Hi there, new to this forum. I am having a mastectomy and DIEP reconstruction next week. I have been advised to buy some compression bras in advance. My question is: should I buy my current (pre-surgery) size? Or buy them larger to allow for swelling? Thanks,
Hi @bellajoy27
I bought one size up to allow for swelling
Plus didn’t want any rubbing , don’t forget you will have dressing on , this was on the advise of breast care nurse , it fitted well even after dressings came of so bought a few that size .
Wish you well with surgery Xx
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Hello bellajoy27
Thanks for posting.
It’s understandable you are wanting to know what size of bra you should get for after your mastectomy and DIEP reconstruction and whether to buy a larger size than you are wearing now to allow for any post operative swelling.
As you are having a breast reconstruction you may have been advised to need to wear a bra initially during the day and night after your surgery, so it needs to be comfortable for you as well.
Many women are concerned about finding comfortable and well-fitting bras following breast reconstruction. Your surgeon will have advised you what bra to wear depending on your type of reconstruction. If you have not had this information do contact your breast care nurse and talk through which bra would be suitable and the size. They may be able to suggest where to get a post-surgery bra from as well.
Initially after breast surgery you may have some swelling as @charlottebee says so try to find a bra that is a chest size bigger so going up a size from your pre-surgery bra is a good idea. For example, if you are a 34B, choose a 36B. Also, as @charlottebee mentions you will also initially have wound dressings.
Talking to someone who has had a similar experience can often be helpful. Our Someone Like Me service can match you with a trained volunteer who’s had a similar experience to you. You can be in touch with your volunteer by phone or email and they can share their personal experiences to answer your questions, offer support or simply listen to how you are feeling.
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