Who Benefits from Wearing a Post-Surgical Bra?- A fitting Experience Mastectomy Shoppe

A post-surgical bra is a specialized garment women wear immediately after breast surgery. Wearing a surgical bra provides support and compression to help improve healing and minimize swelling. For many women, wearing a post-surgical bra can help reduce discomfort and speed recovery.

It is vital to wear the bra as directed by your doctor or surgeon. To minimize the appearance of incision scars, many surgeons recommend that patients wear a compression bra or belt for at least 6 weeks after surgery. You may need to wear it 24 hours a day for the first few weeks, then gradually reduce the amount of time you wear it. 

Discover which patients benefit most from wearing a post-op bra and how to find a surgical bra that offers the perfect fit. 

Which Patients Can Benefit From a Post-Surgical Bra?

A post-surgical bra can benefit numerous patients who have recently undergone breast surgery. Recovery from breast surgery can be difficult, and many patients face common problems such as swelling, pain, and discomfort. A post-surgical bra can help alleviate some of these issues, making recovery easier and faster. 

You should wear a post-op bra after the following surgeries:

Mastectomy and Lumpectomy

A mastectomy is a surgery to remove all of the breast tissue, while a lumpectomy removes only the cancerous tissue. Both types of surgeries may require the removal of lymph nodes, which can lead to a severe post-surgical complication: lymphedema. 

Lymphedema occurs when lymph fluid cannot drain from the wound site, causing it to build up in the chest and arms. This can lead to severe swelling and infections like cellulitis. 

A compression bra can help to reduce the risk of post-surgical swelling and lymphedema. The bra applies targeted pressure to the arm and chest, which helps to move the fluid away from the wound site and back into the body. 

The bra also helps to support breast tissue, which can become stretched and tender after surgery. You can also find post-surgical bras with integrated drain pouches that are ideal for managing drainage tubes and bags for mastectomy patients. 

Breast Reconstruction

Breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure to rebuild the shape and appearance of the breast after a mastectomy. A compression bra with front closure and adjustable straps is ideal for breast reconstruction surgery. 

It provides the necessary support and compression to aid in the healing process while being easy to put on and take off; many women experience a limited range of upper body motion following reconstructive surgery.

The front closure ensures that the bra will not rub against your incisions to avoid redness. The adjustable straps allow you to customize the bra size to ensure that you are comfortable and supported. A post-surgery bra will minimize the pull on scar tissue, which can help achieve the best esthetic result.

Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is a popular cosmetic procedure that can help women achieve their desired look. While breast implant surgery is relatively straightforward, the recovery process can take several weeks. 

A compression bra helps to reduce bruising and keep the implants in place by reducing movement. This is important because it minimizes the risk of implant dislocation, a severe complication requiring additional surgery. It also helps remove any strain on the stitches, speeding up the recovery process. 

Breast Reduction

Breast reduction surgery is a major operation to reduce the size and weight of breasts and carries a significant risk of scarring. A post-surgical bra with a compression belt helps to reduce collagen build-up as the scars heal, making them softer and easier to manage. 

Thoracic Surgery

Thoracic surgery involves operations on the heart, major blood vessels, lungs, esophagus, and other structures inside the thoracic cavity. These surgeries often have a lengthy recovery period, and patients are often advised to wear a compression or sports bra. It can help reduce tension on the sternal incision and skin contact on chest incisions. 

Post-surgical bras should be made from breathable cotton elastic or spandex material and feature a wide band that helps to distribute the pressure evenly. The bra’s material helps wick away moisture, reducing the risk of infection. Some styles also feature removable pads to help protect the incisions from rubbing and chafing. 

Find High-Quality Post-Surgical Bras at A Fitting Experience Mastectomy Shoppe

Unsatisfactory bra choices after breast cancer treatment and lack of guidance in bra selection from medically trained professionals are common aftercare problems. 

At A Fitting Experience Mastectomy Shoppe, we are proud to be a fully recognized accredited ABCOP Medicare facility. Our certified, licensed fitters will take the time to find the perfect bra for you, and our custom fitting services ensure that you’ll always have an ideal fit. 

Schedule your visit at our Florida store or call us at (954) 978-8287 to schedule a personalized and confidential fitting for a post-surgical bra.