In partnership with Future Dreams breast cancer charity, bra fit specialist Monica Harringtonshares her expert advice for finding the right bra after breast cancer surgery, alongwith her favourite pieces from The Post Surgery Edit.
Finding the right bra can feel overwhelming after going through breast cancer surgery. Whether you’ve had a mastectomy,reconstruction or lumpectomy; it can be hard to know which bras are suitable and at what stage post-surgery.
Through our sponsorship of the Bra Lounge (led by Monica) at Future Dreams, we have found that women often finishsurgery unsure of which bras they’re able to wear, which can have a detrimental impact on body confidence. This led us tolaunching The Post Surgery Edit. Specially curated by Monica, The Post Surgery Edit features a selection of consideredpieces to help anyone touched by breast cancer to reconnect with their bodies and confidence post-surgery - no matterwhat type of surgery, or what stage.
The Post Surgery Edit is here to support and empower all women who may need it, because every woman deserves to feelconfident in VS. In this helpful guide, we delve into Monica’s best tips for bra fitting and finding the right bra post-surgery- along with her favourite pieces from The Post Surgery Edit.
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Choosing the right bra depends on the type of surgery you have had, and which stage you are post-surgery.
Straight After SurgeryWITH RECONSTRUCTION
Look for:• A non-wired, soft and seamless style for comfort and less risk of rubbing. • Front-fastening. • A deep underband and sides to give added support.• You will need a compression bra immediately post-reconstruction, which has a stronger fabric with special knitted zones to provide a high level of support.• In some cases, a compression belt is also used with the compression bra. Your breast care team can advise on this.
Straight After SurgeryWITHOUT RECONSTRUCTION
It’s important that this bra can be taken to the hospital with you for when you have your surgery, and can be worn immediately afterwards.
Look for:• A non-wired, soft and seamless style for comfort and less risk of rubbing. • Front-fastening. • A deep underband and sides to give added support.• The correct level of compression to give the support you need.
6 Weeks Post-SurgeryWITHOUT RECONSTRUCTION
It’s at around this time that you can reassess the style of bra you need and whether you intend to wear a prosthesis.
Look for:• A non-wired style is still important while you are still healing.• Adequate support is needed for a prosthesis - and breast - depending on your type of surgery.• A soft, breathable fabric - especially on the cups.• A deep underband and sides to give added support.• Comfortable, adjustable straps.• Front or back fastening, depending on your personal preference.For more information on breast prostheses and fitting, please see here.
3 Months Post-SurgeryWITH RECONSTRUCTION
It’s about this time that you can reassess the type of bra that you need. Depending on your healing you may feel ready to move away from wearing the compression hospital bra.
Look for:• Non-wired style• Soft, seamless fabric• Adjustable straps
Other things to consider:• We recommend you go for a bra fitting and try on a few different styles to find the best shape for you - your preference and shape may have changed post-surgery.• If you decide to use one of your existing bras, make sure it is still fitting correctly.• If you decide to wear an underwired bra, make sure that you are fully healed and check with your breast care team beforehand.• Make sure that the wire is sitting around the contour of the breast and isn’t lying on any scarring where it could rub.
Getting back into exercise can play a positive, significant part in moving forward after breast cancer. It’s really important when getting back into sport or fitness, that you find a correctly fitting sports bra that’s right for you and your stage post-surgery.
Monica shares her tips for choosing the right sports bra after breast cancer: • As always, make sure you select a bra that’s right for the level of support and impact depending on the type of exercise - for example, running or HIIT workouts would require a high-support sports bra, whereas for lower impact exercise such as yoga, you would likely only need a moderate to low support level. • If it hasn’t been long since surgery, a front-close option may help if you have some restriction of movement. • Choose bras with no seams on the inside of the cups to avoid the risk of rubbing against scars.• Make sure that the bra has a deep band and sides - and doesn’t sit on any scarring.• If wearing a prosthesis, lightweight non silicone breast forms are more comfortable inside the bra, especially during vigorous exercise. • Remember to prioritise your comfort and listen to your body. Consult with your breast care team before doing any exercise.
“My number one piece from this edit has to be the Victoria’s Secret Mastectomy bra. This is perfect if you have had a mastectomy or lumpectomy, and can also be worn if you decide to go flat. I love that this bra looks like an everyday crop top, but with all the hidden extras to take you through your recovery and beyond.”
Key features:• Seamless - meaning nothing rubs on scarring.• Super soft, breathable Modal fabric.• Deep band and sides.• Pockets inside the bra for holding a soft temporary breast form during recovery - or a prosthesis at a later stage.
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“I adore this T-Shirt lightly lined bralette! It’s an ideal option to wear as a next stage bra, when transitioning from the hospital bra post-lumpectomy or reconstruction.”
Key features:• Non-wired style.• Lightweight microfibre fabric for comfort.• Seamless - meaning nothing rubs on scarring.• Deep band and sides.
“I love that this is a lightweight yet supportive sports bra, suitable for all different impact levels.”
Key features:• Seamless, molded cups that give a good level of coverage - which could work for both a reconstruction or lumpectomy.• Breathable wicking fabric.• High neckline & deep band.• Straps can be crossed at the back to give a closer fit to the body. • Front-close option. • Can be worn with a light weight non silicone breast form.
“I often get asked for options to wear during intimacy and sometimes to cover scars when moving forward with a partner. This is a great option.”
Key features:• Soft, stretch lace fabric.• No bra structure meaning it can be worn with a reconstruction, lumpectomy or if you have decided to go flat.
Body By Victoria Underwired Demi Bra
Body By Victoria Shaping Knickers
Satin Lace Cami Set
“This underwired style is good as an option for those at a later stage post-reconstruction or lumpectomy surgery - if they can and wish to go back to wearing underwires.”
Key features:• Underwired style that can be worn at a later stage post-reconstruction or lumpectomy.• Lightly lined cups give a discreet covering over the nipple area.• Soft, seamless sides reduce the risk of rubbing.• Straps can be crossed at the back to give a closer fit to the body.• Available in lots of nude shades.
“These are seamless and perfect if you’ve had surgery on your stomach area, as there’s no risk of the seams rubbing on the scars.”
Key features:• Seamless fabric and fit• No risk of digging in where often a scar is positioned post DIEP surgery.• Provides shaping and support around the stomach area - often needed post DIEP surgery.
“This gorgeous set with its lace details can help to rebuild confidence while also offering that extra layer of coverage where it's needed.”
Key features:• Loose-fitting cami top - suitable for all surgery types. • Adjustable straps. • Gorgeous lace detail - distracts from the breast area.
If you’re still unsure about specific products suited to your surgery, please consult your breast care team.
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