Breast Cancer Surgery: Post-Op Mastectomy Compression Bras

The term "breast surgery" can be broadly used to cover a range of surgical procedures relating to both, cosmetic and medical conditions. When speaking specifically of medical breast surgery, we are typically talking about a procedure that is performed to treat a condition related to the breast, and primarily are speaking of treating breast cancer (breast cancer surgery), breast-related abnormalities or post-operative reconstructive procedures.

Some of the medical surgical procedures involving the breast include having a lumpectomy (removing a tumor from the breast), a mastectomy (removing an entire breast), double mastectomy (removing both breasts), lymph node biopsy or dissection (done to check for the spread of cancer) and breast reconstruction surgery (done to rebuild the breast after a mastectomy). For purposes of this article, we will focus on the mastectomy surgical procedure.

There are benefits of having compression therapy before breast surgery, while wearing a compression bra after breast surgery, such as a mastectomy can help reduce swelling, improve circulation, and support healing. Applying gentle compression to your chest area, these specialized bras also help manage fluid buildup and minimize the risk of developing lymphedema.

To help better understand the relationship of having a mastectomy and managing the post-surgical healing process, we have created a list of some of the more common frequently asked questions about a mastectomy and post mastectomy compression bras:

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FAQs About Mastectomy And Mastectomy Compression Bras

What Is A Mastectomy?

A mastectomy is surgery that removes breast tissue. It’s used to treat breast cancer or to lower the risk of breast cancer developing in people at high risk for the disease (prophylactic mastectomy).

Some types of mastectomy remove the entire breast, while other types keep some or all of the breast skin, the nipple, and the areola intact. The type of mastectomy that you choose will likely depend on your breast size and shape, the size and location of your cancer if you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, the type of diagnosis you have, and what you would like your chest to look like after the surgery.

Surgically removing one breast is called single (or unilateral) mastectomy. Removing both breasts is called double (or bilateral) mastectomy.

If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, your surgeon will likely also remove lymph nodes from your armpit during the mastectomy. Examining the lymph nodes close to the cancer helps your doctors to see if the cancer has spread beyond the breast.

With mastectomy, breast reconstruction surgery is usually an option for those who wish to maintain the shape and appearance of the breasts. Breast reconstruction may be done at the same time as the mastectomy (called immediate reconstruction) or at a later date (called delayed reconstruction).

What Is A Mastectomy Compression Bra

A post-mastectomy compression bra is a specialized garment that is designed to provide gentle, even pressure to your chest area after surgery.

Why Is Compression Important After A Mastectomy

After a mastectomy, compression helps reduce swelling, improve circulation, prevent fluid buildup (seroma), and support the surgical site for better healing. Compression bras can also provide stability, reduce post-op pain, protect sensitive tissue during your recovery, and help prevent or treat lymphedema.

What Is Lymphedema

Lymphedema is a condition in which lymph fluid builds up in the body’s tissues, causing swelling. Lymphedema often develops when the lymphatic system is damaged or blocked because of surgery, radiation, or the removal of lymph nodes.

Can Lymphedema Develop After Breast Cancer Surgery And Treatment

Lymphedema is relatively common after a mastectomy that was performed because of breast cancer – especially when lymph nodes are removed. Also, radiation to the chest or underarm area can further damage lymph vessels, increasing the risk of lymphedema.

Does Lymphedema Always Develop Immediately After Surgery

Lymphedema can occur weeks, months, or even years after surgery or radiation for breast cancer.

How Can A Mastectomy Compression Bra Help Prevent Or Treat Lymphedema

After a mastectomy, compression bras provide gentle, consistent pressure to the chest and underarm areas, which can help reduce lymphatic fluid buildup.

After My Mastectomy, Can I Wear A Regular Bra Instead Of A Compression Bra

Check with your healthcare provider, but initially, most people wear a compression bra, not a regular bra. Regular bras lack the support and compression needed after a mastectomy.

Are Compression Bras Available In Different Styles And Colors

We have a large selection of compression bras, in different styles, fabrics, and colors.

What Size Mastectomy Compression Bra Should I Buy

To order the correct size compression bra, you can following the sizing guidelines provided by the manufacturer and/or consult with your surgical team for accurate measurements.

When Should I Start Wearing A Compression Bra After My Mastectomy

Check with your healthcare provider, but most surgeons recommend wearing a compression bra immediately after surgery, or once drains are placed.

How Long Should I Wear A Mastectomy Compression Bra Each Day

After a mastectomy, most people wear a compression bra 24/7 (except for bathing) for the first few weeks. Check with your healthcare provider for specific recommendations for you.

Can I Sleep In A Mastectomy Compression Bra

Most compression bras are designed to be worn 24 hours a day, including while you are asleep. Check with your healthcare provider, but this is often recommended during the initial recovery phase after a mastectomy.

How Long Will I Need To Continue Wearing A Mastectomy Compression Bra

After a mastectomy, most people wear a compression bra for 4-6 weeks. Check with your healthcare provider for specific recommendations for you.

Can I Continue To Wear A Compression Bra Long-term

Some people choose to continue to wear a compression bra for comfort, support, and ongoing lymphedema prevention or management.

Are Mastectomy Compression Bras Comfortable To Wear

Mastectomy compression bras are designed to be soft, supportive, and comfortable, even for skin that is sensitive after surgery.

Can Mastectomy Compression Bras Help With Pain

Mastectomy compression bras can help with pain, because they provide gentle support that can ease soreness and reduce movement-related discomfort.

Can A Mastectomy Compression Bra Replace A Compression Sleeve

If you have arm lymphedema, a medical-grade compression sleeve is usually required. A compression bra may complement the sleeve, but it will not replace it.

How Should I Wash My Mastectomy Compression Bra

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your compression bra, but hand washing or gentle machine washing (in a lingerie bag, with a mild detergent) is usually recommended. Air dry the bra, by laying it flat. You will want to have at least two compression bras, so that you can wear one while you are washing and drying the other.

Be sure to see our large selection of compression bras for lymphedema and post-op for all of your available options.

If you have any questions about our post-op mastectomy compression bras, please call for assistance, (800) 770-1032 or e-mail info@bandagesplus.com.