Finding The Right Clothing And Swimwear After Breast Surgery
Many women wonder what swimwear and clothing styles to wear after breast surgery . Its not unusual to wonder if youll still look the same in your clothes, especially if you wear a breast prosthesis or have uneven breasts.
With time, most women find that they can regain their confidence by knowing what works for them and what makes them feel more comfortable.
The following information and suggestions will be of particular use to women who wear a prosthesis. However, they may also give ideas to women who dont wear a prosthesis.
Wearing Backless Clothing After Breast Surgery
If you want to wear clothes with a low or revealing back, you can buy bra strap extensions online, from specialist suppliers or some department stores. Instead of fastening at your back, these continue round your body and fasten lower down at the front to enable you to wear clothes with low backs.
You can also buy bras with straps that can be crossed at the back, designed to not show when wearing tops with cut-away shoulders.
Tlc For Scalp And Skin
Donât forget your scalp when you reach for your sunscreen. Radiation and chemotherapy can make you more sensitive to the sun.
- Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 50 or higher.
- Wear a tight-woven hat with a 5-inch brim.
- Keep radiation-treated areas away from the sun.
- Cover your arms and chest with an oversized button-down shirt.
- Sit under an umbrella when youâre at the pool, beach, or eating outside.
Be gentle with your scalp when your hair starts to fall out. It can be tender and painful. Here are some things you can do as you go through treatment:
- Use baby shampoo.
- Use a baby brush with soft bristles.
- Donât blow dry your hair.
Read Also: How To Screen For Breast Cancer
What Swimwear To Wear With A Breast Prosthesis
If you want to wear a prosthesis when swimming, you can often find suitable swimwear to wear with a prosthesis in high-street shops, including one-piece and two-piece costumes. The top needs to be cut high enough over the breast area and under the arms to cover the prosthesis. It also needs to have some structure, which is usually provided by cups. If you choose to wear a bikini top, choose one that comes in bra cup sizes, has a full cup and has a supportive underband.
You could adapt a high-street swimsuit that has cups by making your own pocket to hold a prosthesis in place. If you do this you will need to wear a lightweight prosthesis or foam leisure prosthesis as other prostheses may be too heavy.
Although you can swim in a silicone or foam leisure prosthesis its important to rinse it well afterwards to avoid any possible damage from the chlorine or salt water.
You can also wear a swim prosthesis that doesnt get damaged by salt water or chlorine.
See types of breast prostheses.
Things To Know Before A Mastectomy
This post first appeared on Today.com
You are not going to look like you used to, and that is OK. With a little ingenuity, anything is possible.
You were prepared for your treatment. You were prepared for your surgery. You read everything you could get your hands on when you were diagnosed with cancer. But nothing prepares you for the day when the post-mastectomy haze clears and you are standing at the mirror, wrapped up like a mummy, convinced the doctors accidentally stitched an elephant to your chest.
You blink at your new body and try to wiggle out of the robe that has become your go-to outfit of choice. Then, you stare into your closet. This is not like those pre-cancer days of sighing about not having anything to wear this is real. As you rack your brain, you realize there wasn’t anything in your research that talked about living life after the mastectomy, including what kinds of clothes would make the recovery process a little easier.
But don’t worry, because I’ve been there. “What do I need to do before a mastectomy?” “How soon can you wear a bra after mastectomy?” Many of us have had these questions run through our minds, and we’re happy to share all the things we wish we’d known when it was time to ditch the flannel and start dressing like a woman again.
Also Check: Can Guys Have Breast Cancer
Coping With The Changes To Your Body
Everyone has different feelings about their body and how they look after breast surgery and there is no wrong or right way to feel. Its natural to have concerns. You may wonder how friends and family will react, or what people might say when you return to your everyday activities.
By taking simple measures you can become more confident about your body and how you look, which may affect other areas of your life in a positive way. This might include having a suitable prosthesis fitted, choosing an attractive, well-fitting bra, or making some adjustments to your clothes.
Find out more about coping with the changes to your body after breast cancer treatment and living with and beyond breast cancer.
Recovery Robe With Belt For Surgical Drains
Mastectomy patients will want a soft recovery robe with easy access for surgical drain access, healing, and medical dressing management. Additionally, the Meina Robe with Drain Management Belt from AnaOno by Dana Donofree is my recommendation for lots of women due to the adjustable nature and the functionality of the design during your healing process.
- Luxury & Comfort
- Underwire free and soft design for sensitive skin and incisions
- Pocketed for breast forms, padded cups or FooBs and eligible for insurance coverage
- Great for recovery, lounging, and exercise.
- Higher neckline helps when you have surgery dressings or want more coverage
- Bra Size Tips: true to size, high rise
- I am wearing: Size Large
- Colors: black, ivory
Shop the Ana ono post-mastectomy clothing & bras to make your recovery or that of a loved one more comfortable and confident.
