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The Best Bras After Breast Surgery

Linsey Gold • Sep 23, 2022

If you've had breast surgery, you know that finding the right bra is essential for a comfortable post-surgery recovery.


However, finding a good bra can be tricky. In fact, it can be downright frustrating! But don’t worry, we’re here to help.


In this article, we will discuss the best bras for women who have undergone breast surgery. We will cover everything from post-operative bras to mastectomy bras and everything in between. So whether you’ve had a simple lumpectomy or a full mastectomy, read on for the best tips and advice on finding the perfect bra after breast surgery!




RELATED: Common Causes of Sagging Breasts and Tips for Prevention




12 Kinds of Bra to Wear for Different Types of Breast Surgeries


The Best Bras after Breast Augmentation Surgery


Breast augmentation procedure is a type of cosmetic surgery that is performed to increase the size, shape, or fullness of the breasts. This can be done by placing silicone implants under the breast tissue or by using fat grafting.



If you are considering or have undergone this surgery, here are the breast augmentation bras that you will need for post-op care:




  • Medical Compression Bra or Surgical Bra


A medical compression bra is typically worn for the first few weeks after surgery. It ensures that your new breasts heal in the correct position, and the breast implants settle into place.


In addition, surgical bras help to promote blood circulation and minimize swelling and bruising by applying gentle pressure to the chest.


  • Stabilizer Bra


This type of breast augmentation bra can help to achieve the best possible results from your surgery. It helps to support the new implants and prevents them from moving around, which can cause pain and lead to complications such as capsular contracture.


Most patients wear a stabilizer bra for at least six weeks after surgery, although some may wear it for longer.


The Best Bras after Breast Reduction


Breast reduction or mammoplasty is a surgery to remove excess breast tissue. It can be used to treat conditions like macromastia, which is when the breasts are excessively large. The surgery can also be done for aesthetic reasons or to relieve pain and discomfort caused by large, heavy breasts.



After undergoing mammoplasty, it is important to choose the right bra to support your breasts and promote healing:



  • Post-surgical Recovery Bra


This type of bra helps to support the surgical site and prevent it from becoming stretched out or deformed. Additionally, the bra can help to minimize swelling and pain after surgery.


Recovery bras are typically made from soft, breathable materials that are gentle on the skin. They should be worn 24 hours a day for at least three weeks after surgery, and then as needed during the recovery period.


  • Sports Bra


After breast reduction surgery, it is important to wear a supportive sports bra when participating in any type of physical activity. This will help to protect your incision and prevent the development of any complications.


However, you should avoid any high-impact activities for at least four weeks after surgery. Once you have been cleared by your doctor, you can slowly start to reintroduce some lower-impact activities into your routine.


The Best Bra after Mastopexy


Breast lift surgery, also known as mastopexy, is a surgical procedure that can be used to improve the appearance of breasts that have drooped or sagged due to pregnancy, weight loss, or aging. The surgery involves making incisions in the skin and repositioning the breast tissue to create a more youthful look.



After your surgery, your doctor will likely recommend a wireless bra for you to wear:



  • Supportive Wireless Bra


This type of bra will help to support your new, higher breasts and prevent them from sagging. They often have wide straps and bandeau-style cups that provide lift without putting too much pressure on your incisions.


In addition, they are often made from breathable material that helps to keep you cool and comfortable.


The Best Bras after Lumpectomy


Lumpectomy is a surgical procedure to remove cancerous tissue from the breast. The surgery usually involves removing the tumor along with a small margin of healthy tissue around it.



One of the most difficult challenges after lumpectomy is finding a bra that is both comfortable and flattering. Luckily, there are bras on the market that are suitable for patients who have had this surgery:



  • Soft Cup Bra


Following a lumpectomy, many women choose to wear a soft cup bra to support their breasts and help them recover from surgery.


Soft cup bras are typically made from lightweight materials such as cotton or spandex, and have a wide strap that distributes weight evenly across the shoulders.


They also have a wide band around the bottom that helps to support the breasts and prevent them from moving around. Most importantly, soft cup bras provide gentle compression, which can help to reduce swelling and discomfort after surgery.


