Key Takeaways:
- Each mastectomy patient is different and so is their bra needs.
- Your lifestyle may dictate the type of mastectomy bra that might be ideal for you.
- Mastectomy bras are not only functional but can be stylish.
- Often a mastectomy bra is used in conjunction with a breast prosthesis for women where reconstruction surgery is not possible or further surgery wants to be avoided.
- There are an abundance of available styles, materials, and types available to women and Damozelle as many options available to every woman.
After surgery for breast cancer, a mastectomy patient faces a number of unknowns. A mastectomy is the removal of breast tissue and this surgery can mean the removal of one or both of a woman’s breasts. Once the recovery period is over, women often can become self-conscious and may not fully understand the options available for choosing the right mastectomy bra. Also, choosing the right mastectomy bra can aid in your recovery after surgery. Hopefully, I can give you some insight into the options available, so be sure to visit Damozelle for all of your mastectomy bra needs.
Types of Mastectomy
A breast cancer diagnosis can require surgery and this means a mastectomy. There are actually different types of mastectomy surgery. Breast-cancer surgery can include:
- Total Mastectomy: This surgery removes all your breast tissue, including the nipple, skin covering the breast, and areola to treat cancer. Removal of only one breast is called a unilateral mastectomy while removal of both is referred to as bilateral or double mastectomy.
- Modified Radical Mastectomy: A procedure in which there is the removal of axillary lymph nodes are removed in conjunction with a total mastectomy.
- Skin-sparing Mastectomy: This is the removal of all tissue inside the breast while most of the outer skin stays in place.
- Nipple-sparing Mastectomy: In some cases, your surgeon may be able to save the nipple and areola.
For women who may be at high risk of developing breast cancer, a prophylactic or preventative mastectomy is an option. Often this can be determined with genetic testing or through other lab tests and are often for preventing breast cancer.
Mastectomy Bra Types
As you can imagine, the type of mastectomy you receive can influence your decision on the type of mastectomy bra you need. When choosing a mastectomy bra, women might want to consider options such as wireless design, closure type, support level, adjustability, compression level, lifestyle, and style or fabric. For women who choose breast forms after surgery, mastectomy bras with pockets can accommodate many shapes and styles of breast forms.
Some of the options available to women when they are searching for a mastectomy bra include:
- Wireless mastectomy bras: Since wired bras can be an irritant, wireless bras are suggested post mastectomy. Also, in cases of reconstructed breasts the skin can be less sensitive and an underwire bra that is poking or irritating skin may go unnoticed and cause skin breakdowns. This can invite unwanted infection.
- Athletic/sports bra: For the active woman after a mastectomy, these sports bras are available in both pocketed and non-pocketed options. This can give support to women who have had single or double mastectomy surgery with a natural appearance while active.
- Compression bras: After mastectomy surgery and your surgeon clears you to actually wear a compression bra, this type of mastectomy bra provides gentle compression, aids in circulation, and reduces swelling. These are also known as post-surgical bras. Typically, these are worn for 1-3 months. These mastectomy bras provide support post mastectomy by stabilizing and immobilizing the breast and fixing the breast prosthesis in place. By keeping the breast or prosthesis in place, these bras can help facilitate healing and comfort while offering front closures for easy dressing and undressing.
- Camisoles/tank tops: As women recover from mastectomy surgery, the ability to dress in a fashionable, feminine manner goes a long way in helping self-confidence. These camisoles and tank tops often offer support and comfort while providing pockets to securely keep breast forms in place for all day comfort.
- Swimwear: Recovery after a mastectomy also means getting back to everyday activities and swimming is no exception. Mastectomy swimwear keeps breast forms and shapers in place while providing support during mastectomy recovery. Mastectomy swimwear is available in both one-piece and bikini/two-piece options.
There are a plethora of styles, materials, options, and features available to mastectomy patients, so many that might make your head spin!! Brands such as Classique, Anita, Trulife, and Amoena all have mastectomy bras that promote healing, offer front/rear closure types, and provide comfortable support.
Our Top Mastectomy Bras
When to Seek Medical Attention
After any mastectomy there will be follow-up appointments with your doctor. Typically, you will have doctor visits every three months for the first two years and then every six months or 3-5 years after treatment. After that, you will have annual visits but if you should experience any discomfort, pain, or discover a lump you should see your doctor as soon as possible. Pay careful attention to back/bone pain, shortness of breath, chest pain, or tenderness that doesn’t subside and notify your physician immediately.
References:
- Surgery for Breast Cancer
- Mastectomy: What It Is, Types, Surgery & Recovery
- Mastectomy: Types, Recovery, Complications, & Side Effects
- Breast prostheses: Types, cost, and how to choose
- How to Buy a Mastectomy Bra | A Guide for Breast Cancer Patients
