1. Give Yourself Time
Your surgeon will let you know when you have healed enough to get fitted for a prosthesis and mastectomy bra. However, he or she will only note when you are physically ready for this step — not when you are emotionally ready. You do not have to rush out to buy a prosthesis and bras the day your surgeon approves you to do so. If you need to take another week or two to work up some emotional courage, that is okay.
If you have been seeing a therapist during your mastectomy and recovery, talk to him or her about your worries and concerns associated with bra selection. Many women feel that selecting a bra makes their situation feel more real. Others fear that their feelings of lost femininity will be magnified by the process of bra selection. Talking about these feelings can help strengthen you emotionally so you are better able to face the challenge of bra selection.
2. Visit a Certified Fitter
When you are emotionally and physically ready to select post-mastectomy bras, meet with a certified fitter. Even women who have both of their natural breasts often choose the wrong size bra. A fitter will ensure you go home with bras that make you look natural and feel comfortable. Certified fitters are discrete, kind, and can answer any questions you have about the bra-fitting process or which bras might be best for you.
3. Bring Along a Trusted Friend or Partner
Even if you feel strong going into your first post-mastectomy bra fitting, emotions might come flooding out once you start trying on bras. This is nothing to be ashamed of. However, you may want to have a friend or your partner attend the bra fitting with you so that you can depend on them for support throughout the process.
Your partner or friend can remind you that you are a strong, beautiful, whole, and empowered woman. They can also provide a second opinion when you're not sure which style looks best.
4. Select Several Different Styles
Many women who have had mastectomies eventually settle on one or two styles of bras that they like best. However, when you are getting fitted for your first bras, play around with a few different styles to give yourself a chance to discover which ones suit you.
At a minimum, look for a smooth, soft t-shirt bra that you can wear when you need smooth lines under clothing. Also, find a lacier bra you can wear when you want to feel feminine. With either style, front closures are usually easiest to manage after a mastectomy.
5. Don't Be Afraid to Try Something New
Just because you liked a certain style of bra prior to your mastectomy does not mean you have to stick with the same style now. Don't be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone and experiment with a new color or style. This is a time to reclaim your femininity in the way that feels most authentic to you right now. That might mean wearing a silky pink bra even though you used to be a white-only girl.
Follow the tips above, and rely on the certified fitters at Sal-Liz to find a mastectomy bra you love. Our consultations are always free, and we offer custom-fit bras and prosthetic bras for women of all shapes and sizes.
As a woman, you probably have your bra size memorized, much like your social security number and email password. However, the size you think you are may not be your true bra size. If you have not been measured in years or have never been professionally measured for a bra, there is a good chance you are wearing the wrong size. Keep an eye out for these six signs that your bras don't fit properly.
1. Slipping Shoulder Straps
If you are constantly having to reach down and pull your shoulder straps back up, your bra does not fit properly. Tightening the shoulder straps might help a little. If they continue to slip once tightened, you are probably wearing too large a band, causing the straps to be positioned too close to the edges of your shoulders.
2. Back Pain
Back pain is particularly common in larger-chested women who wear bras that are the wrong size. You may over-estimate your cup size when really you need a larger band with a smaller cup for better support. Alternatively, you may be wearing too large a band, which allows the band to ride up your back and pull on your shoulders.
Back pain caused by a lack of bra support is usually more noticeable at the end of the day or after spending a long time on your feet.
3. Neck Pain and Headaches
The pressure that an ill-fitting bra places on your shoulders can also cause neck pain and even headaches. Many headaches can be attributed, at least in part, to muscle tension. A properly sized, supportive bra takes the stress of your shoulders, allowing the muscles through the shoulders, neck, and back of your head to relax.
4. Space at the Top of the Cups
When a bra fits properly, the cups should be completely filled. If there's a big gap at the top of your cups, you are too large a cup size. For instance, you might be wearing a C when you're really a B. Space in the cups can cause them to rub and buckle under certain clothing. The extra space may also lead to the need to tighten the straps excessively, which can put too much pressure on your shoulders.
5. Unappealing Appearance
A properly fitted bra gives you a sleek, attractive look under your clothing. If you can see bulges of skin around your bra when wearing a t-shirt, your bra is probably too small and tight. On the contrary, if your breasts appear flat and unsupported under your clothing, you might be wearing too large a band.
There are different styles of bras suited for different clothing, but if you consistently have to try on three or four bras before finding one that looks presentable with your attire, it's time to get re-measured.
6. Tingling in the Extremities
There are many possible causes for tingling in the extremities, including nervous system disorders that need to be managed by your doctor. But if your doctor has looked you over and ruled out medical explanations for tingling in your extremities, your bra may be to blame.
Bra straps that are too tight can put pressure on the brachial plexus, a bundle of nerves that run from your spine to your arms. This pressure can lead to tingling and numbness in the hands and arms. Some women even complain of weakness or swelling in their arms.
If you notice any of the signs above or if you simply find your bras uncomfortable, visit Sal-Liz for a session with one of our certified bra fitters . Wearing a properly sized bra should feel like luxurious, not burdensome.
