Are underwires bad?

When I had breast reduction surgery (down to a 42D) I was told by the surgeon to never wear an underwire again. I did of course, as I needed the support!! Without the underwire NO bra could hold my girls in. I did end up developing my cancer right on my bra line, but I consider that totally coincidental. It was also the site where the "T-incision" from my reduction surgery met.

I would think an underwire would exacerbate LE TERRIBLY as it cuts off circulation. I don't wear bras anymore so am glad I don't know have to make that decision. I know I'd have to break down and wear underwire for support. Any other bra that says "full support" would have to be VERY tight and constrictive to do the same thing and give the same look.

HMMM - I haven't been told that. I suppose it could be true in some cases. Think there could be a difference between mastectomy and lumpectomy.



I've basically always worn UW's as they were the most comfortable to me. I'm not really that 'large' - 34 - 36; C or D depending on construction. When I got my first mast. bras, I went with what the certified fitter told me would be more 'comfortable' (wrong) - non UWs. That time frame is when LE raised it's head (arm and body). Surgeon said wear what's comfortable as does LE guy.



We are each unique so there is no "one size fits all" answer.

I always wear an underwire...need the boost!  I buy a good bra at Victoria's Secret where the underwire is encased in foam, I don't feel it and it doesn't dig into my skin at all.

edited to add that I don't have LE. If you do, then it may be another story altogether.

There was a long thread in the past about how women had improvements in their LE wearing camisoles instead of bras--we put it on SUSO--there are links on the page.

I work in radiation oncology and we tell patients no underwires while getting rads, but afterwards, it can cut off lymph flow, but as others have indicated, a well fitting bra that doesn't constrict or dig in to your chest is key--personally, I wear cami's

http://www.stepup-speakout.org/How_You_Can_Cope_with_Lymphedema.htm#Camisoles_vs._Bras_for_Easing_Lymphedema_Swelling

Camisoles Instead of Bras May Help Prevent Excess Fluid Build Up
Our group's unscientific study shows that, for some, ditching a banded bra in favor of a camisole may help prevent excess fluid build-up.

This "unscientific" investigation started several months ago when I went to see my lymphedema therapist and I was wearing a regular banded bra. This was unusual for me, since I have both breast and bi-lateral arm lymphedema and usually wear compression camisoles during the day. For whatever reason, I had a banded bra on that day.

As I took it off and laid down on the table for our MLD session, she was shocked at the red marks on both my shoulders from the thin bra straps and under my breasts from the banded bra. My therapist had a fit, showing me the "red marks" and telling me how they impede lymph flow, period, and to stick with camisoles.

So, I brought this subject up in our support group, and was surprised that many others also found that "ditching" their bras improved their lymphedema, both arm and chest/breast.

It may not work for everyone, but it certainly is something we recommend you try!--OneBadBoob

I stopped wearing a bra this summer. Just been wearing cami's. What a difference! No swelling. - reen

I do think you're on to something: for the last year I was able to get away without a bra, but recently started to work in a situation where I need (or feel the need) to wear one. So, I got a "barely there" bra, but I do notice I'm having to work harder to keep my lymphedema under control. - kira

I have really liked the Flexees cami... I have several styles that I use for different activities. I have found that most of the shapewear camis regardless of brand want to roll up a little, but once they are tucked into underwear or hose, they are beautiful. As an added bonus to switching to these types of camis all my clothes look better on... no little bumps or rolls... which is nice (they also don't bother my scar which is still sensitive 3 years out) - t9jorda

I totally agree--wearing cami's makes a great difference! But, since I also have breast lymphedema, I find that cami's WITHOUT UNDER WIRES do an even better job at not impeding lymph flow. I found the Maidenform Control It with no under wires--fits me to a T! - OneBadBoob

I've been wearing the lycra camis from Barely There Comfortable Curves Indulgence Shaping Cami for the last couple years. When I run, I wear one under layers of poly/lycra shirts in winter and need no extra bra. In the summer, I add a sports bra over top of the cami. - bomber410

I have had both breasts removed. No reconstruction. I always wear shelf top tanks from Walmart for $5 and $7.00. Love them and I wear foam breasts from Sears at I think , around $20.00. I never wear a bra and I wear a blouse with them when I go somewhere. - jinky

I found a compression tank at Target (Asset brand, around $20). I was sure that my lymphedema was better on the days I wore it. I wear one all day, plus my glove when we walk at night ... no pain or swelling. I wore the Under Armour products during the winter so was looking for something similar but sleeveless for our hot Houston summer. I really think we are on to something. We will lick this yet!! - mccarroll

Here's something of interest that may work... it's a bike unitard. I wore something similar to this prior to breast cancer with a T-shirt/jacket/vest thrown over... the concept takes a bit to get use to, but once I did, I loved it. It would not have any pinch points to restrict the flow of lymph fluid as you move.... may be worth a try. - t9jorda

I wore a cotton tank instead of the barely there crop bra, and it felt so much better: no red line around my chest when I got home. - kira

I wore a regular bra once to go to my LE appointment, and my therapist had a fit, showing me the "red marks" and telling me how they impede lymph flow, period. The reason I like the Maidenform Control It better than the Barely There is that the straps are wider. I sometimes get red marks on my shoulders from the Barely There. I guess we are all different and have to experiment with what works for us. - OneBadBoob

I'm also more comfortable in camis, never could support a bra after my mastectomy. In the summer though I find them hot under a t-shirt, so what I did is cut them about 3 inches under the breast form and sewed a wide elastic band that is not tight on my chest, just to keep the cami from running up. - Welga

I wear the Still You Mastectomy Camisole Tank Top, with a bit of an adjustment, especially for the summer. I cut off the outer long cami part which leaves me with a pocketed cami bra that works great with foam or poly filled forms. - Sher

Here are a few suggestions for adjustments to camis to make them work for our specific needs:

The Cancer Society on-line store has "shoulder cushions" that attach to your bra straps to keep the narrow straps from cutting into your shoulder: http://www.tlcdirect.org/products/sku-8083__dept-14.html

And it has easy sew-in prosthesis pockets that come with instructions for hand-stitching them in (or get a "crafty" friend to do it for you) http://www.tlcdirect.org/products/sku-7576__dept-16.html

Or the instructions for designing your own sew-in pockets in any item (bra, cami, swimsuit) are on-line here:http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/5079/adapt-a-bra-to-accommodate-a-prosthesis-- Binney

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I've kept one underwire to have "just in case" I need to wear it for an occasion with a dress or something.  I've only needed it once in 6 months.  Previously, I always wore underwires for a better shape.  Now I'm mostly in compression shirts.