If you are about to have breast or chest surgery it is crucial you find the right post op bra. Get yourself organised and prepare in advance so you have the perfect bra to take with you to hospital. Surgery can be daunting so getting your post-op lingerie prepared in advance, means you have one less thing to worry about in the run up and when you are on the road to recovery. But where to start with post-surgery bras? Well, you are in luck, we are here to help guide you to the perfect surgery bra for you. There are so many options out there, all fit for different purposes. Gone are the days of wearing a sports bra post op as now brands like Royce and Anita design post-operative bras, specifically for your needs. Below are our tips for finding the right post surgery bras and a few of our favourites, we hope you find helpful.
Types of surgery bras
So, if this is your first breast operation, you may be new to the world of mastectomy, surgery and post-operative bras. So, let’s start with some definitions so you understand exactly what you are buying and which bra is right for you.
Post-surgery bra – Sometimes simply called comfort bras, post-surgery bras are specifically designed for that period immediately after surgery. The priority here is comfort so these bras will be soft and comfy with no wiring or material which irritates the skin. You will likely be sore and sensitive after your operation so it is crucial to wear something that feels good. Listen to your body and find the post-surgery bra that feels right. Many post op bras will be front fastening so you can fasten your bra with a limited range of movement. This is overlooked but so useful as it gives you that independence and means you won’t struggle to get your bra on and off. Shop all post-surgery bras >
Mastectomy bra – These bras are specifically designed for people who have had a breast removed. This is not necessarily something to be worn straight after surgery but more for getting back to normal once you have recovered a little. Speak to your doctor about when you can start to wear a more supportive bra like this. Mastectomy bras are unique as they have pockets inside the bra to hold a prosthesis (a fake breast). The bra will be subtly lined with an extra layer of fabric which can encase a breast prosthesis. Some bras will have one pocket so make sure you are checking which side you need the pocket in. However, many mastectomy bras now are bilateral meaning they have pockets in both cups. Shop all mastectomy bras >
What to look for in a post-surgery bra?
The first thing to do is to speak to your doctor about your specific surgery and your post op lingerie requirements. This will give you a better understanding of what you need to help you recover. Generally, post-surgery you should be looking for wire free bras. This will ensure maximum comfort and no additional pain or pressure on the breast or chest. You need to keep your bust feeling comfy and natural for it to heal. Also, look for soft fabrics to avoid irritation of the scarred or sensitive tissue. Many post-surgery bras have antibacterial and thermoregulating properties to help keep you protected and at the optimal temperature. Compression is another term you will come across when searching for post op bras. Depending on the procedure, light compression from your bra is beneficial as it can help reduce any swelling and speed up the healing process. Once you are well into your recovery, the options of post-surgery bras widen as brands like Royce and Anita have brought you t-shirt bras, bralettes, sports bras and more which still support you through your recovery.
Best bras for after surgery
This is a great bra to start off your recovery just after surgery. This bra is comfy with no wiring or padding, made from only soft fabrics all over. The fabric is antibacterial and thermoregulating too. It secures at the front with simple poppers so you won’t struggle to reach to the back to fasten a fiddly hook & eye. This also means there is limited hardware for a more comfortable fit. The cups rise quite high so encase the whole breast for good support and great coverage. Available in a wide range of sizes this is a great choice for a variety of body shapes.
If you have had a breast removed this mastectomy bra from Anita is a popular choice to help you on the road back to normality. It is non wired and non-padded but still gives you great support thanks to the super wide straps. The straps are also padded for extra comfort and the cups feature stretchy panels to help you get that perfect new fit post-surgery. Both the cups have pockets for a prosthesis so this is a bilateral mastectomy bra. The range of colours in this bra is great so if you find this is the one for you, you can buy one to go under every outfit.
The Charlize post mastectomy bra is ideal when you are well on your way to recovery. This is still a mastectomy bra with pockets and all the practicality of the Safina bra but with a little more style. This bra looks like any other full cup bra and doesn’t have that stereotypical frumpy look of a post-surgery bra. The top section of the cup features a pretty lace design for that subtle feminine touch. This bra is still non padded and non-wired but the support comes from the wide under band and straps.