Do I need a bra fitting service, or can I just buy a post mastectomy bra online?

The best advice I can give to anyone looking for the most suitable mastectomy bra is to get fitted.

Your body inevitably changes during and after treatment, so it’s a really good idea to get fitted before you buy any new bras. Finding the right bra depends on getting the correct size and the only way to get the correct size is to work with a good fitter, and availing of our mastectomy bra fitting service. Wearing the wrong size won’t offer you the support you need, and it definitely won’t be comfortable. Your upper body needs good support, and this is really only possible with an exact fit. So, before you go bra shopping, take the time to visit a specialised bra fitter and see what options are available for your body. It will save you a lot of discomfort, time, money, mistakes, and of course all those inconvenient trips to the post office with returns!

Remember too, that specialist bra fitters are trained and qualified to provide compassionate care, and help you feel comfortable, safe and confident.

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Why the right fit matters

Finding the right bra will make a world of difference in how you feel during your recovery. Lots of women tell me that getting the right bra can help them feel like themselves, and who doesn’t need that?

As well, you can find that wearing the wrong bra size can negatively impact you. A poor-fitting bra can cause the chest ligaments to weaken. Which over time can lead to soreness, pain, stretch marks, and sagging. Breast tissue needs to be adequately supported, especially when performing a strenuous activity or recovering from breast reconstruction.

If you wear prostheses or breast forms, a correctly fitting bra will determine how they feel and look under your clothes;

  • If your bra is too tight, the prosthesis will be visible, and the bra will be uncomfortable to wear.

  • If your bra is too loose, the prosthesis will feel heavy, sag in the bra cup, and may move around.

A poor-fitting bra can cause unnecessary problems. Seek professional help from the beginning of your post-mastectomy journey and continue being fit as time passes to ensure you always get the right fit, as your stature does change over time.

Explore your options  – Yes, you have lots of options!

For women who have had a mastectomy, lumpectomy or breast reconstruction, there are many different options available. That is why it is important to meet with a professional fitter to talk through all the opportunities and recommendations.

Bra Options – Your fitter helps you explore the different bra options available during your bra fitting, from ultra-soft leisure bras for recovery, to beautiful bras for everyday wear, sports bras and swimwear.

Breast Prostheses Options  – There are several different prostheses shapes, including round, triangle, teardrop, symmetrical, and asymmetrical. Prostheses can be made from silicone, silicone gel, or foam, which offer different textures and weights. Each shape complements a woman’s body differently, and wearing the wrong one can be uncomfortable and unflattering.

Find the perfect fit
Mastectomy bras come in various colours and bra styles to accommodate a range of bust sizes. Whether you need a smaller or larger cup, mastectomy bras are available in cup sizes up to F and beyond. Once you’ve healed, you don’t have to sacrifice style for function or comfort. With the advice of a certified fitter, you can get bras that you adore and make you feel great.
Whatever kind of surgery you have undergone, you will benefit from a professional fitting. It’s easy to make mistakes when shopping for bras and breast prostheses. A professional will know how to factor in your specific needs.
What’s involved in a fitting?
Most fitters carry out the fitting in a similar way but this is the way I work; I provide one-to-one bra fitting consultations, helping you to find the best fit and style to suit you.
  • Using my training and experience, I’ll cater to your particular needs, considering factors such as scar placement, skin sensitivity, and the contours of your chest wall. We will discuss measurements of your chest. While wearing your bra, I’ll use a measuring tape to measure around your rib cage, just under your breasts, and around the fullest part of your chest.
  • I look at your form, your posture and any pre-existing prostheses you have. You’ll have absolute privacy when being measured and getting changed.
  • I’ll talk to you about what type of bras you like and how active you are.
  • We will look at the bras you wore before surgery, I’ll know more about the style that you have liked in the past.
  • If you’ve had a double mastectomy, I’ll ask you what breast size you were and what size you would like to be.  You might want to change up to or down a size. This is something we can chat about.
  • I’ll show you a wide selection of bras in different styles and we will discuss what suits you best while you try them on. With more than twelve different suppliers between the USA and Europe, the right fit is there for everyone. Sometimes it can take a bit of time and sometimes it can be the first or second bra you try.  There is a range of different types of breast prostheses and fitting the bra with the prosthesis is key to a good fit.
  •  I’d recommend trying on a smooth shirt (or we can try any of your clothes on) so you can see your silhouette and how everything fits with your usual clothes. A well-fitted top over the bra and prosthesis will help us to check that the prosthesis is the right size and looks right under your clothing.
  • I’ll also show you how to check the breast prosthesis so that it sits properly in the pocketed bra, how to take care of it, and how to inspect them so you know when to get replacements.
  • This consultation usually takes an hour.  In my shop, everyone is given all the time they need to get it right. There is never someone else waiting outside the door. If I visit it at your home you will be given all the time you need.
Complimentary home visits are available in the counties of Limerick, Clare, Tipperary, South Galway, and North Cork.
Ask me about your local cancer support center. If you live in the County of Tipperary I can meet you at Circle of Friends Cancer Support Centre. If you are in Galway or Clare I can meet you at Gort Cancer Support Centre.
Alternatively, you can visit me, by appointment,  at my shop in Co. Limerick. To book an appointment online click here or give me a call or text anytime on 085 160 1783.
It is hoped you will find elegance and confidence with all the products offered on my website. It is my aim to keep up to date with styles and colours as they change.  Follow me on Instagram or Valerie’s Breast Care Facebook page. You’re assured, of being updated with the very latest in breast care fashions. If you have any questions regarding any aspect of the products shown, be they medical breast prostheses, mastectomy bras, or mastectomy swimwear please feel free to phone me for a chat on 085 160 1783.
Thank you for reading my blog. I love what I do, and am passionate about getting the right fit for all my customers.

Valerie x