Women after mastectomy often do not have complete information about the selection and wearing of special underwear. The exoprosthesis and the underwear for it should compensate for the absence of the mammary gland, creating physiological and psychological comfort for the woman. If the underwear is chosen incorrectly, it will not cope with its function: the exoprosthesis will begin to slip out, the seams will begin to rub, and freedom of movement will be limited.
A special bra is worn after complete breast removal, radical or sectoral resection, or reconstructive interventions. Such operations often disrupt the functioning of the lymphatic system, since lymph nodes are removed under the armpit. There is a risk of lymphatic edema, limb stiffness, spinal curvature, and other side effects.
Special underwear prevents the occurrence or worsening of complications after surgery or during rehabilitation. It should be worn daily immediately after surgery. You can wash and store such underwear in the same way as everyday laundry, but its design differs from standard models. Here is a list of features that make mastectomy bras able to perform their functions.
Why are we writing this article
We have been selling lingerie, clothing and medical products for women post-mastectomy for many years. We have a wealth of experience, product training and advice from specialists in this field. During this time, we studied all the details and the level of discomfort that a woman experiences after going through such an experience.
We know for sure that you can regain your previous level of comfort and achieve the desired quality of life. After breast surgery, you can live your normal life and get the same pleasure from it. And we know how to do it.
We want to share our knowledge. And in this article we will tell you what we can offer:
- rehabilitation means with which you can really feel as healthy as possible and look natural and stylish;
- a wide range that we have been honing over the years - we select the most progressive, comfortable and natural products from the world's best manufacturers: exoprosthetics,
- preventative compression sleeves, underwear with pockets, casual clothing, swimsuits;
- Our consultants will teach you how to use and care for these products. And also take care of yourself - they will talk about a gymnastics program to develop your arm and prevent swelling;
- goods of different price categories - for women with different capabilities; a full package of documents and certificates - so that you can receive compensation from the state for the purchase of special goods.
Wide side ribbons and straps
The straps and side bands of bras after surgery are wider than those of regular underwear. Due to this, the pressure on the axillary area is distributed evenly, and excess stress is removed from the shoulders and back. The risk of squeezing the axillary area is that lymph circulation is disrupted, and swelling forms in the area of the operation and on the arm. Wide straps help avoid this. The larger the area of the strap, the less its pressure on the body - this basic law is known from the school physics course.
Lingerie with wide ribbons and straps makes the figure slim and toned. This is especially true for those with flat shoulders, a large bust, slight excess weight or age-related sagging skin. This type of underwear visually straightens your posture and makes your silhouette slimmer.
Wide straps do not slip off the shoulders, do not show through under a dress or blouse, and are almost imperceptible on the skin. Their adjusters are located in the front, which allows a woman to independently change the length of the strap in the first weeks after leaving the clinic, while the functionality of the limb is limited.
About experiences and complications
The most important thing is behind us - the operation is done. Life saved.
But the feeling of anxiety continues to live. Now for other reasons.
How now, after the operation, will people around you perceive your body? After all, you want to be beautiful and be liked - in the mirror, by the man you love, to be on an equal footing with your friends. I want to live my life as before, and not have anything overshadow the joy of simple things. Just relax and feel as attractive as before. Realize that everything is okay.
And as soon as all these normal desires are formed, embarrassment and confusion immediately appear. Self-confidence as a woman quickly declines. Sadness takes its place.
Yes, there are tasks that can become reality and for which you need to remain fully prepared:
- physical features: lymphedema, uneven suture, partial resection, stiffness, sweating, weight change, spinal problems;
- psychological state: sadness and confusion about what and how to do next.
And here we want to draw attention to the recommendations and products we offer. Because they are designed specifically to restore a woman’s previous comfort and maintain her health.
What underwear to choose after mammoplasty?
