Bra recommendations for going flat

Going through breast cancer treatment Top tips and practical support
21

Exactly what my husband said​:joy:

No you don’t feel a thing as the machines move around you. Breast just feels a bit hot and heavy in the evening but so far has been fine. :crossed_fingers:

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22

I went flat 4 weeks ago. I have the same size chest as you. I bought a bra from Marks and Spencer but only wore it for two nights. I had no complications and felt better without a bra. I had a smooth recovery, arm movements are good and the bonus that I hadn’t expected was a tightening of my saggy neck. Good luck with your operation and recovery xx

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23

Hi wizzer, I’ve had 4 breast surgeries over the last year. I have a whole drawer of bras. After each surgery I awoke with both drains and pink compression bra’s on. I was also given an extra upon discharge and told to wear them for the first month and at post op would be told how much longer. They are Velcro adjustable from mastheadpink.com. Maybe they also sell what you are looking for as far as flat on one side. I wish you the best this is a very difficult time and I am only coming to grips with it but by bit.

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24

Hi, I had a single mastectomy about 9 weeks ago. I had a pressure bandage for a couple of days and a drain. I was told to wear a supportive bra for at least two weeks, day and night. I couldn’t exactly see what it was supporting! I found they got very tight at night and kept having to release some of the fastenings - I agree it’s very frustrating!

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25

Thanks Jam1 - that’s really good to know :heart:

How do you feel after 4 weeks? I’m meant to be visiting a close friend who’s coming from the US 4 weeks after my op and I’m wondering whether I’m going to be able to manage it - mentally and physically! x

26

2riversgal,

Thanks so much for the recommendation- I’ll have a look :blush:

All the best with your recovery - sounds like you’ve had a really rough time of it :face_holding_back_tears::heart:

27

Hi Belton,

Thanks for your perspective - its so good to hear other’s experiences to know what to expect even if it’snot great! And yes, there seem to be plenty of options for supporting reconstructive ops but us flat chesters have been neglected!

Like you I’m wondering how a regular bra can offer much support on that side and not just have wrinkly folds that might actually aggravate it :thinking: I’m making myself one of those wraparound mastectomy pillows that might be more useful :crossed_fingers:t2::slightly_smiling_face:

It seems a bit like that with the quality of some of the surgery too :face_holding_back_tears: I hope you’ve been as happy as you can be with your scar at least :heart:

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28

Hi, after 3 days I felt so much better than I had previously felt. After 2 weeks I felt even better and now at 4 weeks it feels like a distant memory. Only took coding twice as the discomfort is minimal. I have a fair bit of numbness in the chest and a bit of burning sensation but nothing to stop me doing anything. I know that we are all different but my experience has been positive.

I was allowed to drive after 2 weeks (right sided mastectomy). As a passenger I suggest having something between you and the seatbelt.

Having something to look forward to and seeing friends is a great distraction and helps to lift the mood. Wishing you a smooth recovery, stay positive xxx

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29

Hey!

Following 2 unsuccessful lumpectomys I had a single mastectomy in April. Throughout all my surgery I have used M&S post surgery bras and have never had any trouble. They’re really reasonable in price and good quality. I bought one of their softies. They’re really good and insert into most post sugery pockets. I’ve also used a company called Pink Ribbon Lingerie.

Hope all goes well!:pink_heart:

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30

Hi Runningmummy,

That doesn’t sound like a fun journey :pleading_face: I’m sorry you’ve had to go through that :heart:. It does help me with my decision to go with a mastectomy.

Thanks so much for the recommendations. M&S is popular so they could be a contender :blush:

It does seem like we need to get a company to make a flat closure post surgery option though!

I hope your recovery is going well :smiling_face_with_three_hearts:

31

It’s been a long road, unfortunately they could never get clear margins with the lumpectomy. It’s taken a little bit of adjusting to but starting to gain more confidence now.

I’m a 34B and found that the M&S softies were more realistic and comfier than anything that the hospital gave me. Their bras are also pretty. Unbelievably primark also sell them (online and bigger stores). I found their front fastening ones really helpful following surgery xx

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32

Can you ask the breast care nurses at your breast care unit? My surgeon was really specific about what bra to get but J had a Goldilocks procedure mastectomy and a reduction on the other side. I went from a G to B/C on both sides.

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33

Thanks Jam1 - that’s really great that you did so well :blush: You must be very stoic - I’m not sure I’m made of such strong stuff!

Unfortunately it’s my left side - and I’m now wishing we had an automatic.. but that gives me hope that it’s possible if someone else drives :heart:

34

Hi Weima,

No my nurses and surgeon had no specific recommendations except for it to be front opening - which does seem odd :thinking:

Sounds like your goldilocks procedure would have been a silver lining?

:heart:

35

I’m nothing special. I found Penny Brohn site (based in Bristol a fantastic source of online support) they have exercise classes, 1-1 support etc. I also had a couple of Keheren massage sessions (specifically for oncology clients). Stay positive and only concern yourself with issues if they occur. Worrying saps your energy and achieves nothing. Stay strong, you will come through this blip. Xx

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36

Hi there - I too had a single mastectomy last September. M&S do support bras but I have also found Amoena bras really comfy - they do post surgery support and daily bras, as well as swim wear. They are based in the new forest but you can order online too. I love them because I feel normal and there are some lovely designs. Hope this helps x

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37

It was. The breast tissue was removed and a breast shape made with the remaining fat and skin. I had both nipples removed but the recovery was fairly straightforward (back to grandma duties in 2 weeks). I’ve never been so glad to have my boobs referred to as large and droopy but it allowed me to have the Goldilocks procedure (so called because the surgeon can take the just right amount away.)

Definitely not suitable for everyone

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38

Hi,

I found this one from Sainsburys really helpful and comfortable (another lady had recommended them to me) Buy Black Seamless Stretch Zip Front Crop Top S | Bras | Tu

I have 3 of them :joy:! I’m a 34B and got a size large, didn’t have a drain fitted, and my team said I didn’t need to wear one all day and night, I actually stayed in pj’s with nothing on for the first couple of weeks as I felt more comfortable. Everyone is different and it’s what feels best for you :blush:. Had my masectomy August 2025 (age 34).

Wishing you a speedy recovery, best advice I had was to start the exercises they give you before surgery and keep doing them. I still do them twice a day.

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39

Thanks Jam :smiling_face: I’ll check out the website :flexed_biceps:

40

Weima,

Getting back to your grandchildren in two weeks is impressive! I would have thought you’d still be feeling really protective, even if the healing was going well :flexed_biceps::heart: