Post-operative bra guidance following oncoplastic breast surgery

Introduction

Following oncoplastic breast surgery (mammoplasty, nipple sparing mastectomy or tissue flap based reconstruction), it is essential that you wear a correct fitting bra, to provide support to the breast as it heals.

Suitable bras can be purchased from many retailers including Marks & Spencer and John Lewis, as well as a company called Amoena.

We would advise that you buy the bras in advance of your surgery and keep the labels on the bras until you need them. We also suggest keeping the receipts and if the bras are not used you can return them later.

If purchasing from Amoena

Please follow the relevant surgery specific guidance below to help you to buy the appropriate bra:

Flap Surgery: Leyla light compression bra

Nipple sparing mastectomy: Sina medium compression bra

Mammoplasty: Pamela high compression bra

If you purchase these directly from Amoena and use the offer code COM24, this entitles you to 40% off your order. The prices vary from £34.50 to £39.00 per bra taking into account the 40% reduction.

You only need to purchase one, as they are washable and dry quickly.

They come in a sterile package. If the package is unopened the bras remain sterile, which means they can be taken into the operating theatre to be fitted post operatively.

Customer services at Amoena will advise you how to measure yourself for the correct band and cup size. The bra is designed so that it will adapt to support post-operative swelling. All bras are front fastening.

Telephone: 0345 434 7334
Email Amoena (opens in a new tab)

If purchasing from another retailer

Please follow the relevant surgery specific guidance below.

Mammoplasty

Three bras needed:

• One bra in your usual size
• One bra in your usual band but 1-cup size bigger
• One bra in your usual band but 1-cup size smaller

Tissue flap based reconstruction or implant reconstruction

Two bras needed:

• One bra in your usual size
• One bra in your usual cup size, but 1 band size bigger

MyChart

We would encourage you to sign up for MyChart. This is the electronic patient portal at Cambridge University Hospitals that enables patients to securely access parts of their health record held within the hospital’s electronic patient record system (Epic). It is available via your home computer or mobile device

More information is available on our website: MyChart

Contacts/further information

Please contact the Breast Specialist Nursing team for further advice if required on 01223 349884.