Mastectomy Bras
Knowing you have breast cancer is hard enough. But having one or both breasts removed because of it is definitely a low blow. But science seems to have the inclination to save the day. So before mastectomy patients spend their entire lives sulking over their “lost arts”, science has come up with mastectomy bras that help these patients feel they didn’t lose anything at all.
After going through mastectomy, it is normal for a woman to continue dealing with physical and emotional battles. Getting used to the change in physical appearance is going to be harder than usual because it is permanent. However, if you take a look around, the change shouldn’t be as distinctive. With mastectomy bras, you won’t feel any different than before.
Choosing the right mastectomy bra may not be as easy as it sounds. However, there are tips that should guide you in your selection. First, if you went though lumpectomy or partial mastectomy, you are probably only going to observe minor variation in your appearance. Thus, you may continue using standard bras which are padded or which contains foam filler to help you restore the breast’s shape. However, if a bigger breast area was removed, a partial prosthesis may be chosen to fill in the bra cup. A stretch cup mostly fits around such prosthesis.
Some women may necessitate a more extensive type of surgery. So, it is expected that the procedure will leave a hollow where the breasts used to be. Since the prosthesis is not likely to stay in place without anything holding it up, mastectomy bras should be worn.
Mastectomy bras feature pockets where prosthesis can be inserted in. There is not much difference between a standard bra and a mastectomy bra. The only significant feature that the mastectomy bra has that the standard bra does not is its stretch pockets. These pockets can be found inside the bra and work to keep the prosthesis in place. Mastectomy bras do not only offer the shape that closely resembles the natural breast, but these are capable of the following too: assists in body posture balance; covers the scars caused by the surgery; and provides comfort and support.
Some women may wonder where to buy mastectomy bras from. There are actually mastectomy specialty shops which make shopping for a pair a lot easier. Although you may find this task a bit daunting, here are a few pointers to get you on your feet: choose pairs with broad and padded straps that are adjustable; choose those with satisfactory separation between cups; pockets must be soft cotton; bra cups should feature elastic edges to keep the prosthetics from “spilling” out; make sure there are hook closures at the back. Since mastectomy bras can either be bought right off the hook or tailor-made, try the pair on before buying. If you feel there need to be changes, try on a different one if you’re buying the ready-made ones. Otherwise, have your bras altered.
The wearing of mastectomy bras does not follow a prescribed time. It varies from woman to woman and is dependent on the type of surgery performed and the healing time required. However, your doctor should be able to tell you when it you are ready to wear one. Studies show that majority of women wear mastectomy bras and breast prosthesis around 2 to 8 weeks after surgery.
Every woman has the right to look and feel beautiful. Thus, no matter what she has gone through, she deserves every little thing that will help her achieve such beauty. Because after all, feeling good from the inside, shows in the outside.