Sometimes clinics offer their patients to walk without underwear for two weeks to a month after mammoplasty - this is absolutely wrong. Of course, if there are material limitations or any concerns, then you should wrap your chest with an elastic bandage and put a bust over it, but it is better to give preference to products made from compression fabric with a minimal cotton content. Lingerie after mammoplasty should have compression properties that should remain over time. That is why this type of underwear uses special compression fabric without adding natural fibers. In expensive elite models, the finest cotton fabric is used in places where the product comes into contact with the body; it does not have a compressive effect, but is intended for convenience and comfort. A bandage after mammoplasty with cotton will be inferior in terms of compression to products made of elastane and polyamide, and it will have to be replaced after a week of active wear, because it will stretch.
Compression garments after mammoplasty have a number of advantages:
- Fixes the breast, the tissue around it and postoperative sutures;
- Reduce friction and pressure on cuts;
- Improve blood circulation, produce a light massage effect;
- Reduce swelling in tissues;
- The implants are secured in the required position;
- Reduces stress on the back and shoulders.
Such a bandage increases the effect of the operation - recovery occurs much faster. Most plastic surgeons say that immediately after surgery, you should give preference to tight models with a high degree of compression, which do not squeeze the breasts, do not rub the sutures, and promote intensive healing.
If you are interested in what compression garments look like after mammoplasty , you can look at photos of breast bandages from high-quality domestic and Colombian products to the simplest Chinese busts.
Please note that compression garments after mammoplasty mainly use a three-row fastener with hooks and less often Velcro. Linden can ruin clothes, and zippers cannot be changed to a smaller size. The best option for fasteners is hooks.
When choosing a set, you should know how to wear underwear after mammoplasty - take into account individual characteristics, without physical activity, observing all the rules of the postoperative period.
Postoperative period: what to buy
For the first time after surgery, two products are needed. This is a post-operative prosthesis and bra. In the article we will talk about the best samples - with excellent production quality and high wear resistance.
1. During the postoperative period, doctors advise wearing a primary textile prosthesis. It solves the following problems:
- compensates for volume;
- does not interfere with the healing of sutures;
- protects the skin;
- does not put pressure on the postoperative surface, it can be worn two to three weeks after surgery, until the drainage and bandage are removed;
- The woman individually adjusts the volume of the prosthesis herself.
The prosthesis is suitable for any breast and is adapted for any type of operation:
- radical mastectomy;
- radiation therapy;
- partial resection.
It is used as an overlay for asymmetry and regulates and corrects volume as weight changes.
Perfectly imitates the shape of the breast, due to the compacted molded part of the prosthesis, even if you remove all the filler, the shape of the prosthesis will not change. The product is securely fixed in the bra.
This prosthesis is multifunctional. In the future, it can be used at home - for unloading and replenishing volume. You can sleep, work, and move actively in it. Wearing a primary prosthesis has no contraindications or restrictions. No precautions are required when transporting in travel bags or suitcases. And alternating a silicone prosthesis with a textile prosthesis extends the service life of both products.
2. The second product is a post-operative bra
This product takes into account all the features of the postoperative period. Made from cotton - soft and breathable. And easy to use.
Cups:
- elastic, easily take the shape of both the breast and the postoperative prosthesis;
- The neckline and armhole line are high - the lymph flow is not compressed, postoperative sutures are not visible.
Straps:
- wide, comfortable, softly padded, does not press through the shoulders;
- They do not have length regulators - the strap is elastic and automatically selects the fit on the woman’s back.
Back:
- high, wide, has no fastener;
- allows you to sleep and relax in the bra.
Front clasp:
- comfortable for a woman immediately after surgery - you can put on and take off the bra without assistance;
- With just two buttons and a Velcro fastener, the volume under the bust can be individually adjusted.
In the future, such a bra will be indispensable in the wardrobe for unloading, sleeping and relaxing.
Internal pockets
The presence of double-sided pockets on the inner surface of the cups is the main difference between a post-mastectomy bra and an everyday one. Pockets are needed to secure an exoprosthesis or partial correction. Exoprosthetics restore symmetry and compensate for the volume, weight and shape of the missing breast. Thanks to the pocket, the exoprosthesis will not slip out or move, even if the woman actively moves, gestures or bends deeply down. The pockets also prevent the woman’s skin from coming into contact with the silicone surface.