Recommended Reading: Is Triple Negative Breast Cancer Bad
Heal In Comfort Clothes For After Mastectomy
A friend of mine here in Austin, who is also a breast cancer survivor, is the inventor of Heal in Comfort, post-mastectomy clothing. Cherie Mathews helps women heal in comfort and dignity after breast cancer surgery. The patented healincomfort Mastectomy Shirt not only has internal pockets, but its also made of a moisture wicking material and Velcro fasteners. I have seen these shirts in person and they are super soft. Oh, I wish they were around 7 years ago. I am so glad there are better options now for mastectomy recovery clothing.
Can Reconstructed Breasts Hide Cancer Or Make It Come Back
Studies show that reconstruction does not make breast cancer come back. If the cancer does come back, reconstructed breasts should not cause problems finding the cancer or treating it.
If you are thinking about having breast reconstruction, either with an implant or tissue flap , you need to know that reconstruction rarely hides a return of breast cancer. You should not consider this a big risk when deciding to have breast reconstruction.
Also Check: Does Breast Pain Mean Cancer
What To Wear When Recovering From A Mastectomy
When recovering from a mastectomy, it’s likely that you’ll be sore and have limited mobility, which can make ordinarily simple tasks a real challenge. Your restricted range of motion will make it difficult to do everyday things like putting on clothes. The good thing is, this inconvenience won’t last forever! But while youre in recovery, its important to wear the right things to avoid unnecessary strain.
Before you go in for your surgery, take an inventory of the clothes you have and what you may need to be comfortable after the procedure. Getting everything together beforehand will save you the hassle of having to go out and purchase items after your procedure. To help you out, we’ve rounded up some of the best items to wear while you’re recovering from a mastectomy.
2 It’s Okay To Stay In Your Comfy Clothes
No one is expecting you to put on your party dress and hit the town. It might be a while before you’re up to raising your arms above your head, and the drains and scar tissue will be uncomfortable. “Treat yourself to an amazing pair of pajamas, and stay in them as much as you want,” Robyn says.
I suggest getting a pair that you can button up or tie in front: It will significantly help with the limited mobility. “Scar tissue is really painful and a constant reminder,” Kelly, diagnosed late 2013, says, “but it fades just like the bad memories of chemo.”
This is the time when as comfortable as possible is completely acceptable. If you miss dressing up, try an oversize men’s silk pajama top and belt it: instant shirtdress. At AnaOno, our Miena Robe With Drain Management Belt is one of our most popular mastectomy loungewear pieces to wear during recovery. It features super-soft modal fabric, a front tie for easy dressing and a built-in drain management belt.
Also Check: How Often Chemo For Breast Cancer
How Can I Find Out My Bra Size After Breast Surgery
Most specialist lingerie shops, and some high-street shops or department stores, have experienced bra fitters who will use a tape measure to give you your exact bra size. As your shape and size may change during and after treatment, its a good idea to have your bra size accurately measured before you buy any new bras.
An experienced bra fitter will often have specialist training and experience in helping women who have had or are going to have breast surgery. It might be useful to call ahead and make an appointment to ensure you can be seen by a trained fitter.
Mastectomy With Breast Reconstruction
Some women choose to have breast reconstruction to help restore the look of the breast that was removed.
Reconstruction may be done at the same time as the mastectomy or later . In general, cosmetic results are better with immediate reconstruction.
If you want reconstruction, find out if theres a plastic surgeon available who specializes in breast reconstruction. This may be important when making a decision about surgery. Discuss your reconstruction options with your plastic surgeon before your breast surgery.
Not all women choose to have reconstructive surgery. Some women choose to get a breast prosthesis. Others choose to have a flat closure .
Also Check: African American Breast Cancer Statistics 2020
Should I Get Breast Reconstruction Surgery
A woman who has surgery to treat breast cancer might also choose to have surgery to rebuild the shape and look of her breast. This is called breastreconstruction surgery. If you are thinking about having this done, it is best to talk about it with your surgeon and a plastic surgeon experienced in breast reconstruction before you have surgery to remove the tumor or breast. This lets the surgical teams plan the best treatment for you, even if you decide to wait and have reconstructive surgery later.
Reasons To Have Breast Reconstruction
A woman might choose to have breast reconstruction for many reasons:
- To make her chest look balanced when she is wearing a bra or swimsuit
- To help make clothes fit better
- To permanently regain her breast shape
- So she wont have to use a breast form that fits inside the bra
- To feel better about her body
Breast reconstruction often leaves scars, but they usually fade over time. Newer techniques have also reduced the amount of scarring. When youre wearing a bra, your breasts should be alike enough in size and shape to let you feel comfortable about how you look in most types of clothes.
