If you've undergone implant breast reconstruction, you've likely made peace with knowing your new breasts aren't exactly like the old ones. However, you may not have thought about the likelihood you will no longer be able to wear your old bras.
Whether you decide to live life completely without breasts, with breast forms or prostheses, purchasing new bras to fit your new body will be a daunting task at first. For Dana Donofree, the frustration drove her to create a lingerie business, AnaOno, to help other cancer survivors reclaim their sexy.
At age 27, Donofree had a double mastectomy and after trying to find the 'right' bra in numerous boutiques, surgical stores and hours of fruitless Google searches - each experience ending in tears - she created her own line.
Here are a few tips for picking out a new bra and other accessories for your new beautiful body.
Follow your surgeon's after care recommendations.
Shopping for new bras can also be an exciting experience, but don't expect to go out right away. Donofree shared,"You may want to rush right out and buy a new bra the moment you feel better, but with reconstruction, it is a lengthy recovery process." Your doctor will advise you how long to wear compression garments and give you the green light for when you can go back to traditional bras.
Get a professional fitting.
Most women, regardless of circumstance, are walking around wearing the wrong size."Throw in the fact reconstructed breasts tend to be flatter, rounder, sit higher and have a degree of unevenness, and it [finding the right size bra] can be even more challenging," explained Donofree. Visit a shop that specializes in women's undergarments and let the experts get your proper fit.
No more wire bras.
According to Donofree, being able to comfortably wear underwire bras after reconstruction may be more of an exception rather than the norm. If you’ve gotten prostheses or breast forms that are similar in size to your previous natural breasts, keep in mind that things in the chest area are still different than before. Your implants won’t move in the same way as your former natural breasts. Underwire, "rubs right against incision lines, pokes your implants and it's confining," said Donofree. Consider opting for underwire-free bras and those without the immovable cups. When it comes to wires, it’s moreso about what works best for your specific situation. Regardless, you should always feel comfortable when wearing the bra that you’ve chosen for your new body.
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Try creating your own mastectomy bras.
You can buy speciality mastectomy bras, but if you can also have a pocket sewn into bras you already own. This will allow you to slip a breast form into the pocket. If you’re looking to purchase a new bra, ask to be fitted for a mastectomy bra. Once you know your fit, you can buy mastectomy bras online or at a variety of department stores and boutiques.
Choose breast-friendly materials.
The skin on your chest may be sensitive because of all of the radiation from cancer treatment. Try jersey, modal or cotton for fabrics instead of polyester. There are also soft camisoles available for post surgery. These tops are made with pockets to hold any drainage tubes and bottles you may have after your surgery.
One final bit of advice is simply to be patient with your recovery and bra-buying process. There are many support resources to assist you throughout your survivorship journey. You're not alone.
