Ensuring The Best Fit For A Mastectomy Bra

In the recovery period following a mastectomy you will want to be focussing on your healing and so it's important to take care of the little details in advance. One of the aspects of post-surgery life most commonly overlooked is that of the mastectomy bra, which will be the single garment most responsible for your comfort in the weeks and months following the procedure and beyond.

So what makes the difference between a good mastectomy bra and a bad one? Well, there are a number of factors you should consider when deciding which bra to buy. The first and perhaps most important element is the foam prosthesis you'll probably be provided with which will be worn inside the cup. These foam prostheses are usually referred to as comfies and are super lightweight so as not to put any pressure on your new scar. Your post surgery bra will usually be front fastening for ease of comfort as movement in your arms may be restricted. After six or eight weeks, and once youve healed, youll be able to be fitted and wear silicone prosthesis.

So how do you know if it fits properly? There are certain key questions you should be asking when trying on bras with your prosthesis that will help you determine if you've got the right fit or not.

1. Does the band of the bra fit snugly and comfortably without pinching? If the band is too loose, it's unlikely to be giving you the support you need. Use your comfort level as a barometer and understand that an uncomfortable bra probably doesn't fit.

2. Does the band ride up your back? If it does, it is probably too large and you should try on a smaller size. The underband should be sitting in a parallel line around the body. As always, remember that dropping a band size may mean you'll need to go up a cup size. If the band of a 34B bra rides up your back, for example, you should try a 32C instead.

3. If the bra is underwired, do the wires encompass the entire breast? If not, it's likely a sizing issue. A gap between the wire and the skin implies that the bra is too large, and wire sitting on your breast tissue means it is too small.

4. Does any part of the prosthesis stick out of the cup? You may find that the shape of the prosthesis isnt quite right. There are many different shapes that are suitable for all the different shapes of bras, including oval and heart shape as well as the traditional triangle.
There's more to finding the right mastectomy bra than just determining the right size, though. These days bras are available in literally thousands of styles, and some are better than others for women who have undergone a mastectomy. The key element of a mastectomy bra is support and comfort, and any bra which can't provide an adequate amount of either should be disqualified. The size of your bust and prosthesis comes into play again here as smaller cups and prostheses will require less support than a larger cup or more weighty prosthesis. Once you've found a bra that fits, it'll be clear whether or not it provides enough support for your needs.

It's crucial to take into consideration the shape of the bra as well. Ultra-minimalist bras with skinny straps may look good, but they're not especially friendly to silicone prostheses. A specialist mastectomy bra has more support, softer linings and seams and often has slightly wider band depth to ensure the delicate area where surgery has taken place is protected and free from irritation.

Women who lead an especially active lifestyle should consider buying a bra with pockets or a cup lining designed to accommodate prosthesis. These will help lessen the likelihood that the prosthesis will shift uncomfortably or fall out of the bra during physical activity.

Follow these tips when choosing your mastectomy bra and you'll avoid the pitfalls that could have left you with a wrongly sized, uncomfortable bra. By simply asking the right questions and following your common sense, you'll have no trouble finding a bra that leaves you comfortable and free to focus on the important matters as you walk the road to recovery after your mastectomy.