Mastectomy bras are designed specifically for women who have undergone a mastectomy, or a lumpectomy. These bras can be worn together or with breast prostheses. Post-surgical bras have specially designed discreet pockets inside their cups. Some mastectomy bras come with only a pocket in one cup, but there are others with pockets in both cups. Most post-surgical bras are “bilateral” which means they can place the breast prosthesis in either or both cups.
A good quality mastectomy bra is more than just a traditional bra with additional pockets. It’s a bra that provides enough coverage and support to your breast form. It’s made from soft materials that is ideal for those with sensitive skin. Many post-surgical bras do not have underwires. Because they’re very comfortable to use, even women who have not undergone breast surgery can use mastectomy style bras. These bras also work great if you have naturally uneven breasts and would like to wear padding on one side of the bra.
Different Types of Mastectomy Bras
A mastectomy bra can provide you with the comfortable fit you need, and it also comes with unique features that help users look and feel their best. Mastectomy brassieres are available in different styles and they are as follows:
- Basic Mastectomy Bra
The basic mastectomy bra was designed to provide easy support to Mastectomy Breast Forms (Breast Prosthetics). This type of bra has pockets built inside the cups for holding them so that they remain in place correctly and out of sight.
- Front Closure Mastectomy Bra
A front closure mastectomy bra was created so users do not have to reach behind their backs to fasten the bra. This can be extremely helpful especially if your surgery is still fairly new or recent. Front closure bras come in a couple of styles such as clasp or magnetic.
- Sleeper Bras
Sleeper bras usually provide support to users going through the healing process after surgery. These bras were made to provide as much comfort as possible to mastectomy patients. Many women find sleeper bras to be so comfortable that they wear them all throughout the day during the healing stages.
Mastectomy Bra Styles
Different mastectomy bra styles include the seamless soft cup, foam cup underwire, molded cup, t-shirt, camisole cup, and the changeable strap.
The healing process is a very important stage after undergoing through a mastectomy. Being and staying comfortable is terribly important after surgery. It is highly likely that after surgery your doctor will recommend you wear a compression bra or sports bra. Do not switch to a regular mastectomy bra until your physician recommends them. When buying a mastectomy bra, it’s important that you choose the cup size based on the larger breast. You need to get a professional bra fitting after your mastectomy, lumpectomy, or breast reconstruction surgery. This helps determine your new bra size and your prosthesis size.
How to Choose and Fit a Mastectomy Bra
It can be overwhelming or a little daunting for breast cancer survivors or those who have undergone breast reconstruction surgery to navigate the world of prostheses and mastectomy bras. But shopping for a mastectomy bra shouldn’t be so complicated and confusing.
Nowadays, you can find mastectomy prostheses and bras sold in the same styles and colors as regular bras. This has made it quite easy for patients to find a bra that is comparable in style to the one they may already be used to wearing. As a matter of fact, modern mastectomy prostheses and bras come with regular shoulder strap styles and cross-back and athletic bras. There are even strapless varieties ideal for formal wear.
Clients should get started by fitting into a mastectomy prosthesis as soon as healing is done after surgery. These are referred to as “breast forms,” and they’re usually made of silicone gel enclosed in a soft, flexible plastic shell. They are available in a wide range of cup sizes, colors, and shape to better match the existing breast as closely as possible (in the case of patients with single mastectomy). A mastectomy prosthesis may or may not include a nipple, depending on a patient’s preference.
Clients may also have a custom prosthesis made for them if they want. This can help create a breast form that’s a lot more similar to the remain breast in the case of a single mastectomy surgery. Custom breast forms tend to cost more than regular breast forms, but they have a huge impact in making a client feel better and more confident with their appearance.
Mastectomy bras are made with pockets inside the cups. The mastectomy prosthesis slides seamlessly into the pocket, which is why it is important to choose a bra that fits correctly. A well-fitting mastectomy bra will guarantee that the breast rests firmly against the chest and won’t slip from side to side, up or down.
Choosing the right fit of mastectomy bra depends on whether one or both breasts have been removed from the patient. Single mastectomy patients should go for a breast form in the same cup size as the existing breast. The right prosthesis will fit so well to the chest without any gaps or air pockets. A patient may have to try different shapes before they can find the best fit for them.
Patients that have undergone double mastectomy can choose any cup size they want when it comes to breast forms. Most patients feel comfortable choosing prostheses that are of the same size as their former cup size. But it is possible to choose a smaller or larger cup size if needed. Patients are usually recommended not to go more than one cup size larger or smaller. They are also advised to choose a shape that’s similar or close to the shape of their own breasts that conforms to their body shape. This helps to make the transition a lot more natural.
After the client has found the right prosthesis, she should use them to help fit the new mastectomy bra. These bras are fitted the same way regular bras are fitted.
