Choosing the right post-breast surgery bras and abdominal girdles can make a big difference in how you feel after breast reconstruction surgery. Supportive garments not only help shape and protect healing tissue, but they can also provide much-needed comfort during recovery.
“The goal is to optimize healing, reduce complications, and help patients feel secure and supported during recovery,” says Dr. Chet Nastala, a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon at PRMA Plastic Surgery. “That begins with the right bra or binder from day one.”
Although every surgeon has specific recommendations, this guide covers the general timeline and garment types you can expect throughout your breast reconstruction journey.
Why No-Wire Bras Are Recommended After Breast Surgery
After surgery, your body needs time to heal without unnecessary pressure or restriction. Here’s why wire-free bras are best in the early stages:
- Reduced Pressure on Incisions: Underwire can irritate healing incisions, especially along the breast fold. A wireless bra for after breast surgery helps protect those delicate areas.
- Comfort During Swelling: Post-surgical swelling is common. The best bras post-breast surgery have soft fabric and gentle compression to allow room for swelling without causing discomfort.
- Proper Implant Settling: For patients with implant-based reconstruction, compression bras after mastectomy can assist with implant positioning and settling—without putting pressure in the wrong places.
- Enhanced Mobility and Ease of Use: Most post-surgery bras close in the front, making them easier to take on and off when movement is limited after surgery.
- Better Healing Environment: A properly fitted, wire-free breast reconstruction bra provides a clean, supportive environment for incisions to heal.
Surgical Bras: What to Expect
Immediately after breast reconstruction surgery, you will be placed in a surgical bra. Surgical bras for after mastectomy offer compression and support and are designed with functionality in mind. Although they are not super fashionable, they do offer many necessary benefits while healing after surgery. They typically feature:
- Front closures for easy removal
- Breathable, soft fabrics
- Strategic compression to reduce swelling and support shaping
At PRMA, we provide your first surgical bra. To protect the garment (and your incisions), we recommend wearing a loose-fitting t-shirt underneath until all wounds are fully healed.
You’ll wear this bra for about two to three weeks or as directed by your surgeon.
In-Between Bras: Transitioning After Drains Are Removed
Once your surgical drains are out, you can switch to a support bra. This is an intermediate stage before your final fitting and size.
At PRMA, we recommend a wide-panel bra that:
- Offers full support around the reconstructed breast
- Supports the outer and inner sides and the inframammary fold
- Provides light lift without excessive tightness
These “in-between” bras to wear after breast surgery are temporary, as your body continues to adjust. Your size and shape will likely evolve after the second stage of reconstruction (also called the revision stage), so there’s no need to splurge on expensive options at this point.
Your Final Bras
Once you’ve completed healing from the second stage of your reconstruction, it’s time for your final bra fitting. You can say goodbye to the surgical and in-between bras!
Here’s what to look for when shopping for your new breast reconstruction bras:
- Cups: Should gently hug the breast without gapping or spillage. Fit to your larger breast if they differ in size (common for most women).
- Straps: Should sit comfortably on your shoulders without digging in.
- Band: Should sit level across your torso and feel snug but not restrictive.
A professional fitting is strongly recommended to find your correct size. Remember—each brand fits a little differently, so always try before you buy.
Post-Surgery Abdominal Binders
If your breast reconstruction includes tissue transfer (like the DIEP flap), you’ll also be fitted with an abdominal binder. This wrap-style garment supports your core and incision site to promote healing and minimize swelling.
Just like the surgical bra, your abdominal binder will be placed on you immediately following surgery. The garment can look very overwhelming at first glance, but rest assured you can manage it! The binder should be worn with the tag facing away from your body and the u-curve resting right above your buttocks. The wrap belts are coded with letters (A, B, C) to ensure proper match ups. The easiest way to remember where the wraps should be lined up and in which order they go is using the letters! To prevent staining, we again recommend wearing an oversized t-shirt under the binder until all wounds are healed.
Watch: learn how to properly wear an abdominal binder.
Panty Girdles
After your abdominal drains are removed, you no longer need to wear the abdominal binder and can transition to a supportive panty girdle. The girdle should fit comfortably but needs to provide firm support in the abdominal region. The girdle should be high-waisted and the top ought to pull up to just under your bra line.
For women who are in financial need following breast cancer surgery, PRMA has partnered with Pink Warrior Advocates and AnaOno to provide free mastectomy bras in the local community. Apply for the Bra Program here.
You can support this amazing program by shopping AnaOno online—10% of all proceeds will go towards providing a local woman in need a free mastectomy bra.
“We want our patients to feel empowered and comfortable at every stage of their healing process,” says Dr. Nastala. “Garments like girdles and support bras are practical tools to help you feel secure while your body does the work of healing.”
How Long Should You Wear a Surgical Bra After Surgery
While it varies from patient to patient, most are advised to wear a surgical bra continuously for the first 2–3 weeks after surgery—day and night. After that, you’ll move on to a transitional support bra for several more weeks or months. Be sure to follow your surgeon’s personalized guidance for optimal recovery.
Stay Comfortable and Supported, with PRMA Plastic Surgery
From your first surgical bra to your final fitting, PRMA is here to guide you every step of the way. Our team will help ensure you’re supported—literally and emotionally—through every stage of breast reconstruction.
If you have questions about garments, surgical recovery, or your personalized care plan, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re honored to walk this journey with you.
