Anybody had the experiences of wearing compression bras post surgery?

I want to share that I had a double mastectomy with expanders at first. Having the right compression bra is important. Measuring yourself around is important. The right fit feels snug, not tight.

Have you checked for other comments in mayo connect yet? I think others will comment too.
There is a solution.

Hi! @katgob

Thank you so much for replying and sharing your experience:)

Frankly when my young OT physical therapist mentioned compression bra, I clearly had no clues of what it was. She was very kind to take the measurement for me and commented:"Oh! you are tiny!"; perhaps due to the fact that I have the catagory "D" of breast density. Surely she is the expert here, I figured. When the order came in via postal mail, it was with size "XS" and definitely felt very tight for me. Should I purchase another pairs such as: size "S"? Are there other comments in Mayo connect that have the suggestions for compression bra post surgery?

Thanks again for helping me!

I was given 1 bra after surgery in hospital and wore it for 4 days after surgery. I looked on the internet later and it said to wear 3 days after surgery.

Hi! @1cs:

Thanks for your response and sharing your experience!

The bra that they "put" on me after surgery in the hospital was the kind of "makeshift" bra, because it was kind of sticking together to hang on any patient's body. Unfortunately I developed some symptoms of lymphedema almost 3 months after my surgery that caused pain and swelling, so my PCP recommended OT/PT to help me. The wonderful OT/PT really helped me reduce my pain and swelling by her gentle massaging. It was near the end of my OT/PT sessions that she recommended ordering those compression bras to prevent future development of lymphedema. However, when the purchase order finally arrived - too late to ask her then - I realized that it was so tight and uncomfortable that I started wondering whether it is worthy to wear.

I am so sorry for such a lengthy note; but I really have no clues on this matter thus I am asking advice from you all. Thanks for bearing with me and best wishes to you!

I got an XL compression bra. I am usually a large. I will say i got info on compression bras from breast cancer.org. After surgery there is a brand called DALE the hospital gives. I ended up with fluid behind my right breast that need an aspiration twice. I was told I would need to have drains back in if I do not compress properly. Yikes. I bought extra large sports bras and stuffed the inside right side. That solved my fluid pocket having fluid. I am actually a large and bought those first. Too tight!
Below are bra makers for breast cancer patients. I heard good things about fit, but I went and bought a couple good sports bra myself. I would say a small may be more comfortable. It does not hurt to read up on bras and how to ensure fit.

There are also many other brands that carry bras and active wear for women who’ve had surgery for breast cancer. brands: Athleta, Amoena, AnaOno, Anita, Coobie, and LuisaLuisa.

This information is provided by Breastcancer.org.

Dear Kat @katgob:

Thank you so much for your valuable information and sharing your personal experience! Your caring kindness is highly appreciated:)

I am so sorry for your suffering through the pain with fluid behind the breast that needs an aspiration twice!:( As I admitted previously, I truly had no clues in regard to how to use those compression bras properly and adequately to gain the benefits of wearing them. Thanks for your clever solution! I especially appreciate you sharing your wisdom and knowledge that was gained from your own suffering experiences!

Wishing you all a safe and smooth journey ahead!

The bra put on me after my 12/22 lumpectomy and breast reconstruction was from Marena. That one is too tight now, but I bought others from Marena.com, and I am still wearing them, partly for help with the fibrosis that developed (see below), and for best support. As someone else said, compression bra should be snug, but definitely not uncomfortably tight.
Another source is lymphedemaproducts.com.
Bras at both these sources are pricey, but I think they are worth it as they are well made and exactly for the problem. I also like that they hook in the front.
I also have 2 ‘sports bras’ from Coobie, which have less support but still somewhat compressive. I have to step into them to put them on—I found that works better than trying over my head.
It is important to get the right size. Follow the instructions on Marena for that—the sizing may be different from your pre-cancer bra.
About 4 months after surgery I developed lymphedema and fibrosis where the lumpectomy took place. I went to OT for that for several weeks and the therapist told me it would not go away. I continue to do massaging for the fibrosis and also wear a small insert over that area which the compression bra helps with. The particles inside that piece move as I move and help continue ‘massaging’ the fibrotic area. Helps to keep it somewhat softer.
Hope this helps, and best of luck to you.

You’ll need to get fitted for a good one. Insurance should cover the bra too. The brand Prairie Wear worked very well for me. Im 5’2” had to get a size medium and add an extension to get the right fit. I got more of a camisole type because it was higher up in the arm pit.

Oh yes get a swell spot- insurance should cover this too.

Dear @catbuddy:

Thank you so much for the great information of these 2 sources, for I learnt a lot today:) As I realize now, we live to learn...

I am so sorry that you went through that painful lymphedema episode as well:( Thanks for sharing your personal experiences to help me! I sincerely hope that you are all better now, life is full of challenges at times...

Wishing you the best on the journey ahead!