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Types of Mastectomy Bra - Which is Right For You?
Women wear bras for a variety of reasons, including comfort, appearance, or to hold a prosthesis in place. When a woman has had breast surgery and their breast or part of their breast removed, choosing a bra becomes more complex and more important.
Padded, soft-cup, T-shirt, underwire – which bra is right for you?
Let's look at the different styles of bra available.
Padded
A padded bra may also be known as a moulded bra. These bras have a layer of foam or fibre fill forming the cups. They offer a smooth silhouette under clothing and an enhanced bust line. They also prevent the nipple from showing, and may provide comfort for sensitive breasts. The padding is only a thin layer and does not fill the whole cup, so it is not a substitute for a breast prosthesis - a breast prosthesis can be worn inside a padded or non-padded mastectomy bra.
Sports
This bra provides additional support to breasts during physical exercise. They minimise breast movement, alleviate discomfort, and reduce potential damage to chest ligaments. Charlotte Harding from femail.co.uk writes:
You may have spent a fortune on gym membership and invested in a great new kit.
But it's more than likely that you're missing the most vital piece of exercise equipment of all - a sports bra.
Despite the current boom in the leisure industry, three quarters of women in Britain wear the wrong type of bra for working out.
You may wonder what all the fuss is about. But the facts speak for themselves.
Breasts are mostly composed of fatty tissue and are supported mainly by skin and fragile ligaments called Coopers' ligaments. Because these are not elastic, during repetitive or high impact sport the breasts bounce and pull on the ligaments, forcing them to stretch. Once these ligaments have stretched they stay this way. The result is every woman's nightmare - sagging breasts.
Going without the correct support can also cause breast pain and upper back and shoulder problems.
Running without any bra at all causes the average woman's breasts to move up and down by 8.5cm. Wearing an ordinary bra reduces this by 32 per cent. A sports bra reduces this by at least another 20 per cent.
A survey from Herriot-Watt University last year showed that even breasts sized 34A need extra support during sport.
Underwire
This style of bra has thin rigid material sewn into the underside of the cup of the bra. In the past, this rigid material was a wire, but now it can be made of metal, plastic, or resin. The purpose of the wire is to provide additional support for the breasts and give an attractive shape.
Front-fastening
A front-fastening bra has hooks and eyes that do up at the front of the bra in between the cups. Sometimes the bra may also have hooks at the back, offering women the choice of either front or back closure. This style can be much more convenient if you have stiff shoulders or hands, or if you're still recovering from surgery in the chest area.
Leisure
A soft comfortable bra for wearing to bed, or relaxing at home. Often without hooks or zips. Try Amoena Amy or Kitty, for seam-free pull-on comfort. For front-fastening options, Amoena Frances, or ABC Leisure are extremely popular.
Post-Surgical
These bras are designed for wear after breast surgery during the recovery period. For the first 6 to 8 weeks, the breasts will be sore, swollen, and extremely sensitive. The bras feature extra support and are front-fastening. They need to be worn all day and night during the recovery process to ensure that the whole surgical area is fully supported.
Amoena Sina and Amoena Leyla are perfect for women having breast reconstruction and Amoena Ester for reduction/augmentation. Amoena Pamela offers the highest level of compression, suitable after mastectomy with immediate breast reconstruction with a flap. Amoena Frances or Amoena Hannah are ideal when the initial recovery phase is over, after a mastectomy or lumpectomy.
Camisole
These bras feature a lace panel across the neckline, which raises the neckline and looks like a normal camisole top when seen under clothes. This can be great if you have chest scarring that you'd prefer to cover up. Try Amoena Isabel.
Lymphoedema
These bras may be of the compression type, or simply a supportive massaging fabric which encourages lymph fluid drainage whilst avoiding pressure points which can restrict drainage. The Anita Lymph-o-fit is TGA approved for lymphoedema relief, whilst the Amoena Lymph Care range is designed for gentle comfort.
Wire-Free
This is simply a bra without an underwire. They can include cut and sewn cups for additional support (eg. Trulife Barbara) or be smooth for a seam free look under tops (eg. Amoena Mona).
Strapless
This is an underwire bra that can be worn without straps. It has a silicone lining along the upper edge to help provide support. Usually the bra comes with straps so it can be worn either way. There are very few such options for mastectomy bras, as support is so important with a breast prosthesis. Fortunately we have Amoena Barbara available.
Mastectomy bra
A mastectomy bra has pockets, into which a breast form can be inserted. All of the bra styles mentioned above can be mastectomy bras. All the bras sold by Erilan (except the Lipoelastic brand) are mastectomy bras with pockets.
So, which bra style is right for you?
If your surgery has left you with scarring or uneveness of the chest, you may like a camisole bra such as Trulife Jessica or Amoena Isabel. Or you could simply add a bit of extra fabric at the front with the Anita Fleur Lace Bandeau Top, or a Sayshells bralette.
Don’t like seams? Try a padded bra for a smooth look. If you don’t want the extra ‘bulk’ – try Amoena Mona, Silima Julie or Anita Lisa. Want a lacy feminine bra? Check out Amoena Auriele or Amoena Lilly. There are many options with lace, ruched straps and pretty colours. If you’re affected by lymphoedema look at Anita Lymph-o-fit or Amoena Linda. If exercise is on your agenda look at Amoena Performance, Amoena Power, Anita Vivana or Anita Extreme Control, which offer good support.
Wanting to wear an off the shoulder top or that special dress? Try Amoena's strapless Barbara bra.
Before wearing an underwire it is wise to check with your breast care nurse or surgeon to ensure that there is no danger of lymph gland issues arising.
Women who have arthritis or mobility difficulty often find a fast-fastening bra easier to wear. Amoena Nancy or Amoena Mara are great choices.
Amoena Hannah and Amoena Frances are also great as a comfortable, easy to wear leisure bra.
All in all, mastectomy bras can offer women a bra for any occasion. No longer is the choice limited in style or colour. At Erilan Mastectomy Collection there are many choices, which we know can sometimes feel overwhelming. We would love to hear from you if you have any questions or need some guidance.