Women who have been treated for breast cancer have likely had surgeries, such as lumpectomies, simple mastectomies or radical mastectomies, which cause an alteration in appearance. After such an alteration, it may be difficult for you to find a bra that provides fit as well as comfort. Understanding what to consider when selecting a post-surgery bra may help you achieve the right fit.
Using a Breast Form
Though you can go without any form of padding, many women invest in a breast form or prosthesis. This is an artificial breast that is placed inside the bra for a symmetrical look. Breast forms can be full or partials, called equalizers, and come in silicone or other material. Having such forms, or creating your own form, not only provides you with a symmetrical shape, but also can help balance your posture, protect your scars and keep any bra you select from riding up, according to the Simms/Mann UCLA Center for Integrative Oncology. If you do not want a breast form, you can create your own padding using any material that feels comfortable.
Mastectomy Bra Option
Mastectomy bras have a built-in pocket to hold your breast form or alternate padding. These bras come in various colors, shapes and weights and are sold from a variety of companies. Mastectomy bras can also look and feel like a regular bra, which can increase your comfort level with wearing the specialized product.
Achieving Proper Fit
In bras that don't contain pockets for a breast form or padding, the form must sit without constraints inside your bra. Look for bras that fit you properly and have full cups instead of a plunge, as this can help keep the breast form in place and in the right position. Sports bras are also helpful in keeping the breast form in place and providing comfort to the overall chest area. In addition, whether a breast form is present or not, purchase a bra that is not tight or fits too closely to the area underneath your natural breast line, as this can cause added discomfort and even inhibit recovery.
Bra Alterations
If you do not want to purchase a mastectomy bra, but would like your pre-surgery bras to accommodate breast forms or makeshift padding, consider having your bras altered. Such an alteration would provide a custom-sewn pocket area like the ones featured in a mastectomy bra. Ask your breast care nurse about possible bra alterations. Also, check to see whether your insurance covers such alterations.
Wait Before Purchase
If you've decided on purchasing a mastectomy bra, or are considering alterations on your pre-surgery bras, consider waiting a few weeks before any purchase or alteration. Your chest needs time to recover from the operation, and you may experience temporary swelling associated with surgery. Thus, purchasing a mastectomy bra at this time may lead to future complications in its fit and comfort. In addition, if you are considering breast augmentation in the near future, you might not need to invest in a special bra, as you may be able to return to your old bras after the augmentation, or need to buy different bras to accommodate your new, symmetrical size. In these cases, try wearing a temporary breast form or makeshift padding in a pre-surgery bra or sports bra.
