Bras after breast surgery

General information, not medical advice. If you are worried about a symptom, speak to your GP, midwife, breast care nurse or NHS 111.

This guide is general information, not medical advice. Always follow the instructions of your surgeon or breast care nurse.

The first weeks

Your surgeon or breast care nurse may tell you what type of bra to wear, depending on your surgery; they may suggest sleeping in a bra for the first few weeks. If you are not given advice, ask. Breast Cancer Now’s general guidance while the area heals:

• Choose a soft, non-wired bra that is supportive but not restrictive.
• Full cups and wide straps are usually more comfortable and hold a prosthesis securely.
• A front-fastening bra may be easier if your shoulder is stiff.
• Avoid underwires until the area has healed.
• You may have swelling, so a size bigger than usual can help at first — for example, 36B or 34C instead of 34B.
• Cotton-rich bras are gentler on healing skin.

The NHS says it can take several weeks to recover from a mastectomy and around six weeks for wounds to fully heal. Breast Cancer Now adds that it can take between six months and a year after surgery and radiotherapy for the skin and breast shape to settle, so the bra you need may change.

Pocketed and unilateral bras

If you wear a breast form (prosthesis), a well-fitting full-cup bra is often all you need. Some people prefer a pocketed bra, with a pocket that holds the prosthesis securely; pockets can also be sewn into ordinary bras. Unilateral bras have one cup and a flat band across the other side, for people who have had a single mastectomy and prefer not to wear a prosthesis.

Getting fitted

Have your size checked before buying, as it may change during and after treatment. Many lingerie shops and some department stores have fitters experienced with breast surgery — it is worth calling ahead to ask. Some hospitals have a bra and prosthesis fitting service.

Paying for bras and prostheses

• You don’t have to pay VAT on post-surgery bras if you have had surgery for breast cancer — online order forms usually have a box to tick, and shops may ask you to sign a form.
• If you have been advised to wear a special bra and you or your partner claim certain benefits, you may not have to pay for it; on a low income you may get help through the NHS Low Income Scheme.
• NHS patients do not pay for their breast prosthesis, and can ask for a replacement every two years or when it wears out.

Support

Breast Cancer Now (helpline 0808 800 6000) and Flat Friends, for women who have had a mastectomy without reconstruction, offer information and support.