Newly Diagnosed: What to Know Before Surgery
Knowing what to expect can make the days before surgery easier. Your surgeon will provide specific instructions for your recovery, but understanding what you may need before and after surgery can help you feel more prepared.
Mastectomy
A mastectomy removes breast tissue and may be performed on one or both breasts. Whether you choose to have reconstruction or not, there are options to support your comfort and confidence throughout your recovery. This section discusses needs those not having reconstruction. If you're having reconstruction, scroll down to the Reconstruction section.
Immediately after surgery, your priority is comfort and healing. A post-surgical camisole or recovery bra can provide gentle support while making it easier to manage drains and dressings.
In the days following surgery, stretching and reaching can be difficult, so front-opening garments are especially helpful. A post-surgical camisole or recovery bra provides gentle support for your remaining breast, if applicable, while keeping you comfortable as you heal. A post-surgical camisole also includes drain pouches for your drains and a non-weighted breast form to give you breast shape under your clothing while you're recovering, whether you're heading to a medical appointment, having friends or family visit, or simply wanting to feel more like yourself. Choosing a recovery bra that does not include a non-weighted shaper? A recovery form is also an option.
These garments are designed to be worn home from the hospital, so you can have gentle support from the moment you leave. They are also comfortable enough to sleep in, making them a convenient option throughout the early days of recovery.
Looking for a few helpful tips to make the days after surgery a little easier? Visit our Helpful Tips section.
As you heal, approximately 4-6 weeks after surgery, you may eventually choose to wear a breast prosthesis and a surgical mastectomy bra to restore balance and create the shape you prefer.
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Lumpectomy or Partial Mastectomy
A lumpectomy, also called a partial mastectomy, removes the tumour and a small amount of surrounding breast tissue while preserving the rest of the breast.
After surgery, your breast may be swollen, tender, or temporarily changed in shape. A compression bra can provide comfortable, secure support while your breast heals.
Once you have healed, you may notice some differences in breast shape or size. A good fitting bra may be enough to provide symmetry, or you may require a partial breast prosthesis to help restore symmetry and create a smoother, more balanced appearance under clothing.
Breast Reconstruction
Breast reconstruction rebuilds the shape of the breast after a mastectomy. There are several different approaches, including implant-based reconstruction and flap reconstruction using your own tissue.
The type and timing of your reconstruction will determine what you need during recovery. Your surgeon may recommend a compression bra, and some types of reconstruction may also require a compression belt, drain pouches, or other specialized garments.
Your surgical team will provide specific instructions about what to wear and when. For some procedures, they may put your compression bra on you before you leave the operating room, so you wake up from surgery already wearing it.
We highly recommend sizing up by one band size, as you will be swollen following surgery.
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Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation changes the size and shape of the breasts, most commonly using implants. Your surgeon will provide specific instructions about the type of bra and level of support you need during recovery.
A post-surgical compression bra provides supportive coverage while minimizing unnecessary pressure on healing incisions. Depending on your type of reconstruction, you may also need a compression belt or drain pouches.
Your surgeon will let you know how long to wear your compression bra and whether you should wear it day and night. This may be for several weeks, often around 6–8 weeks. Always follow your surgeon’s specific instructions and wait for their guidance before transitioning to regular bras.
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Breast Reduction
Breast reduction removes breast tissue and skin to reduce the size and weight of the breasts. Because your breasts are healing and your incisions need support, your surgeon will typically recommend a compression bra during recovery.
A good post-surgical bra should provide secure, comfortable support without irritating sensitive areas or putting unnecessary pressure on your incisions. It should also be front-opening. Your surgeon will let you know how long you should wear your compression bra and when you can begin transitioning to regular bras.
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What Should I Bring to the Hospital?
Your surgeon or hospital will provide you with a list of what to bring, but a few helpful tips can make life in the days and weeks after surgery much easier.
Your Surgeon’s Instructions Come First
Every surgery and every recovery is different. Your surgeon will tell you what is appropriate for your specific procedure, including when you can shower, exercise, sleep in a bra, begin wearing compression, and transition to regular bras.
If you're unsure what you will need, contact us. We can help you understand your options and choose products that are appropriate for your stage of recovery.
You don't need to have everything figured out before surgery. We're here to help you through each step.
