I know how tough it can be to find the right bra after breast surgery, and I want you to know that you’re not alone. The first thing I did when I had my mastectomy was buy a whole bunch of bras so that no one could tell what had happened, but nothing worked quite right. The straps were too tight or too loose, the cups were too small or too big—my scars were always showing through!
As a woman who has had breast reconstruction, you may feel like you’re trying to find your way through a maze. After all, this is one of the most life-changing events you’ll ever experience. The good news is that you can feel confident in your body again by putting on the best bras for breast reconstruction. With the right bra, you can feel sexy, confident, and secure all day long. Here’s how to choose the best bras for breast reconstruction:
12 Best Postsurgery Bras and How to Choose
A quick look at the best postsurgery bras
Best postsurgery bras for after breast augmentation surgery: Marena FlexFit Implant Stabilizer Bra, BRABIC Women’s Front Closure Bra
Best postsurgery bras for after breast reduction surgery: Prairie Wear HuggerPRIMA Post Surgical Recovery Bra, Burvogue Post-Surgery Front Closure Sports Bra
Best postsurgery bras for after cardiac or open heart surgery: PlaytexWomen’s Original Comfort Strap Wireless Bra, True Body Lift Scoop Neck Bra
Best postsurgery bras for after mastectomy: Oysho Post-Surgery Bra, Anaono Gloria Soft Lace Bralette, Monica Post-Surgery Full Coverage Bra
Best postsurgery bras for after breast reconstruction surgery or revision surgery: Marena FlexFit Drain Bulb Management Bra, Heart & Core Larissa Post-Surgical Bra
Best postsurgery bras accessory: Marena Implant Stabilizer Band
Whichever chest or breast surgery you have, there’s plenty to do before and after your procedure.
In addition to lots of snacks and a solid list of shows to watch, you’ll want to have a post-procedure bra ready.
Yes, your surgeon will likely give you a bra after the procedure. That bra will carry you through leaving the hospital and arriving home to your own bed to recover. However, a postsurgery bra tailored specifically to your surgery and needs will be more convenient, comfortable, and definitely more flattering.
Postsurgery bras provide comfort and security for any sutures or drains. They also minimize movement, which helps reduce bruising and bleeding after breast surgery, chest surgery, or open heart surgery.
We’ve compiled tips for finding the best bra for you. We’ve also selected 10 postsurgery bras for different types of breast and chest surgery.
Q: What’s the benefit of postsurgery bras? Why do postsurgery bras get recommended?
A: A postoperative bra can be a critical part of your recovery after breast surgery. They help reduce swelling, support implants that tend to drop, and provide an easy way to attach drainage tubes if you have them after your surgery.
Not all surgeons recommend bras after procedures like tissue flap breast reconstruction, as they can cause too much pressure. Be sure to ask your surgeon if they suggest using one and if they’ll provide one after surgery.
— Catherine Hannan, MD, FACS
How to choose the right postsurgery bra for you
Some key features to look for in a post-procedure bra include:
No wires. Most post-procedure bras are wire-free. The wire can cut into your skin, which you may not realize due to numbness.
Pockets. If you intend to wear a prosthesis after surgery, look for a bra with pockets.
Soft fabrics. As a general rule, the softer the fabric feels, the more comfortable you’ll be. Shy away from stiff, tough fabrics in favor of stretchy, high-cotton combinations.
Adjustability. Most post-procedure bras should have adjustable straps and closures. You’ll probably want everything to be adjustable from the front, so you don’t have to twist or stretch.
Longer lines. Choose a post-procedure bra that has a longer band. This will feel less restrictive than a bra with a short band, which can tighten and chafe.
One of the hardest things to predict is the size of bra you’ll need. You may wish to ask your doctor for advice as to how much post-procedure swelling you can expect.
If you’re having an augmentation or reduction, you can ask your doctor for an estimate of your post-procedure bra size.
When are postsurgery bras used?
You may need to wear a special bra after:
breast augmentation surgery
breast lift surgery
breast reduction surgery
mastectomy
breast reconstruction surgery
open heart surgery
Questions to ask your care team
The following are some questions you may want to ask your doctor and nurses before surgery. This will help you feel more confident that you’re wearing your postsurgical bra correctly.
Fit. How tight should my postsurgery bra be? Would you recommend I purchase my current bra size, or should I order a smaller or larger size?
When to wear. How long should I wear my postsurgery bra each day during the first week after surgery? Should I wear my bra when sleeping? Do I need a separate bra for physical activity?
Duration. How long should I expect to wear this type of bra after surgery? How many bras do other patients usually go through?
The answers will often depend on what surgery you’re having and how long you’re expected to recover.
How we chose the best postsurgery bras
While we placed the bra options into categories, many could apply across all post-chest surgeries. Some of the features we looked for include:
Price. We included a variety of price points, including 2 options that are less than $25.
Customer reviews. We read reviews from actual people wearing the bras.
