Hi everyone!
I’m about to have a single mastectomy 
and want to go flat to avoid risk/complications/extra procedures.
I understand that compression of the area is important to stop swelling and fluid pooling, but I can’t find a single bra that is meant to do this! They all seem to be for reconstruction compression.
Anyone out there got any suggestions / experience of what might work? I’m a 34b so don’t need a huge amount of support..
I’m finding it frustrating that none of the companies seem to account for the fact that you still have one boob that needs support and a flat area that needs compression and my nurses and surgeon don’t have any recommendations either 
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It’s weird isn’t it! Bad enough that we have to go through such a difficult procedure without feeling like there are no products out there to help get through it 
Even Google ai says that you need a bra with gentle compression, flat seams, front closure etc etc. But when I look up any of the models it recommends, none of them say they are for flat closure 
Are we meant to just put a softie in one of these bras for constructive surgery to fill it out to get the compression?? Or just wrap a wide bandage round us?!
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Dear @wizzer , This was my experience of mastectomy flat closure in September 2023…
Before the op I had a fitting with a Nicola Jane advisor at my local Maggies centre and chose the Hilary front opening bra. I also contacted Knitted Knockers who made me two knitted breast forms, plus I was given two softies by a breast care nurse.
My surgeon told me in advance that she doesn’t put in drains.
When I woke up after the op I was sporting a large dressing which stayed on for two weeks until it started falling off.
I wore my front fastening bra with either the softie or knitted knocker. Needless to say I was very protective of my wound!
At first I was surprised to not look completely flat but had what appeared to be a small mound under the dressing. This turned out to be accumulating fluid which my surgeon drained with a needle on two subsequent visits to her clinic. It didn’t hurt.
It was never suggested to me that my wound needed to be compressed.
It all healed up surprisingly well considering my type 1 diabetes which makes any wound slow to heal.
I still have that front fastening bra (I chose the black one with pink roses) and it remains one of my favourites.
Wishing you well with your surgery. Love Tulip x
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Thank you - so helpful to hear other people’s experiences 
I had a single mastectomy twice and never had any compression either time. Also never had any seroma but I did have drains. The surgeons all have such different ideas.
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Yes there doesnt seem to be a general concession as to what’s best in terms of healing and recovery.
My surgeon has said that it’s unlikely I’ll have drains which I’mreally glad about- but from what Ive read it sounds like its then quite important to have even compression on the area instead - and there just don’t seem to be any bras that specifically do that!
It would be nice if the NHS were able to give me an appropriate bra to go home in, rather than women having the extra stress of wondering if they’ve got an appropriate garment 
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I can’t comment about mastectomy but my post operative dressing after my lumpectomy was providing compression to my wound so I’m assuming you’ll have a pressure dressing on yours too.
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Ah thanks Bluetit
I didn’t realise the dressing could do that 
I’m going tomorrow for a pre surgery assessment tomorrow so I’ll double check with them!
Hope you are coping ok 
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Tootling my way through radiotherapy this week.
Yes my wound was a mere 10cm scratch but had glue (no external stitches) many heavy duty paper stitches (not little steristrips) then a stretchy dressing on top.
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The conveyor belt continues…
Hope your scratch is healing well 
Good luck with the radiation 
Sounds like fatigue down the line can be surprising.
I’ve been finding @breast-cancer-rehab on youtube really good for advice..if you can handle her voice 
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The scratch is well healed. 
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Sorry got called for my appointment at accidentally hit send!
Yes nearly 12 weeks since surgery so it’s well healed.
As for radiotherapy I’m taking it easier this week and next and drinking lots in the hope of minimising the fatigue.
I shall go find her for additional tips
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Hi @wizzer
My Trust provides a bra post op. A front fastening thing quite elastic and not too flimsy. I had a single mastectomy and wasn’t told to compress - I did have a drain though.
I bought some cheap post surgery bras from Asda - the bigger ones. Wasn’t spending a fortune as wanted to be in underwired brass DPQ as I need the support for a D boob and prosthetic.
Ask your breast care nurse what you’ll be provided with and ask what they suggest as they will know how your surgeon operates (no pun intended!). It is not acceptable the nurse can’t advise. Clarify re your compression needs as this does seem to be more recon related.
Another thought is a high-impact gym bra though front opening will be difficult to get hold of.
Good luck and all the best for your surgery.
AnGELa x
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M&S do a post surgery sports bra which fits that spec.
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I think they will all be getting a grilling tomorrow 
I have lots of questions!
Thanks all 
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Well my lump measures 4cm 
which I kindof knew by feeling it but it sounds scarier in numbers! Still have no idea how it got so big with my regular checks.
They seemed pretty casual about the bra aspect and said that the sports bra i have is fine to wear with the softie on that side, and to just expect a small amount of fluid buildup that my body should re-absorb
Good news is i now have a date for the removal of my Chestburster on the 3rd July 
Now i just have to convince my monkey brain that it’s the right thing to do!
How’s the radiation going?
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That’s good news, it’s easier once you’ve got a plan.
Touch wood radiotherapy going ok although today they were running late and then told me I had a nurse appointment that no one communicated. It’s like they don’t expect me to have anything else to do but hang out at the hospital.
Anyhow last one tomorrow then a week of afterglow and my treatment will be complete.
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I feel like it’s become a full time job! Frustrating to have an extra appointment sprung on you I thought today was going to include the pre-surgery assessment but it looks like I’ll have to go in again for it.
Glad to hear you’re almost done though - that must be a big relief. At least if you glow in the dark you can find your way to the bathroom more easily at night 
Do you actually feel anything when it’s happening? I haven’t really looked into radiation - I’ll save that homework for if it’s needed..
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