Planning Breast Reconstruction
Planning Breast Reconstruction
Breast Care After Reconstruction
Whether you have an immediate or delayed breast reconstruction, a good quality post-surgery bra will help with healing. These are all pre-washed and packaged ready to be put on immediately after surgery, in the operating theatre. They should generally be worn day and night for the first 6 to 8 weeks, depending on your surgeon's advice, so you may wish to consider purchasing two (one to wash and one to wear).
The Australian Cancer Council has put together an excellent booklet, here, about what to expect from breast reconstruction surgery.
Compression Bra
If you have a LD (latissimus dorsi) flap reconstruction, we suggest the Amoena Pamela bra. This gives firm compression around a broad chest area, including the area the flap was taken from. Leyla is also suitable, but gives a lower level of compression. Please check with your surgeon if this is suitable for you.
We suggest using a non-cup specific bra, because they are more forgiving of swelling and size changes as you heal. It can be difficult to predict exactly which cup size you'll need in the early days after surgery. This means there are fewer size choices and they're based only on your band measurement, not cup size.
Our other top choices after reconstruction are:
- Amoena Leyla - light compression around the chest but not over the breast area. Zip opening. This is our top seller.
- Lipoelastic PI Extra - has hook & eye opening, but is great for implants inserted through the under-breast crease (it's very soft underneath on the wound site)
- Lipoelastic PI Ideal - again it has hook & eye opening. The silver embedded in the fabric is antibacterial.
A front opening is important, to allow easy access for wound care. The velcro shoulder adjusters also allow the bra to fold down for wound care.
Abdominal Compression
If you have a DIEP or TRAM flap reconstruction, you may need to wear an abdominal binder to reduce swelling and improve healing of the flap donor site. The Amoena Belly Compression Bandage or Compression Panty are excellent choices.
Implant Stabiliser Belt
If you have implants inserted, you may be advised by your surgeon to use a compression belt to hold them in place in the early stages of healing. Our belts attach to our surgical bras with velcro to keep them in place.
Scar Treatment
Covering your scars with a silicone patch or gel helps to improve the appearance of the scar after healing. It helps to prevent the scar becoming raised or thickened.
Silicone patches/sheets/tapes give the best results, but gels may be more convenient, especially in awkward locations. You may need to replace your patches eventually if they lose their adhesiveness.
These should never be applied to an open, healing wound. After the wound has knitted together, you can start using these products. They should be used for at least 12 hours per day, for 3 to 6 months for best results.
