Will you need a new bra after breast reconstruction surgery?
Whether you are having immediate or delayed breast reconstruction, you will most likely need new bras after your surgery.
Surgical Bra
Immediately after breast reconstruction surgery, you will usually be placed in a surgical bra. The surgical bra is similar to a sports bra, but it clasps in the front, so it can be easily taken on and off. You will need to wear this bra for approximately two to three weeks, or as recommended by your surgeon. Although it is not super fashionable, it does have many necessary benefits while healing after surgery by providing support and needed compression to help shape the breast. It is important to remember that everyone is different. Be sure to consult with your surgeon or nurse before transitioning away from the surgical bra.
Bra Fitting after Surgery
Once cleared to wear normal bras, you will need to be professionally measured for your new bra size. After you have your new size, remember to try before you buy! All bras fit differently, even if the size is the same, as varying styles and brands are designed to sit differently on your body. When trying on bras remember to look for the following:
- Cups—cups should be fitted to the breast without any gapping or bulging. If your breasts are slightly different in size (remember most women’s are) be sure to fit the bra to the largest breast.
- Shoulder Straps—straps should fit close to your body, but not so close that they cut in to your shoulders.
- Band—the band should fit nice and snug around your body, but not too tight. It also needs to sit at the same level in the front and back.
Once you have found the bra that works for you, why not buy a few! Make it fun and grab some in exciting colors and patterns!
Have you found a great place for post mastectomy and reconstruction bra fittings? Share you story!
Author: Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo and Courtney Floyd
Whether you are having immediate or delayed breast reconstruction, you will most likely need new bras after your surgery.
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Nordstrom has an amazing program. They fitted me after my surgery. See the article below. Our Certified Prosthesis Fitters at Nordstrom are specially trained to fit women for all intimate apparel following a mastectomy, lumpectomy or other reconstructive breast surgery. The Breast Prosthesis Program provides the following services and items, which are available in our comfortable, private Lingerie departments (selection may vary by store): Enhancers and equalizers for lumpectomies and reconstructive breast surgery. Post-mastectomy camisoles. Free pocketing on our collection of bras. Nordstrom currently does not accept insurance for items purchased online. Please contact your insurance provider for coverage and filing information. In-store fit services are only available to customers purchasing prosthesis merchandise in store and with the required support of a Certified Prosthesis Fitter.
July 20,2020
I found professional bra fitters at Dillard’s were the best and so nice. Soma was good too but couldn’t find many bras without underwires. Depending on your size, Victorias Secret might be an option but, again, everything has underwires. And I was told to avoid wires. I took my measurement from Dillard’s and found the corresponding size in the Bali wireless softcup with the wide strap (you can get them at Kohls and they are on sale often). They lift and shape well, have few seams, and have a little give for those still sore areas. And comfortable enough to wear to bed if needed. I was told about these by a friend who had a DIEP about a year before I did. It was a great recommendation.
July 20,2020
How funny this subject came up on my FB page today, as I just got measured this past Saturday, June 20th. Until then, bra shopping had been an emotional challenge for me. Once I finished all my surgeries I was excited until I actually started shopping for bras. You see, I was that girl who always had a drawer full of pretty matching sets of every color. The problem I have is my left breast is I guess what you’d consider to be normal in shape, but my right reconstructed breast appears flat. Also, my reconstructed aeriola is very perky at all times. I found myself giving up not liking the way my breast looked in a bra, so I’d just go to Tj Maxx or Marshalls and get the best fit and stuff the right side with padding to fill the cup. This past weekend I went to Victoria Secrets at La Canterra with my daughter who was shopping for herself. Not interested in putting myself through disappointment I had no plans of shopping for myself, until I met an amazing, knowledgeable sales guy Estefan (a guy of all people) who just started getting me to talk about my issues. No pressure. Come to find out he understood because his grandmother had also been a survivor. I got measured by a friendly sales woman and discovered my correct bra size. Once he knew my size and my needs he set out to find me the perfect bras to accommodate my needs and he succeeded. It was the best bra shopping experience ever. I am that girl again with the pretty matching sets. WhooHoo! April Perez
July 20,2020
Hi, I’m having a terrible time trying to find bras that fit me after DEIP flap surgery on noth breasts.
July 20,2020
Hey Carolyn! I am so sorry to hear you are having such a difficult time trying to find the best bra for you. It is important to remember no two breast are alike and even after reconstruction, both breast may not be 100% symmetrical. If there is a dramatic difference you may want to consider consulting with your plastic surgeon to see if additional revisions may be necessary for better symmetry. Also, brands such as Amoena also have bras for women after breast reconstruction that may be more accommodating for you. Hope this info finds you well!
