Logan Reid
Surgical bras are worn after breast and thoracic surgeries to aid in the healing process and enhance patient comfort and confidence. They are designed to provide compression to the surgical area, prevent wound irritation, and hold dressings in place. While some hospitals do provide surgical bras, they are not always supplied as standard, and patients may need to purchase their own.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to wear a surgical bra | After breast cancer surgery, heart surgery, lumpectomy, mastectomy, biopsy, or other breast-related surgical procedures |
| Who provides surgical bras | Hospitals, shops, and medical supply stores like AvaCare Medical and Cardinal Health |
| Bra type | Soft, non-wired, non-underwired, front-fastening, made of cotton with some stretch, a chest size bigger than usual |
| Cost | May be covered by benefits or the NHS Low Income Scheme; otherwise, around £29.63 |
What You'll Learn
Bra requirements after breast cancer surgery
The type of bra worn after breast cancer surgery depends on the type of surgery and the patient's comfort. While some may find wearing a bra comfortable, others may not. Surgeons or breast care nurses usually advise patients on what bra to wear. In the first few weeks after surgery, most women opt for a soft, non-wired bra that is not too restrictive.
If you have had breast reconstruction, you may be advised to wear a bra all day and night after your surgery. Surgeons advise what bra to wear depending on the type of reconstruction. For up to a year after surgery, your shape and size may change due to weight and treatment-related changes.
A front-fastening bra may be easier to put on as your shoulder may be stiff post-surgery. If you have had a unilateral mastectomy, you may choose to wear a prosthetic, which requires a pocketed bra. You can be fitted for a bra that accommodates prosthetics and breast forms at a mastectomy boutique or a Nordstrom store, which has a Breast Prosthesis Program.
If you are buying a post-surgery bra, you may need to sign a VAT exemption form stating that you have had breast surgery. You don't need to provide a doctor's letter or other medical proof. Macmillan Cancer Support provides grants that can be used to buy post-surgery bras and swimwear. If you are on a low income, you may be eligible for a free post-surgery bra or help towards the cost of one under the NHS Low Income Scheme.
Some features of a well-fitting bra after surgery include wire-free designs, multistretch fabrics, hidden seams, gentle and soft-to-skin materials, and pocketed bras for breast forms. You may also want to choose a bra with a high cotton content, which will be gentler on your skin while it heals and will help you stay cooler if you experience hot flushes. Bra strap cushions can also make the straps more comfortable and help the bra stay in place.
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Bra requirements after heart surgery
Choosing the right bra to wear after heart surgery is an important step in your recovery journey. The right bra can provide physical support, promote healing, and offer emotional comfort. It can also reduce pain, swelling, and provide a sense of security which can help you begin to get around again more safely and confidently.
In the days immediately following surgery, you may be given a specific medical bra or bandage to wear. As you transition to home care, you'll likely switch to a front-closing, soft post-operative bra. This type of bra can make breathing and coughing more comfortable, especially as you may be on oxygen immediately after your surgery. It is important that the bra doesn't restrict your breathing or dig into the wound. Bra strap cushions can make the straps more comfortable on your shoulders and help the bra stay in place.
Some hospitals provide bras designed especially for heart patients, such as the BHIS bra. Heart&Core is another company that offers surgical bras for patients recovering from heart surgery. Their bras have Velcro front closures and straps, drain management, wide bands, and a racerback style.
If you are buying a post-surgery bra from a shop, check with a member of staff before paying. Many shops may ask you to sign a VAT exemption form stating that you have had surgery. You shouldn’t need to provide a doctor’s letter or other medical proof.
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Bra requirements after breast reconstruction
After breast reconstruction surgery, you will need to wear a bra day and night for the first three months. You will be fitted for a bra before you are discharged from the hospital. It is recommended to have a minimum of two full-cup or sports bras, one to wear and one to wash. You should not purchase too many initially as your bra size may change as swelling reduces.
Immediately after the surgery, you will be placed in a surgical bra, which you will need to wear for approximately two to three weeks. This bra will provide support and needed compression to help shape the breast. It is recommended to wear an oversized T-shirt under your surgical bra until all wounds are healed to prevent staining and additional laundering of the bra.