They are sewn from soft fabrics with a high concentration of cotton (up to 100%) or from modern high-tech synthetics. Such fabrics are hygroscopic, do not provoke allergies or irritations, do not rub the skin, and allow it to breathe. Bras after a mastectomy can be worn with your usual everyday clothes, and you don’t have to radically change or update your wardrobe for them. They look elegant, attractive, seductive, and raise a woman’s self-esteem. Even with tactile contact, the absence of natural breasts will be difficult to notice.
Constant wearing: what to buy
There are four types of products that you will need to create daily comfort in your everyday life.
1. Clothes
Blouses, T-shirts, pajamas, shirts, dresses, tops, sports T-shirts - these products are designed to be worn without a bra because they have a built-in - sewn-in bodice with pockets to support and secure the prosthesis.
2. Bras
The underwear is tailored in such a way that, thanks to the high neckline, a complete fit of the prosthesis is ensured, scars and uneven postoperative surfaces are hidden. Cups with pockets are responsible for reliable fixation and correct anatomical placement of the breast and prosthesis in the bra, without direct contact of the prosthesis with the body. Wide, ergonomic straps guarantee the prevention of lymphedema and relieve stress from the neck and shoulders - with a heavy bust. The high armhole hides tissue deficiency in the armpit area and provides wearing comfort. The wide belt under the chest does not put pressure on the diaphragm, ensuring free breathing and eliminating discomfort in the stomach area.
3. Swimwear
Swimsuits are tailored like bras, have a stylish appearance, and can be either separate or one-piece.
4. Dentures for permanent wear for an attractive appearance
Modern prosthetics provide natural sensations and behavior. They are soft to the touch, sway when walking and “fall off” when lying down. Designed with a special thin edge - it provides a delicate fit in the sensitive seam area and a natural transition to the lines of the body.
These products are made taking into account the various features of the female breast: full-bodied and lightweight, triangular and teardrop-shaped. They also minimally touch the body, so they do not overheat it - there is no increased sweating, and a natural microclimate is maintained.
Special materials and fabrics
Most women experience increased sensitivity of the skin in the surgical area. A course of radiation therapy increases this problem. Chemotherapy can also provoke profuse sweating, lymphedema, and poor tolerance to pressure on the body. Therefore, the fabric for the bra should provide a soft drainage effect, be hygroscopic, and have increased breathability. In such a bra, a woman will be able to adhere to a normal daily routine, work, do fitness, meet people, attend public events and public places.
The bras underwent clinical trials before going on sale. They are tested by independent accredited testing institutes. They confirm that the product is well-made and has the necessary functionality. Bras for exoprostheses are certified and numbered for the register of medical devices. The materials for their sewing are subjected to dermatological tests and certified according to international standards.
After surgery, body parameters are unlikely to remain the same: swelling will appear, body weight will decrease or increase. Therefore, before purchasing a bra after a mastectomy, it is advisable to take your measurements again.
Beneficial physical activity
Rules for caring for your health:
1. Swimming. Water soothes, has a gentle massaging effect, and the hand recovers faster. Lymph outflow is normalized. The swelling subsides.
2. Exercise. Simple to do but very effective. They will easily become a daily habit.
- “Combing your hair” Place your elbow on the edge of your bedside table. Keep your head straight. Start by combing one half of your head, then gradually move to the other. Don't get overwhelmed, but be persistent;
- “Ball” Clenching and unclenching the hand. Use a rubber ball or other object, squeezing it in your palm;
- “Drying your back” Using a towel or similar object, make gentle movements that simulate drying your back. Repeat on both sides.
3. Wearing a compression sleeve. It is necessary to prevent the occurrence of edema and the threat of lymphedema. Therefore, it needs to be worn under load: work in the country, household chores, flights or a long road. If you couldn’t put on a sleeve during physical activity, be sure to put it on afterwards. Agree that it is better to wear a prophylactic sleeve during exercise than to constantly wear a therapeutic compression sleeve if lymphedema begins to develop.