July 20,2020
I too experienced amazing dignity, support and genuine love and concern from a “bra fitter” at Dillard’s at North Star Mall – San Antonio. I found out they have specific training for specific staff for just this purpose – mastectomies or reconstruction.
They are kind, careful, caring and encouraging – and make you feel like a beautiful woman. A pleasure to be in a fitting with!
I heard that Victoria’s Secret will be doing that soon as well – however, their bra’s were too sexy and minimal for what I needed after my “Mrs doubtfire” bra came off! I needed a little more “coverage” Mrs. Doubtfire was my security! LOLJuly 20,2020
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Anonymous
Nordstrom has an amazing program. They fitted me after my surgery. See the article below. Our Certified Prosthesis Fitters at Nordstrom are specially trained to fit women for all intimate apparel following a mastectomy, lumpectomy or other reconstructive breast surgery. The Breast Prosthesis Program provides the following services and items, which are available in our comfortable, private Lingerie departments (selection may vary by store): Enhancers and equalizers for lumpectomies and reconstructive breast surgery. Post-mastectomy camisoles. Free pocketing on our collection of bras. Nordstrom currently does not accept insurance for items purchased online. Please contact your insurance provider for coverage and filing information. In-store fit services are only available to customers purchasing prosthesis merchandise in store and with the required support of a Certified Prosthesis Fitter.
Anonymous
I found professional bra fitters at Dillard’s were the best and so nice. Soma was good too but couldn’t find many bras without underwires. Depending on your size, Victorias Secret might be an option but, again, everything has underwires. And I was told to avoid wires. I took my measurement from Dillard’s and found the corresponding size in the Bali wireless softcup with the wide strap (you can get them at Kohls and they are on sale often). They lift and shape well, have few seams, and have a little give for those still sore areas. And comfortable enough to wear to bed if needed. I was told about these by a friend who had a DIEP about a year before I did. It was a great recommendation.
April Perez
How funny this subject came up on my FB page today, as I just got measured this past Saturday, June 20th. Until then, bra shopping had been an emotional challenge for me. Once I finished all my surgeries I was excited until I actually started shopping for bras. You see, I was that girl who always had a drawer full of pretty matching sets of every color. The problem I have is my left breast is I guess what you’d consider to be normal in shape, but my right reconstructed breast appears flat. Also, my reconstructed aeriola is very perky at all times. I found myself giving up not liking the way my breast looked in a bra, so I’d just go to Tj Maxx or Marshalls and get the best fit and stuff the right side with padding to fill the cup. This past weekend I went to Victoria Secrets at La Canterra with my daughter who was shopping for herself. Not interested in putting myself through disappointment I had no plans of shopping for myself, until I met an amazing, knowledgeable sales guy Estefan (a guy of all people) who just started getting me to talk about my issues. No pressure. Come to find out he understood because his grandmother had also been a survivor. I got measured by a friendly sales woman and discovered my correct bra size. Once he knew my size and my needs he set out to find me the perfect bras to accommodate my needs and he succeeded. It was the best bra shopping experience ever. I am that girl again with the pretty matching sets. WhooHoo! April Perez
Carolyn
Hi, I’m having a terrible time trying to find bras that fit me after DEIP flap surgery on noth breasts.
PRMA Plastic Surgery
Hey Carolyn! I am so sorry to hear you are having such a difficult time trying to find the best bra for you. It is important to remember no two breast are alike and even after reconstruction, both breast may not be 100% symmetrical. If there is a dramatic difference you may want to consider consulting with your plastic surgeon to see if additional revisions may be necessary for better symmetry. Also, brands such as Amoena also have bras for women after breast reconstruction that may be more accommodating for you. Hope this info finds you well!
Jan
I too experienced amazing dignity, support and genuine love and concern from a “bra fitter” at Dillard’s at North Star Mall – San Antonio. I found out they have specific training for specific staff for just this purpose – mastectomies or reconstruction.
They are kind, careful, caring and encouraging – and make you feel like a beautiful woman. A pleasure to be in a fitting with!
I heard that Victoria’s Secret will be doing that soon as well – however, their bra’s were too sexy and minimal for what I needed after my “Mrs doubtfire” bra came off! I needed a little more “coverage” Mrs. Doubtfire was my security! LOL