  • Pullover Lounge Bra


Many women find that a pullover lounge bra is the most comfortable option after undergoing a lumpectomy. This type of bra provides gentle support and does not have any hooks or straps that could irritate sensitive skin.


In addition, a pullover bra can be easily put on and taken off, which is helpful for women who have reduced mobility after surgery.



The Best Bras after Mastectomy


Mastectomy is a surgery to remove all of the breast tissue. It is usually done to treat breast cancer, but it can also be done to prevent breast cancer from developing.



Here are the types of bra that you should keep in mind when shopping for undergarments after mastectomy:



  • Front-Closure Bra


These bras fasten in the front, making them easier to put on and take off than traditional bras. They also often have wider straps, which can provide additional support and comfort.


Front-closure bras are available in a variety of styles, so you can choose one that best fits your needs.


  • Full Coverage Bra


This type of bra provides full coverage of the breast, as well as support and lift. They are also often made with comfortable fabric that will not irritate the skin.


When choosing a full coverage bra, it is important to pay attention to the fit. Make sure that the band is snug but not too tight, and that the cups offer adequate coverage.


You may also want to consider a bra with adjustable straps, so that you can customize the fit.



RELATED: Firm Breast Workout: 6 Chest Exercises to Lift Breasts



  • Plunge Bra


After undergoing mastectomy surgery, many women feel self-conscious about their appearance and worry that they will never feel attractive again. However, a plunge bra can help to restore a woman's confidence and give her a feeling of normalcy.


Plunge bras have a deep V-shaped neckline, which can help to create the appearance of a fuller bust. They also offer support and lift without compromising comfort.


Plunge bras are often made with soft, stretchy fabrics that are gentle on sensitive skin. In addition, they can be worn with a variety of different tops and dresses, giving you the freedom to choose what you wear.


  • Pocketed Bra


These bras have special pockets built into the lining, which allow you to insert a breast prosthesis or artificial breast. This provides a more natural look and feel, and also helps to keep the prosthesis in place.


There are two types of pocketed bras: those with built-in pockets, and those with attachable pockets.


Built-in pocketed bras typically have a wider band and may be more comfortable to wear. Attachable pocketed bras are lower in profile and can be easier to put on and take off.


Pocketed bras can be made from a variety of fabrics, including cotton, Lycra, nylon, and polyester.


  • Padded Bra


Padded bras can provide extra coverage, and they can help to create the appearance of a fuller chest.


There are different types of padded bras available, so it is important to find one that fits well and provides the amount of padding that you are looking for. Some padded bras also have built-in prosthetics, which can provide even more coverage.


What to Look For in a Post-surgery Bra


Choosing the right post-surgery bra is an important part of the recovery process, and there are a few things to keep in mind when making your selection:



  • Comfort


After surgery, it is important to choose a bra that is comfortable to wear. You may want to avoid underwire bras or those with constrictive elements.


  • Size


It is important to make sure that your bra fits properly. Your new bra size should be snug but not too tight, and the cups should offer adequate coverage.


  • Support


A good post-surgery bra should provide support and lift without being constricting. Select a bra with wide straps and a wide band for the best support.


  • Style


There are many different styles of post-surgery bras available, so you can choose one that best fits your needs. Consider a front-closure bra for easy on and off, or a plunge bra for a boost of confidence.


  • Adjustability


An adjustable bra is a good choice after surgery, as it will allow you to customize the fit. Choose a bra with adjustable straps and a back closure for the best adjustability.


  • Soft Fabrics


After surgery, it is important to choose a bra made with soft, comfortable fabrics. Avoid bras that are made with scratchy or stiff materials that could irritate the skin.


  • Longer Lines


Many post-surgery bras are specially designed with longer lines to provide extra coverage. If you are self-conscious about your appearance after surgery, choose a bra with a longer line for more coverage.


The Bottom Line


Wearing the right post-surgery bra is an important part of the recovery process. There are many different styles available, so it is important to choose one that is both comfortable and supportive. Be sure to try on a variety of new bras to find the perfect fit, and talk to your surgeon if you have any questions or concerns.




