What to Wear After Surgery
The right clothing choices during radiation or after surgery can significantly impact your comfort and healing process by reducing pain, preventing complications, and making daily activities more manageable.
What to Wear During Radiation and/or After Breast Surgery
It’s possible you’re feeling a mix of different emotions during treatment or after a mastectomy or lumpectomy. As your body continues to change, your relationship with your body may as well.
Right After Breast Cancer Surgery & During Radiation Treatment
For the first four to six weeks, it is best to opt for: compression-free & wire-free bras and camisoles.
Compression and wire-free bras are often made from soft fabrics and known as ‘leisure bras.’ When shopping for a leisure bra online or in-person, look for something that closes in the front rather than the back.
After a mastectomy your body is still in recovery, and it can be difficult to pull anything over your head or reach behind to clasp the bra. If it is possible to try the garment on, ensure that the bra fits comfortably on the loosest hook. This is so it can be worn looser to begin with and gradually tightened as the swelling goes down.
When to Introduce Breast Forms
A light, fiberfill breast form (also called an initial breast form) can be worn in a bra or camisole if you so choose.
Some initial breast forms allow you to adjust the amount of fill inside to match the size of your other breast if you had a single mastectomy.
"I am having a Lumpectomy."
Follow the information above, however it is good to keep in mind that your medical team may advise you to wear a bra for 24-hours a day for the first week or two after surgery. Like with a mastectomy, look for a bra with:
Soft fabric
No compression
Underwire free
Easy to put on
"Radiation is part of my Care Plan."
Skin and tissue can be sensitive and tender during radiation, so when searching for bras or other garments, look for:
Soft fabric
Underwire free
No compression
Ideally fastens in the front
Other things to consider:
Fitted, but not tight, tank tops made from bamboo cotton offer support and are a great option for many women
While others prefer loose-fitting button up shirts and go without a bra or camisole.
What works best for you might come with some trial and error but having a few different options will be helpful.
You may need to wash the garments often because of regular use of creams and ointments on the treatment site.
"I've had Reconstruction."
Compression bras will be your friend after reconstruction! A compression bra helps to maintain shape and holds the breast(s) in place, preventing pressure points and tissue irritation from forming.
Look for a compression bra made from:
Strong fabric
No seams on the skin
A longer line for comfort
A front closure so you don’t have to stretch to reach a back closure or pull Anything over your head
Lymphedema
Post-Recovery “Everyday Bras”
Recovery time can vary greatly. People can be ready to move into an everyday bra anywhere from two months to one year after treatment is complete.
Mastectomy bras are available in many styles including lingerie, sport and everyday bras. These are specific for post-mastectomy or post- lumpectomy because they come with pockets to hold breast forms. Many have a higher neckline for support and to help cover scars.
If you sew, or know someone who can, you can have pockets sewn into any bra as well – but you may need to experiment a bit to get the right design to hold the breast form.
Remember that your size and shape may have changed post-treatment and post-surgery. A specialized bra retailer can help you find the right size – or check out our bra-fitting tips on our Breast Form Fitting and Bra Tips page.
Still have questions?
Get practical advice and connect with people who understand in our Bras & Prostheses Workshop.
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