In the first few weeks after surgery, most women wear a soft, non-wired bra that isn't too restrictive. It is recommended to choose a bra that has a high cotton content, as it will be gentler on the skin and help you stay cooler if you are experiencing hot flushes. You may also want to choose a bra that is a chest size bigger to accommodate swelling. Bra strap cushions can also be purchased to make the straps more comfortable and help the bra stay in place.
If you are having a reconstruction using tissue from your tummy, you will also need to wear firm control support pants night and day for three months. These must be supportive, high-waisted, and without boning.
Post-surgery bras are exempt from VAT if they are bought by someone who has had breast cancer surgery. Macmillan Cancer Support provides grants that can be used to buy post-surgery bras and swimwear. If you are advised to wear a special bra and you or your partner are claiming certain benefits, you don't have to pay for it.
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Where to buy a surgical bra
While it is not clear whether hospitals provide surgical bras, it is recommended that you wear a soft, non-wired bra after surgery. You may also want to wear a bra that is a chest size bigger to accommodate any swelling. Bras with a high cotton content are also preferable, as they are gentler on the skin and can help keep you cool if you are experiencing hot flushes. Bra strap cushions can also be purchased to make the bra straps more comfortable. These can be bought from lingerie shops or online.
If you are looking to buy a surgical bra, there are a few options available to you. Firstly, you can check with your local lingerie shop to see if they stock surgical bras. Alternatively, you can buy surgical bras online from websites such as Amazon, Leonisa, or Health Products For You. These websites offer a range of surgical bras with different features, such as front or back closure, compression, and pockets for prostheses.
When buying a surgical bra, it is important to check with the staff to see if you need to sign a VAT exemption form stating that you have had breast surgery. You should not need to provide a doctor's letter or other medical proof. Some organisations, such as Macmillan Cancer Support, also provide grants that can be used to purchase post-surgery bras. If you or your partner are claiming certain benefits, you may be eligible for a free post-surgery bra. You can find more information on the NHS Business Services Authority website. If you are not receiving qualifying benefits but are on a low income, you may still be eligible for financial assistance under the NHS Low Income Scheme.
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Cost of a surgical bra
The cost of a surgical bra varies depending on the brand and the type of bra. Here is a list of prices for surgical bras from different brands:
- Marena Recovery offers a range of surgical bras with prices ranging from $72 to $128. For example, the FlexFit™ Original Bra (Style No. B01G) costs $72, while the FlexFit™ High Coverage Zip-Front Bra (Style No. BNRZ) costs $128.
- Macom Medical provides a 10% discount on the first order of their post-surgical compression bras. They offer a range of bras, including mastectomy bras, implant bras, and explant bras, designed with medical-grade materials and expert advice.
- The NHS Business Services Authority in the UK provides information on obtaining a free post-surgery bra or financial assistance towards the cost of one for individuals claiming certain benefits or those on a low income.
- Breast Cancer Now, a UK-based organisation, mentions that Macmillan Cancer Support provides grants that can be used to purchase post-surgery bras and swimwear.
It is important to prioritise comfort and support when choosing a surgical bra, as they are designed to promote comfort, support, and enhance recovery following breast surgery. It is recommended to consult with healthcare professionals or shop staff to ensure the correct type of bra is chosen.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the hospital and the type of surgery. Some hospitals, like AvaCare Medical, do provide surgical bras for breast and thoracic surgeries. You can also check with your hospital if they provide the BHIS bra, which is designed for heart patients. If not, you can buy one from a shop or online. You may be eligible for a free post-surgery bra or help towards the cost of one under the NHS Low Income Scheme.
The type of bra you should wear after surgery depends on the type of surgery you had. For breast cancer surgery, most women wear a soft, non-wired bra that isn't too restrictive. You may find a front-fastening bra easier to put on as your shoulder may be stiff at first. It's important to avoid underwired bras as they can be uncomfortable and dig into the wound. Choose a bra with a high cotton content that will be gentle on your skin.
Initially after breast surgery, you may experience some swelling. To accommodate this, choose a bra that is a chest size bigger than your usual size. For example, if you usually wear a 34B, opt for a 36B after surgery.