Medical recommendations. We read doctor’s recommendations for compression and support in the post-procedure period.
Keep reading for a list of 10 postsurgery bras.
Pricing guide
You can use the following pricing guide to estimate how much you may spend on a postsurgery bra:
$ = under $25
$$ = $26–$50
$$$ = $51–$75
$$$$ = over $75
Healthline’s picks for the best postsurgery bras
Best postsurgery bras for after breast augmentation surgery
Marena FlexFit Implant Stabilizer Bra
Price: $$$$
Is It Necessary To Wear A Bra After Breast Reconstruction
When your reconstruction has healed, whether or not you want to wear a bra is mostly a matter of taste. Many patients, however, opt to do so in order to support their brand-new breasts and maybe lessen potential future sagging. Moreover, it is typically more comfortable than wearing no bra.
Key features: This post-procedure bra includes a stabilizer band to make sure breast implants stay in place during the recovery period. This bra has a lot of adjustability — the shoulder straps, front closure, and stabilizer band are all adjustable to ensure the right fit for you.
Considerations: The bra has four sets of hooks in the front, which allow you to adjust the bra’s compression as you recover and your swelling decreases.
Pros
adjustable in three different places for proper fit
adjustable compression
positive user reviews
available in nude and black
Cons
can’t return if it doesn’t fit
BRABIC Women’s Front Closure Bra
Price: $
Key features: This lightweight, seamless bra has an across-the-chest strap to help prevent implant migration. The bra also has three-snap closure options that can help you improve the fit and adjust for post-procedure swelling.
Considerations: Reviewers say the material is soft, which can help enhance post-procedure comfort.
Pros
4.2- out of 5-star rating on Amazon with over 3,000 reviews
three closure options for an adjustable fit
includes breast support band
made from soft material
free returns
Cons
hook and eye closures may be too cumbersome postsurgery
sizing may be too small for some
Best postsurgery bras for after breast reduction surgery
Prairie Wear HuggerPRIMA Post Surgical Recovery Bra
Price: $$$
Key features: In the immediate post-procedure period, your doctor will want you to wear a bra for compression as continuously as possible. The HuggerPRIMA bra has an antibacterial additive that allows you to wear the bra anywhere from 3 to 5 days in a row without washing it.
Considerations: The manufacturers recommend buying one cup size higher if you’re a D cup or higher and worried about a too-tight fit.
Pros
made from antibacterial material that doesn’t need to be washed daily
front-zip closure
can sleep in it
can purchase an extender if needed
Cons
if the item is returned, you have to pay for return shipping
Burvogue Post-Surgery Front Closure Sports Bra
Price: $
Key features: This soft, wire-free bra has adjustable straps and a front closure. The closure has two positions, which can help provide extra compression or lessen the pressure until your post-procedure swelling goes down.
Considerations: The bra has a crisscross back. Its support level means that many who wear the bra after surgery give it a second life as a supportive sports bra after recovery.
Pros
wide, adjustable straps
front closure
crisscross straps give extra support, allowing the bra to be used during workouts post-recovery
free shipping and returns
Cons
sizing may be too small for some body types
some reviewers find the adjustable straps to be cumbersome
Best postsurgery bras for after cardiac or open heart surgery
Playtex Women’s Original Comfort Strap Wireless Bra
Price: $–$$
Key features: Although not specifically named a postsurgery bra, this bra has several key features that make it a good fit for post-cardiac surgery. These include wire-free construction, comfortable straps, support, and extended wear time.
Considerations: Reviewers say this bra is especially beneficial for those with larger bust sizes — sizing goes up to an H cup.
Pros
4.3- out of 5-star rating on Amazon with over 40,000 reviews
wide range of sizes
wide, adjustable straps and wire-free cups
many colors to choose from
free shipping and returns
Cons
not made specifically for postsurgery, so it may not be best for recovery
scalloped detailing on straps may be too scratchy
True Body Lift Scoop Neck Bra
Price: $$$dfefe
Best Bra For Lumpectomy Recovery
Best bras to wear after breast augmentation surgery: BRABIC, Marena FlexFit Implant Stabilizer Bra. Women’s Bra with Front Closure
After breast reduction surgery, the best post-op bras are Prairie Wear Hugger.
Burvogue After-Surgery Front Closure Sports Bra, PRIMA Post Surgical Recovery Bra
Best postoperative bras for open heart or cardiac surgery: Playtex
True Body Lift Scoop Neck Bra, Women’s Original Comfort Strap Wireless Bra
The Oysho Post-Surgery Bra, Anaono Gloria Soft Lace Bralette, and Monica Post-Surgery Full Coverage Bra are the top post-mastectomy bras.
The Marena FlexFit Drain Bulb Management Bra and the Heart & Core are the best post-surgical bras for following breast reconstruction or revision surgery. Larissa After-Operative Bra
Marena Implant Stabilizer Band, the best post-surgery bra accessory