Bras after surgery for breast cancer

Your surgeon or breast care nurse may advise you on what type of bra to wear depending on the type of surgery you’ve had.

They may recommend you sleep in a bra for the first few weeks after surgery. Or you may choose to do so if you find it comfortable.

You do not need to wear a specific post-surgery bra unless you’re advised to. Check with your surgeon or breast care nurse if you’re not given advice after surgery.

What to wear in the first weeks after surgery

Your chest area may feel tender and sensitive after breast surgery or radiotherapy.

It’s best to wear a soft, non-wired bra that’s supportive but not restrictive.

A bra with full cups and wide straps is usually more comfortable and supportive. If you wear a prosthesis, this style of bra will hold it in place securely.

A front-fastening bra may be easier to put on if your shoulder is stiff at first. We’ve got more information on exercises to help stiffness after breast cancer surgery.

Wearing a bra after breast reconstruction surgery

If you have had breast reconstruction you may be advised to wear a bra initially during the day and night after your surgery.

Your surgeon will advise what bra to wear depending on your type of reconstruction.

It can take up to a year after surgery and radiotherapy for your breast shape and size to settle down. The type of bra you need may change during this time.

While your chest area recovers from surgery, the nerves repair and any skin changes from radiotherapy settle down, you may want to choose a bra that has:

• Soft seams

• A wide underband (the band that goes under the cups and round your back)

• Full cups

• Cup separation

• Fully adjustable straps

• A simple design (details on the bra, like lace, may make it less comfortable)

• No underwires (the wires sewn in under each cup)

Underwires

It’s best to avoid wearing an underwired bra while the area is recovering from surgery because the underwires can be uncomfortable. It’s fine to wear one when the area has healed.

Bra size

You may have some swelling right after breast surgery.

In the first few weeks it may help to try a bra that’s a size bigger than you usually wear. For example, if you’re a 34B, choose a 36B or a 34C.

Comfort

Bras that have a high cotton content are gentler on your skin while it heals. They will also help you stay cooler, for example if you have hot flushes.

Bra strap cushions can make the straps more comfortable on your shoulder and help the bra stay in place. You can buy these from lingerie shops or online.

Once the area has healed

It can take between 6 months and 1 year after surgery and radiotherapy for the skin in the chest area to heal and settle down.

Once it has, you can wear any bra that feels comfortable.

As your shape and size may change during and after treatment, it’s a good idea to have your bra size checked before you buy any new bras.

It’s important your bra fits well, especially if you’re planning to wear a prosthesis.

Bra fitting

Most lingerie shops, and some high street shops or department stores, have experienced bra fitters. They can measure and fit you for a bra and advise you on your size and what styles to try.

An experienced bra fitter will often have specialist training and experience in helping women who have had or are going to have breast surgery.

You might want to call or email ahead to make an appointment. You can also ask to be seen by a fitter who’s experienced in helping people who’ve had breast surgery.

Some hospitals have a bra and prosthesis fitting service in their breast clinics.

Post-surgery bras

Some online shops sell post-surgery bras, also called mastectomy bras, which you can order once you know your size.

Post-surgery bras are also available from some high street shops, which can often be a cheaper option.

Pocketed bras

If you want to wear a prosthesis, a well-fitting bra with a full cup is often all you’ll need to hold your prosthesis in place. Lots of people find this looks natural and feels secure.

You might prefer to have a bra with a pocket designed to help the prosthesis sit more securely.

You can also buy pockets, online from specialist suppliers or from some high street shops, to sew into a bra yourself. It’s best to use loose stitches when attaching the pocket as if a pocket is sewn in too tightly, it can affect the bra’s shape.

Some specialist suppliers offer a bra pocketing service where they’ll attach the pocket for you.

Unilateral bras

Some specialist suppliers sell unilateral bras.

These have a cup to support one breast and a strap or band that lies flat around the other side of your chest. They’re suitable if you’ve had a single mastectomy.

You might want to try these if you prefer not to wear a prosthesis.

VAT and post-surgery bras

You don’t have to pay VAT on post-surgery bras if you’ve had surgery for breast cancer.

The order forms on most websites and catalogues have a box you can tick so you do not have to pay VAT.

If you’re buying a post-surgery bra from a shop, check with a member of staff before paying for your bra. They may ask you to sign a VAT exemption form stating that you’ve had breast surgery.

You shouldn’t need to provide a doctor’s letter or other medical proof.

If you’re claiming certain benefits

If you’ve been advised to wear a special bra and you or your partner are claiming certain benefits, you do not have to pay for it.

The NHS website has more information on the qualifying benefits.

If you’re on a low income

If you don’t get a qualifying benefit but are on a low income, you may still be eligible for a free post-surgery bra or help towards the cost of one under the NHS Low Income Scheme.