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Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women, and it can occur in any part of the breast. There are many different breast cancer types, but all of them start with abnormal cells that grow out of control. These abnormal cells can invade and damage nearby breast tissue, including the lymph nodes under your arm, which is why it’s important to get regular mammograms and checkups. Early detection is key to successful treatment. In this article, we'll discuss the eight different breast cancer types. We hope this information will help you become more aware of the various types of breast cancer and their potential risks. RELATED: Breast Cancer And Exercise: The Role Of Physical Activity In Women With Breast Cancer 8 Breast Cancer Types Ductal or Lobular Carcinoma The most common type of breast cancer, ductal or lobular carcinoma, begins in the breast ducts or the lobules. This type of cancer can be invasive or non-invasive, and it's usually treated with a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) or Intraductal Carcinoma or Stage 0 Breast Cancer Ductal carcinoma in situ is a pre-invasive or non-invasive breast cancer. This means that there are abnormal cells in the lining of the milk duct, and they haven't spread outside of the duct. In most cases, DCIS is found through a mammogram before it can be seen or felt. While DCIS isn't life-threatening, it's still considered cancer and should be treated as such. Left untreated, DCIS may develop into an invasive breast cancer, which can be much more serious. This is why many doctors recommend treatment for DCIS even though it's a noninvasive cancer. Surgery is the most common treatment for DCIS. The type of surgery depends on the size of the tumor and how far it has spread within the ducts. Radiation therapy is often used after surgery to kill any remaining breast cancer cells. Invasive Breast Cancer or Infiltrating Breast Cancer Invasive breast cancer is a more serious type because it has spread outside the milk ducts or lobules into surrounding breast tissue. Once the invasive breast tumors spread to other parts of the body, such as the bones or lungs, they become metastatic breast cancer. While early-stage invasive breast cancer may not cause any symptoms, advanced stages of the disease can cause a variety of symptoms, including: a lump or thickening in the breast bloody discharge from the nipple changes in the size or shape of the breast skin dimpling pain Treatment options for invasive breast cancer typically involve surgery to remove the cancerous breast tissue, as well as radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy to kill any remaining cancer cells. In some cases, a combination of these treatments is necessary to achieve the best possible outcome. With early detection and proper treatment, most women with invasive breast cancer can go on to lead long, healthy lives. The two most common types of invasive breast cancer are: a. Invasive Ductal Carcinoma or Infiltrating Ductal Carcinoma (IDC) Invasive ductal carcinomas are the most common breast cancer type, accounting for about 80% of all diagnosed cases. It begins in the milk ducts, but quickly spreads beyond ducts and into the surrounding breast tissue. Although ductal carcinoma can occur in any part of the breast, it most commonly affects the upper outer quadrant. It can occur in any age group, but is more often diagnosed in post-menopausal women. Invasive ductal carcinoma is also the most common type of male breast cancer. b. Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC) ILC is a type of invasive breast cancer that accounts for approximately 10-15% of all invasive breast cancers. Unlike other breast cancer types, which typically first form in the milk ducts, lobular carcinoma begins in the milk-producing glands (lobules) Invasive lobular breast cancer is often harder to detect on mammograms than other breast cancer types, so it's important for women to be aware of the signs and symptoms. While it can occur in women of any age, ILC is most commonly diagnosed in women over the age of 50. Apart from these two most common types, there are other rare breast cancers that are sub-types of invasive breast cancer. These breast cancers have cells with unique characteristics: Medullary carcinoma: This type is characterized by the presence of large cancer cells and is more likely to occur in women with a family history of breast cancer. Tubular carcinoma: Under a microscope, breast cancer cells from a tubular carcinoma look like tubes. This type makes up about 2% of all breast cancers. Mucinous (or colloid) carcinoma: This cancer looks very different from other types of breast cancer because it contains a large amount of mucin. Mucin is a jelly-like substance that's normally found in small amounts in mucous membranes, such as the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. Papillary carcinoma: This is characterized by long and thin tumors, similar in appearance to finger-like growths. It's usually found in older women. Adenoid cystic carcinoma: This is a type of cancer