Sports Bras After Double Mastectomy Without Recon?

it is likely you will have a surgical bra immediately after surgery that you will wear for several weeks. They use gauze pads for compression. I bought a sports bra that was one size bigger than I normally wear for after coming out of surgical bra. I continued to use the gauze pads for about 3 weeks. I normally go flat, but when I want “curves” I use “knitted knockers” in a bralettes. The most important feature is front closure. The surgical bra had Velcro closure which was easier to manage but the zippered sports bra felt more secure.

MydogandI, I hope your surgery and recovery go well. If you get a chance, it could be good to ask your surgeon if you need to buy any bras for soon after surgery and if so, what kind they recommend. If you want to go flat after 2-3 weeks of recovery, you won't need any bras. It certainly is a nice feeling not to have weight on the chest after mastectomies, in the midst of all the other difficult things about the surgery.

MydogandI, I'm so glad that you're recovering well from your double mastectomy! I bet you will feel a lot better once the drains and staples are removed. I hope that everything goes well for you.

I found zip front sports bras at several Wal Mart stores.

Mydogandihadcancer: I am glad to hear all went well. Speedy recovery!

Once my drains were pulled, I wore inexpensive sports bras from Kmart(now closed, but probably Walmart & Target have similar). I purchased a size bigger. Getting into them can be a challenge. I once tried a front zipper version but the end of the zipper created a raw spot. All the sports bras I've ever worn, even when I had breasts came S-M-L. As mentioned above, some days I feel I need more compression. Some of mine fit more snuggly than others. Pretty sure I have just about every color except brown(still looking for a brown one).

I'm almost 9 years out from surgery & wear sports bras most of the time. They are much easier to find a fit than real bras(from what I remember). I buy them at Marshall's or Ross.

Hi, I don't know if anyone told you, but your insurance will probably pay for bras. Mine is awesome and pays for 3 bras every quarter (up to $45 each). I also get 2 camisoles/year.

Most hospitals in my area have bra stores inside them with people trained to fit you post mastectomy. They handle the insurance aspect. You just need a prescription from your PS.

My bra store will even remind me every quarter!

Nordstrom also takes some types of insurance.

I had some truncal swelling (lymphedema) 9 months after my surgery. Wearing a sports bra helps. I wore one the month after my surgery as well, helped me feel snug and protected (it was also winter). I found some sports bras at Target, the Champion brand, that you could remove the cups from. I got size XS. Unfortunately they have lowered the quality of fabric and no longer stock my preferred model at stores. I have not seen any zipper sports bras. The hospital supplied that post-surgical garment. But it IS possible to wear sports bras without breasts.

Sorry Yall. I understand the anger but I don't know if it's appropriate here. Thanks, but my Mother was fine. It's not her fault or my fault or your fault.

For those of us who have been 'gifted' with Lymphadema, a sports or compression bra makes a lot of difference.