Q&A – Post-Surgery Bras

What is a post-surgery bra?

This type of bra can also be called a post-surgical or recovery bra. When it's specific to a mastectomy, it's sometimes known as a mastectomy bra and usually has pockets for inserting breast prostheses.

A post-surgery bra, as the name suggests, is specifically designed to be worn after surgery performed on the chest and torso. It's recommended after mastectomies, breast augmentations or reductions, breast lifts (mastopexies), and reconstructive surgeries.

It's meant to help heal the wounds caused by surgery. It offers more tailored support while helping to protect the healing tissue. A recovery bra also aids in reducing edemas (swelling of the tissues) and bruising that can occur after the operation.

A post-surgery bra also helps to:

• Stabilize the breast during the healing period.
• Minimize the level of pain.
• Protect sutures and wounds.
• Improve healing and optimize the appearance of scars.

What's the difference between a post-surgery bra and a standard bra?

While they can sometimes look alike, a post-surgery bra and a standard bra don't have the same basic functions. 

A standard bra is mainly designed for aesthetics and comfort while offering different levels of support. It serves no medical purpose.

A post-surgery bra promotes healing after a breast procedure. Thanks to its level of controlled compression, it minimizes edemas, reduces pain, and prevents movement during healing. It also stabilizes implants, if necessary. 

How long should you wear a post-surgery bra for?

How long you should wear it depends on the type of breast surgery that was performed (mastectomy, augmentation, reduction, mastopexy, reconstruction, etc.) as well as how fast the wounds are healing. 

In general, it's recommended to wear a post-surgery bra 24 hours a day for the first 2 weeks after surgery (it should never be taken off), and then continuously, day and night, for the following 4 to 6 weeks. At this stage, it can be taken off from time to time to bathe, clean the product, and aerate the wounds.

Despite these recommendations, it's important to follow your surgeon's instructions.

How do you choose your post-surgical bra?

To prioritize your comfort, you can focus on the following features: 

• Wireless: avoids irritating scars, causing pain, or hindering healing.
• Front closure: makes it easier to adjust the support and helps you avoid raising your arms (which is often forbidden in the first weeks after surgery). 
• Compression: prevents the breasts from moving without restricting breathing or blood flow. It should firmly support but not crush the rib cage.
• Soft and breathable fabrics: are more comfortable for prolonged wear. Natural materials, like cotton and soft microfibres, should be prioritized. Lace should be avoided on and under the operated areas to prevent friction on the wounds.  
• Wide and adjustable straps: distributes pressure better and prevents shoulder pain.

Specifically for mastectomies, you can choose a post-surgery bra with pockets that allow you to insert breast prostheses and adjust the thickness of the cups according to your comfort and needs.

Please always note that your health professional's recommendations take precedence over the answers and information mentioned above.