that typically affects the salivary glands. However, it can also occur in other tissues, such as the breast. It's characterized by the presence of two different types of cells--luminal and basaloid. Low-grade adenosquamous carcinoma: This is a rare variant of metaplastic breast cancer that's characterized by both glandular and squamous differentiation. Some subtypes of breast cancer have the same or even worse prognoses than invasive carcinoma, including: Mixed carcinoma: The prognosis of mixed carcinoma of the breast is quite good, with an average of eight-year disease-free survival. Metaplastic breast cancer: The five-year survival rate for this type is around 63%. Micropapillary carcinoma: This type is usually associated with a poorer prognosis than other types of breast cancer, but can be successfully treated in some cases. HER2-Positive Breast Cancer This is a type of breast cancer that's characterized by an overgrowth of the HER2 protein. This protein is found on the surface of healthy cells, and it helps to regulate cell growth. However, in HER2-positive breast cancer, the protein is produced in excess, causing the cells to grow and divide at an abnormally fast rate. Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) TNBC is an aggressive type of invasive breast cancer that's named "triple negative" because it's characterized by the lack of receptors commonly found in breast cancer: estrogen receptor progesterone receptor human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) This means that the tumor cells aren't sensitive to hormone therapy, making it difficult to treat. They also tend to grow and spread more quickly than other types of breast cancer. Women with triple negative breast cancers are typically diagnosed at a younger age and have a higher risk of recurrence . RELATED: How To Improve Breast Health Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) Inflammatory breast cancer is a rare form of locally advanced breast cancer, meaning that it has already progressed locally but has not yet spread through the lymph nodes or outside the breast. IBC accounts for only 1-5% of all breast cancer cases and typically occurs in younger women and in African American women. Symptoms can include: redness swelling warmth in the affected breast inverted nipple discharge from the nipple IBC is often mistaken for a breast infection, which can delay treatment and result in the cancer spreading. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Less Common Types of Breast Cancers Some types of breast cancer are less common than others. This doesn't mean they're any less serious, but it does mean that they may not be as well-known. Here are three less common types of breast cancer: Paget's Disease of the Breast Paget disease is a rare form of cancer that affects the nipple and areola (the dark area of skin around the nipple). The disease gets its name from Sir James Paget, the doctor who first described it in 1874. Common symptoms include:  a rash or crusting around the nipple itching burning pain Angiosarcoma Angiosarcoma is a type of cancer that develops in the lining of blood vessels or lymph vessels. It can occur anywhere in the body, but it most commonly develops in the skin, breast, or liver. Angiosarcoma is rare, and it's often diagnosed at an advanced stage. The prognosis for angiosarcoma is generally poor, but it varies depending on the location and stage of the cancer. With early diagnosis and treatment, some patients are able to achieve long-term remission. Phyllodes Tumor A phyllodes tumor is a rare type of breast tumor that arises from the breast's connective tissue, specifically the stroma. Its name comes from the Greek word "phyllodes," meaning "leaf-like." Phyllodes tumors tend to be large and bulky, and they can grow quickly. They're usually benign (non-cancerous), but in some cases, they can be malignant (cancerous). Phyllodes tumors are relatively rare, accounting for less than 1% of all breast tumors. Final Thoughts Breast cancer comes in many different forms and can affect people of any age, gender, or race. Understanding its different types is key to getting an accurate diagnosis and finding the best treatment plan. While breast cancer can be a serious illness, it's important to remember that it can also be successfully treated with early detection and advanced treatments. If you're ever concerned about a potential breast cancer symptom, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor. They can help you determine if it's something to be concerned about and make sure you get the care you need. Most importantly, remember to take your health into your own hands as much as possible—schedule regular check-ups with your doctor, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and stay up-to-date on breast health screenings. Doing this could save your life! Remember, early diagnosis is key for successful treatment of any type of breast cancer. Up Next: How To Take Care Of Your Breast Prostheses What Is A Mastectomy? | Everything You Need To Know The Best Bras After Breast Surgery
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