I had a double mastectomy and no way was going through further procedures for reconstruction. Was given temporary prosthetics and a nice bra from a specialist who comes regularly to the QE Hospital, Birmingham. Well done, NHS! She also measured for, and I later received, my bespoke inserts. Oh my goodness, the weight of them! Had I really been carrying this mass around for 60+ years?! So I simply continued with my lightweight “temporary” chicken-fillet type ones popped into the bra pockets. However, I soon abandoned any of these - no one warns you that, with no flesh on your chest to hold it, the band under the bra cups simply rides up and you find the whole thing sticking out of your top and hurtling towards your chin! Have since heard the same from another post-double mastectomy woman. So I simply don’t bother with anything (quite liberating, actually!) Or often wear a crop-top, lightly padded if I can get them, which is long enough to stay down over my ribs rather than slip upwards. Also, as a tall, size 20/22 woman, I could see very few specialised bras/swimming costumes in my size. So, again, I just wear a normal swimming costume and really don’t 'think it looks that bad!
I only had lumpectomy but I’m just wondering ( and I don’t know if it would work ) whether wearing a crop top over a post surgery bra with prostheses in would hold things in place?
I could go back to normal bras but I haven’t as I realised that my post - surgery ones are far more comfy but I have a broad back and big shoulders and a relatively small cup size and it hasn’t ever been easy to get a bra that fits well on the high street - M+S only and even then not much choice . The bras I have are not necessarily the colour I want or would show above my clothing and I’ve taken to using my crop tops and sleep bras ( M+S Flexi fit +Proskins) to wear over the top to give the look of a cami beneath or another layer of the garment showing. Don’t know if this is any help but I hope so. Xx
Thanks, JoanneN. Not a bad idea and quite practical, so I may well give it a go! Stay well.
As a bra fitter, it’s completely normal to feel uncertain about giving advice on post-surgery bras, especially without personal experience. Your role is to support and guide customers based on your expertise, which is valuable even without firsthand experience of surgery. Many women find comfort and confidence in having a personalized bra fitting, whether at a hospital or store, and sharing these experiences can help you better understand their needs. Connecting with brands like rexing sports, which specializes in sports bras, could also offer insights into post-surgery options, ensuring you provide well-rounded advice that meets the unique needs of your customers.