Mastectomy: Your Guide to Post-Surgery Bra Fitting and Aesthetic Flat Closure (AFC)
Bra Fitting Wisdom is here to support you through single and bilateral mastectomies.
If you’ve had a mastectomy, whether it’s a single or bilateral, finding the right bra for your post-surgery recovery is important for comfort and healing.
Aesthetic flat closure (AFC) involves flattening the chest wall for a smoother contour.
Choosing the right post-surgery bra can help ease the recovery process.
Here’s what to consider when choosing bras after a single or bilateral mastectomy.
Single Mastectomy: Full Removal of One Breast
After a single mastectomy, your surgeon will recommend the best bra for your recovery. In most cases, a front-fastening, wire-free bra with soft cups and pockets in the cup will be ideal. Here’s why:
Comfort and Support: A bra with soft cups and no seams will stretch over surgical dressings, helping to reduce irritation and improve comfort.
Pockets for Lightweight Forms: A post-surgical bra with pockets will allow you to wear a very lightweight breast form, if you wish to wear one, sometimes called a “fluffy. This will give you shape until you are ready for a silicone breast form.
Ease of Access: The front-fastening design makes it easier to manage wound care, as well as minimising the need for arm movement, which may be restricted after surgery.
Comfort for Recovery and Sleep
Your movements may be limited after surgery, making it difficult to manage traditional bras with back fastenings or those that pull over your head. Post-surgical bras without back fasteners are generally more comfortable for sleeping in, which is important since it’s often recommended to wear your bra 24/7 during the first 4-8 weeks post-surgery.
Bilateral Mastectomy: Full Removal of Both Breasts
Following a bilateral mastectomy, your decision to wear a bra is entirely up to you. Some women may choose not to wear a bra after surgery, while others prefer the support and shape that a post-surgical bra with pockets and lightweight breast forms can provide.
- Pockets for Shape and Symmetry: If you wish to wear breast forms after surgery, a front-fastening, wire-free bra with pockets will allow you to wear lightweight forms until you’re ready for silicone forms. This provides a more balanced shape while allowing easy access for wound care.
- Ease and Comfort: Just like with a single mastectomy, a front-fastening bra will make it easier to manage wound care and reduce discomfort by limiting arm movement. These bras are also generally more comfortable for sleeping in.
Compression Bras for Post-Surgery Recovery
In some cases, your surgeon may recommend wearing a compression bra. These bras provide firm, even pressure across the breast, back, and underarm areas, which can help:
- Reduce post-operative swelling and promote healing.
- Provide added comfort and security.
Comfort and Healing After Surgery
Post-surgery bras are designed for comfort and ease of use, rather than for providing the same level of support as your everyday bra.
Whether you’ve had a single or bilateral mastectomy, it’s important to prioritise comfort during recovery.
Soft, wire-free bras with no seams will be gentle on your skin and stretch over surgical dressings, minimising irritation while you heal.
Planning Ahead: What You Need to Know
Before your mastectomy, it’s a good idea to talk to your surgeon about the best post-surgical bra for your needs.
Having a comfortable, wire-free bra ready will make the recovery process smoother.
Most surgeons recommend wearing these bras continuously, including during sleep, for the first few weeks after surgery.
If you’re planning to wear breast forms, the typical fitting for silicone breast forms takes place around 6 weeks post-surgery, once your body has had time to heal and any swelling has reduced.
Take the Next Step: See a Professional Fitter
After surgery, it’s important to follow your surgeon’s advice regarding post-surgery bras.
We also recommend seeing a professional fitter to ensure you’re wearing the right bra for your needs—whether you visit Bra Fitting Wisdom in Birdwood, South Australia, Colleen’s in Canberra ACT, or another specialist near you.
A professional fitting can help ensure that your bra offers both comfort and security during this important phase of your recovery.
You’re Not Alone
We understand that recovery after a mastectomy can feel daunting, but we’re here to support you every step of the way. Whether you need help choosing the right bra, managing swelling, or simply want guidance on your next steps, we’re here for you. Our goal is to help you feel comfortable, confident, and supported during your recovery.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please reach out. We’re here to offer you the care, understanding, and expertise you deserve.