Finding the right bra size and style can be difficult after a lumpectomy, depending on how much breast tissue is preserved and whether one or both breasts are affected. The changes in breast shape and size following a lumpectomy may require adjustments in clothing choices.

Consulting with a specialized bra fitter or wearing postsurgical bras can help ensure comfort and support during the healing process. Everyone’s experience is different. Personalized guidance from healthcare professionals is essential.

Here are some solutions to help you find the best bra after breast cancer surgery.

Right After Surgery: Follow Your Doctor’s Recommendations

When you first leave the hospital after your lumpectomy, it’s critical to stick with your healthcare team’s recommendations about wearing a bra. Several factors will be part of that decision, including:

• Whether your incisions have healed and if you still have drains
• How your skin has recovered or changed after radiation
• Personal comfort, your breast size, and a proper bra fitting with your doctor

Radiation therapy may follow the lumpectomy to kill any remaining cancer cells. Factors that go into the decision to have radiation may include:

• Your age
• Characteristics of the tumor
• Whether the cancer is invasive or lymph nodes are involved
• How well surgery removed the tumor (surgical margins)
• Genetic testing, in some cases
• Your overall health and personal preferences

During this time, it’s very common for people with breast cancer to report concerns with swelling, pain, skin irritation, and asymmetry. These issues can make bra shopping complicated.

Choose the Right Fabric

A postsurgical bra must have soft fabric for sensitive skin that’s still healing.

Cotton is soft and breathable. Modal and bamboo can also be good options. These natural fibers help wick moisture to keep you feeling dry and fresh.

Avoid Irritation

After your breast surgery and also radiation, avoid bras with underwires that dig into the skin. It’s a good idea to go braless if the skin is damaged and raw.

Many members of MyBCTeam find that a sports bra works best after a lumpectomy when they can’t go braless. “I try not to wear any bra, as I find it hurts where the wounds are,” said one member. “Wired bras would be awful for me. I like sports bras with no seams if I have to wear one.”

Find Helpful Features

Wide straps may be more supportive. Front closures can also make it easier to get your bra on and off while you recover.

Some MyBCTeam members found that compression bras were helpful. “There is a new compression bra out. Since I have been wearing it, I haven’t had pain. It has padding in the bra. You don’t have to worry about pads moving around,” shared one member.

Just be sure to check with your doctor before wearing a tight compression bra early in your recovery.

Get Support

Wearing a supportive sports bra can help reduce movement and pain during your early days of recovery. Your surgical team may also provide a special postsurgical support bra. If you’re instructed to purchase a specific type of bra for your treatment, your health insurance may help cover the costs.

“My oncologist gave me a script for bras at the Home Health Supply local store,” wrote a MyBCTeam member. “I went in and got fitted and chose the front-hook bra. My insurance paid for it. I got two bras at that time, and the lady said I would be eligible for two more in six months’ time. It included an insert to go where the breast used to be that fits inside a pocket in the bra.”

Plans with a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) may let you put money from the account toward recovery supplies, including a bra. Talk to your insurance carrier to find out about your options and see if you’ll need to get a prescription from your doctor as documentation.

After the Initial Recovery: Choose Bras That Work for You

Once you’ve had time to heal from surgery and radiation, you’ll need to wear a comfortable bra. Most people experience some swelling in response to breast cancer treatments. This swelling may be temporary, or it could happen a few days after surgery and radiation.

Another type of swelling, called lymphedema, can also happen after treatment. It’s related to an impaired lymphatic system.

For some, lymphedema comes and goes for years, even in remission. As a result, your breasts may be smaller first thing in the morning, becoming swollen as the day goes on.

Member Suggestions

On MyBCTeam, one member reached out for advice. “I am three weeks into radiation and am feeling the burn,” they said. “What kind of bra have you all found that can be worn with the most comfort? I go braless at home, but I need to leave the house sometimes. I’m open to all suggestions.”

Others responded by saying:

• “The weather was cooler when I had my radiation, so I usually wore a soft camisole under my shirt with a fleece or a down vest over the top. That way, no one knew I was braless. Then, as the weather got warmer, I wore sports bras.”
• “Something soft, cotton. Maybe even in a size larger than normal. It shouldn’t be tight-fitting or rub.”
• “I found the radiated area under my breast hurt with most bras. I used a bra extender, so the band was not tight. Or, I wore loose camisoles.”

Stay Flexible

Wearing rigid bras with set cup sizes isn’t the most forgiving option. You’ll want a bra that can accommodate size fluctuations throughout the day.

Going for a wire-free bra with some stretch or removable pads can offer more flexibility. Adjustable straps also let you modify your bra as needed.

Finding a bra that’s easy to get on and off is a must, especially if you still have soreness or pain in your chest and arms. If you don’t need a lot of support, you may find a stretchy tank top works fine in place of a bra. Others may benefit from the continued support of a more structured bra.

When Can You Wear an Underwire Bra?

It’s generally best to give your body time to heal before wearing an underwire bra. This is especially true if you have damaged skin from recent radiation therapy or a lot of swelling.

There are no official guidelines on when or if you can go back to wearing an underwire bra after a lumpectomy or radiation. Your best bet is to discuss your situation with your healthcare provider. They know your anatomy and medical history best.

Regardless of the type of bra you wear, it’s important that it fits well and provides sufficient support. If bras cause you more pain than they’re worth, you may be able to skip them altogether.

Adjust as Time Goes On

Remember, your body will change with time. If you have underwire bras or other lingerie that you’d like to wear, save them.

During the recovery period after a lumpectomy, prioritize comfort and support. Opt for soft and nonrestrictive bra styles until the healing process is complete.

After a lumpectomy, it can take time for the firmness and swelling to go down. That’s not counting the additional time to recover after radiation therapy.

You can always reevaluate your bra options then. Being patient with your body’s healing process and reassessing your bra choices after the recovery period can help ensure optimal comfort and support after a lumpectomy.