key component of bra shopping after a mastectomy. How a bra works with your breast forms, how secure it keeps them, and how it makes them look is paramount.
Finding a breast form that you love is just as important as finding the right bra. There are various breast forms such as silicone forms, partial shapers, and those suitable for swimming. The right breast forms for you depends on your body and personal preference. You may discover that you like different styles of breast forms for different occasions.
One way to guarantee you’re satisfied with your breast prosthesis is to get fitted by an accredited fitting professional at A Fitting Experience Mastectomy Shoppe. Not only do we provide sensitive, expert fittings, but we can also offer compassionate and practical information for women who have received a breast cancer diagnosis. For more information, call (954) 978-8287 today.