Lumpectomy Bra Solutions

Your bra needs will drastically change following a lumpectomy or partial mastectomy. While finding bras for your new body may be overwhelming experience, it is possible to look and feel good in your new bras! The type of bra or prosthesis you will ultimately wear will be determined by the size and type of your lumpectomy. It is important to follow your doctor's advice regarding proper bras, especially following your surgery.

What types of bras are appropriate immediately after surgery?

Your doctor will recommend the type of bra you should be wearing immediately following your surgery. One common option is a surgical compression bra. A surgical compression bra promotes breast health following your surgery and will apply even pressure on your breast for healing. This type of bra is also commonly prescribed to patients who are susceptible to lymphoedema.

Sometimes a medical-grade compression bra is not needed so your doctor may suggest a soft-cup bra. Low-impact sports bras are also effective. If you choose a sports bra, make sure it is low or medium impact as high-impact sports bras may apply to much pressure. Another option is a front-closure bra, which is easier to put on and off.

What types of bras can I wear after I heal?

Every woman is different so it's vital to pay attention to your body. It also depends on where your surgery was performed since you may be sensitive in certain areas.

If you are sensitive on the sides or bottom of your breasts, you may prefer non-underwire bras. And if there is a small difference in size, you may favor a stretch cup bra without padding or fill.

How can I make my breasts look more even?

It is important that you feel emotionally comfortable in your new bras as well as physically comfortable. If you're bothered by the size difference of your breasts, there is a ton of ways to create a balanced silhouette.

One of the most natural-looking solutions is to wear a partial breast form or compensation form. These bra inserts smooth and fill in the breast tissue rather than replace the whole breast. A partial breast form can be worn with any mastectomy bra. If you're interested in wearing the forms in a regular form, try a bra that has a full-coverage cup.

If you're interested in wearing revealing clothing and need to fill out one side, try a bra with removable push-up pads. By removing the pads from the larger side, your small breasts will have added volume.

How can I find my size after a lumpectomy?

It is important for your breast health that you get measured for your correct size. You should size your bras to the larger breast. If you're unsure of your size, here are directions for finding your bra size when one breast is larger than the other. It is helpful to have someone help you with this as they can make sure the measuring tape is straight.

1) Measure your chest directly under your breasts, making a straight line across your back. The measuring tape should be tight, but not cutting into you. This is your Band Size Measurement.

2) Measure the larger of your breasts. To do this, start with the tape measure on your chest wall between the breasts. Go over the fullest part of your breast and halfway around your back, stopping at the spine.

3) Multiply this measurement by two. This is your Cup Size Measurement.

4) Enter these measurements in our Bra Calculator Tool to see your bra size. Be aware that bra sizing is not always on the dot so it may take some trial and error to find the perfect size.

If you need additional assistance with prosthesis sizing, feel free to contact our bra fit hotline for personal advice.