Specific cut of cup and neckline
The cut of the cup minimizes pressure on the half where surgery was performed. It sets a comfortable location for the healthy breast, forms an aesthetically pleasing shape of the prosthesis, and helps the bust look natural. In a static position or during movement, the absence of natural breasts will be noticeable. The cups of post-mastectomy bras are either seamless and smooth, padded (padded), or formed from several segments (sewn).
The neckline is deliberately raised to disguise the absence of one breast. Healthy breasts receive additional support without experiencing excess pressure. Thanks to the presence of soft elastic bands in the neckline, the exoprosthesis fits extremely tightly to the body, is fixed stably, and does not interfere with the woman’s physical activity.
How long to wear underwear after mammoplasty?
Choosing the right model is easy, just know a few things:
- Linen should be comfortable and convenient;
- The product must be almost 100% elastane and polyamide. Natural fibers only in places of contact with the skin, they absorb sweat and protect against diaper rash;
- Rounded edges - this will avoid squeezing tissues and blood vessels;
- The surfaces and seams of the linen should be smooth - this way it will be less noticeable;
- The cup must be made of soft material and at the same time have a certain compression;
- The cup size should be exactly the same as your new breast size.
After a couple of weeks, a second rehabilitation period awaits you - at this time it is worth turning to softer models that will provide the necessary breast support. Ideally, there is a classification of compression bras:
- Compression class 1 (up to 21 mm) is used for preventive purposes, and is suitable for almost everyone. You can easily buy it at any store and use it yourself;
- Class 2 (up to 32 mm) has slight compressive properties, and putting it on yourself is a little problematic due to the high elastane content;
- Class 3 (up to 46 mm) is used only on the recommendation of the surgeon - it is customary to use special creams with it;
- Class 4 (over 46 mm) is used extremely rarely, because it has an increased level of compression and causes mild (but necessary) discomfort and pain.
But in practice, there are no compression markings on compression bras. The degree of compression and density of the material can be determined by testing the product yourself for stretching and comfort.
How long to wear underwear
from the day of surgery until complete recovery is determined by the doctor.
The compression class depends on how much time has passed since mammoplasty and how quickly you recover. If you are wondering how to put on compression garments after mammoplasty, then there is nothing complicated about it. Wears like a regular bra, the degree of compression or size can be adjusted with hooks. A stabilization tape is applied on top to secure the chest; it can be sewn in or unfastened with hooks. to wear
the tape for a long time; after a month it may no longer be needed and can be removed.
What underwear to wear after mammoplasty?
In the best case, you can wear two sets. The first is to wear tightly in the first two weeks, and the second is softer and more comfortable for sleeping and the second half of the rehabilitation period. When choosing a compression bandage after mammoplasty, do not neglect the advice of the surgeon. When you can take off your underwear after surgery is also up to the surgeon to decide. As a rule in a month , but you should not make such decisions on your own - this can lead to disastrous consequences. Knowing how to wear underwear correctly after mammoplasty, which model is best to choose and when to remove underwear after surgery, you will be able to recover in the shortest possible time and without negative consequences.
Prostheses after mastectomy
Breast cancer is a common pathology that affects women of any age.
Modern oncology does not stand still, and the treatment of this pathology has become as effective as possible. One of the stages of treatment is surgical treatment, which involves removing part or all of the mammary gland along with the axillary lymph nodes.
The operation is mutilating, attacks women's self-awareness and causes disruption of lymphatic drainage in the arm on the affected side. But when life itself is at stake, then, as the classic said, “Bargaining is not appropriate here!”
In domestic and foreign clinics today, operations to remove the mammary gland and simultaneous prosthetics are performed. Oncologists themselves do not always welcome these types of interventions. Because behind the endoprosthesis, possible relapses will not be visible.
Exoprosthetics - wearing a breast prosthesis in special shapewear - has become increasingly common.
