Finding the right bra size and style can be difficult after a lumpectomy, depending on how much breast tissue is preserved and whether one or both breasts are affected. The changes in breast shape and size following a lumpectomy may require adjustments in clothing choices. Consulting with a specialized bra fitter or wearing postsurgical bras can help ensure comfort and support during the healing process. Everyone’s experience is different, so personalized guidance from health care professionals is essential.

One member of MyBCTeam asked, “I had a lumpectomy in January and finished radiation in September. I have large breasts and would really like to start wearing something more supportive, maybe even with an underwire (like I did before breast cancer). I’m currently wearing a soft cotton bra with no underwire. I recently bought a better-fitting one that offers more support, but it seems that my treated breast swells when wearing it. Is this normal?”

For people under age 70 with invasive breast cancer, radiation therapy will typically follow the lumpectomy to kill any remaining cancer cells. During this time, it’s very common for people with breast cancer to report concerns with swelling, pain, and asymmetry, which complicate bra shopping. Here are some solutions to help you find the best bra after breast cancer surgery.

Follow Your Doctor’s Recommendations

When you first leave the hospital after your lumpectomy, it’s critical to stick with your health care team’s recommendations about wearing a bra. Several factors will be part of that decision, including whether you have drains, the placement of your incisions, and the size of your breasts. A postsurgical bra must have soft fabric for sensitive skin that’s still healing. After your breast surgery, and also radiation, avoid bras with underwires that dig into the skin. It’s a good idea to go braless if the skin is damaged and raw.

Many members of MyBCTeam find that a sports bra works best after a lumpectomy when they can’t go braless. “I try not to wear any bra, as I find it hurts where the wounds are,” said one member. “Wired bras would be awful for me. I like sports bras with no seams if I have to wear one.”

Wearing a supportive sports bra day and night can help reduce movement and pain during your early days of recovery. Your surgical team may also provide a special postsurgical support bra for the postsurgery period. If you’re instructed to purchase a specific type of bra for your treatment, your health insurance may help cover the costs.

Plans with a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) may let you put money from the account toward recovery supplies, including a bra. Talk to your insurance carrier to find out about your options and see if you’ll need to get a prescription from your doctor as documentation.

Choose Bras That Work for You

Once you’ve had time to heal from surgery and radiation, you’ll need to wear a comfortable bra. Most people experience some swelling in response to breast cancer treatments. This swelling, known as lymphedema, may happen a few days after surgery and radiation. It can also occur four to six weeks after treatment. For some, lymphedema comes and goes for years, even in remission. As a result, your breasts may be smaller first thing in the morning, becoming swollen as the day goes on.

On MyBCTeam, one member reached out for advice. “I am three weeks into radiation and am feeling the burn,” they said. “What kind of bra have you all found that can be worn with the most comfort? I go braless at home, but I need to leave the house sometimes. I’m open to all suggestions.”

Others responded by saying:

• “The weather was cooler when I had my radiation, so I usually wore a soft camisole under my shirt with a fleece or a down vest over the top. That way, no one knew I was braless. Then, as the weather got warmer, I wore sports bras.”
• “Something soft, cotton. Maybe even in a size larger than normal. It shouldn’t be tight fitting or rub.”
• “I found the radiated area under my breast hurt with most bras. I used a bra extender, so the band was not tight. Or, I wore loose camisoles.”

Wearing rigid bras with set cup sizes isn’t the most forgiving option, as you’ll want a bra that can accommodate size fluctuations throughout the day. Going for a wire-free bra with some stretch or removable pads can offer more flexibility. Adjustable straps also let you modify your bra as needed. Finding a bra that’s easy to get on and off is a must, especially if you still have soreness or pain in your arms and chest. Bras with front-closure clasps may be easier to maneuver. If you don’t need a lot of support, you may find a stretchy tank top works fine in place of a bra.

When Can You Wear an Underwire Bra?

It’s generally best to give your body time to heal before wearing an underwire bra, especially if you have damaged skin from recent radiation therapy or a lot of swelling. One MyBCTeam member explained, “The underwire tends not to allow good flow in the lymph node area, which is already compromised. My oncologist suggested waiting a year, and even then, not to always wear an underwire.”

However, other members of MyBCTeam were surprised by this recommendation. One member commented, “So am I understanding that you’re not supposed to wear an underwire bra after a lumpectomy? I had my lumpectomy five weeks ago. I went back to my normal underwire within a few days. Was I not supposed to?”

There are no official guidelines on when or if you can go back to wearing an underwire bra after a lumpectomy or radiation. Your best bet is to discuss your situation with your health care provider, who knows your anatomy and medical history. Regardless of the type of bra you wear, it’s important that it fits well and provides sufficient support. If bras cause you more pain than they’re worth, you may be able to skip them altogether.

Remember, your body will change with time. If you have underwire bras or other lingerie that you’d like to wear, save them. During the recovery period after a lumpectomy, it’s recommended to prioritize comfort and support, opting for soft and nonrestrictive bra styles until the healing process is complete. After a lumpectomy, it can take up to six months for the firmness and swelling to go down. That’s not counting the additional time to recover after radiation therapy. You can always reevaluate your bra options then. Being patient with your body’s healing process and reassessing your bra choices after the recovery period can help ensure optimal comfort and support after a lumpectomy.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyBCTeam is the social network for people with breast cancer and their loved ones. On MyBCTeam, more than 63,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their tips with others who understand life with breast cancer.

Are you considering a specific type of post-lumpectomy bra? Have you been advised to stay wire-free after breast surgery? Share your thoughts in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.