After a lumpectomy or mastectomy, breast reconstruction can make you feel better about how you look and renew your self-confidence. But keep in mind that the reconstructed breast will not be a perfect match or substitute for your natural breast. If tissue from your tummy, back, thigh, or buttocks was used as part of the reconstruction, those areas will also look different after surgery. Before you make your decision, talk with your surgeon about scars and changes in shape or contour. Ask where they will be, and how they will look and feel after they heal.
Don’t Miss: Breast Cancer Foods To Avoid
Breast Cancer Wardrobe Guide 101
Our good friend and overall lady boss, Christie Mangir, shares her ultimate wardrobe list for prepping for breast cancer treatments, surgeries and other related procedures. She is the ultimate fighter and has made it her professional and personal mission to give back to the breast cancer community.
When I was diagnosed with breast cancer last year, I knew that a lot of things in my life would change during treatment. What I didnt expect to drastically change was my wardrobe – that came as a surprise. Ive learned that each stage of treatment comes with different comfort and wardrobe challenges for cancer patients. When we have SO many other important details and logistics to consider, like medications, side effects, and appointments, the last thing we need to be stressed about is what were going to wear.
So as we kick off the new year, heres my wardrobe survival checklist for the common treatments and surgeries we you may be facing with breast cancer:
When To Contact Us
Contact us for the following problems, any unanswered questions and emotional support needs. Call 353-7070 and ask to speak with a nurse during the day, or the answering service in the evening to reach your doctor or the doctor on call.
- Pain that is not relieved by medication
- Fever more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit or chills
- Excessive bleeding, such as a bloody dressing
- Excessive swelling
- Discharge or bad odor from the wound
- Allergic or other reactions to medication
- Anxiety, depression, trouble sleeping, need more support
Recommended Reading: Can Antiperspirant Cause Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer Clothing And Mastectomy Recovery Kits
There are all kinds of breast cancer and prophylactic mastectomy recovery kits and fun t-shirts on the site. These would make great, useful gifts! Cherie pointed out, that for the same cost as a bouquet of flowers, you can get a breast cancer patient a Healincomfort shirt that would be helpful for post-op recovery, doctor visits, radiation, chemo, sleeping, and daywear. Save them the hassle and embarrassment of using oversized shirts with safety pins.
Get this Healincomfort Recovery Kit that comes with:Healincomfort Recovery ShirtExtra Set of Hands Wrap-aroundA KILI Carrier for shower useBad Hair Day Bandana
How fun are these cancer t-shirts?
Men can get breast cancer too!
There are now mastectomy recovery clothes for men too. Therefore, Healincomfort comes in blue and black colors as well.
I chatted with Cherie and she told me she has recently partnered up with Male Breast Cancer Coalition to help guys healincomfort instead of old bungee cords from the garage to manage the drains. Yes, men can get breast cancer too and they deserve to recovery with dignity.
More information on Post Mastectomy Recovery Clothing
If you would like to learn more, then here is a video to show you more about HealinComfort, the Post Operative Mastectomy Shirt for Breast Cancer Patients. Get one on the HealinComfort site.
Breast Cancer Shirts For After Surgery
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Recommended Reading: How Quickly Does Breast Cancer Develop
Are You Looking For Post
You no longer need to use safety pins to hold your hospital gown together. Jacki® is breast cancer clothing that provides the privacy and coverage you need. Surgery recovery clothing should be comfortable and hassle free.
Make Jacki® a part of the cancer care package or care plan to give your loved ones a solution for the challenges they are facing. If you are looking for gifts for cancer patients, getting a Jacki® will help make their life easier.
Jacki® is beneficial for other cancer patients who are looking for cancer clothing for their recovery process. This mastectomy recovery shirt has easy access points so nurses can do their daily tasks without making the patient go through difficult and painful movements. It has been said to be an essential recovery garment, worn 24/7.
When Will My Eyelashes Grow Back
Eyelashes can take several months after chemo ends to grow back in. And they might not grow back just like they were before.
Some people use lash boosters or artificial lashes, Lustberg says.
Eyebrows also can come out with chemo. Some people get eyebrow microblading, a type of permanent makeup, ahead of chemotherapy. The main reason is to keep the outline of your eyebrows. âOnce the hair is falling off, youâre less sure about the shape,â Lustberg says.
You can also learn from online beauty tutorials or at a local makeup counter. Your health care team may have advice on where to go. âThey know whatâs good in your area,â Frey says.
Read Also: Can Yogurt Cause Breast Cancer
What Makes Us Different
We want you to look good and feel beautiful even when the going gets tough. Every detail in our collection of post breast cancer surgery clothing is thoughtfully designed to enhance your treatment and recovery process.
Our versatile post-surgery clothing designed with ports and drains is so comfortable, attractive and elegant youll hardly believe it! All our clothes for cancer patients are lovingly designed and made in California.