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How to Choose the Right Mastectomy Bra ?
September 16, 2022

Every body is unique. As such, there are a myriad of sizes and fittings of bras. Finding the right one for you can become a struggle and result in many discomforting tryouts. Furthermore, the changes brought to the body by a mastectomy need proper consideration or else we risk bringing even more discomfort and health complicationswith the wrong bra. Think about it, up to two women out of three wear a bra which is ill-suited to their bodies. Fortunately, an adjustment specialist can guide you through your measurements and help you pick the right bra from the many available products on the market.

 

Adapted Bras for Unique Bodies 

Your body is unique, and to be truly comfortable, you need the right bra fitted to your size. To guarantee your comfort, there are many factors to consider. 

Firstly, the cup: there are many cup forms, and the right one depends on the size of your rib-cage and the width of your breasts. The whole width of a breast is calculated from below the clavicle to just under your armpit. With the right cup size, the breast won’t overflow, nor will it stay loosely unsupported. For example, some models such as the Dorothy is specially fitted for a more shallow bust. Of course, the trained eye of our adjustment specialist will tell you precisely which cup size fits you best. 

Secondly, your general posture will determine the right bust size and the shape of the bra. To prevent the shoulder straps from slipping off, or the underwire from hurting you, it is very important that the bust size be right for you. If the back band is too tight, you will quickly find it uncomfortable. If it is too loose, it will slip upwards. If the shoulder straps are too long, they will tend to slip off, if they are too tight, they will dig painfully into your shoulders. If the bust strap is too loose, the bra will slip upwards from the front, but if it is too tight, skin bulges will form under your arms. Furthermore, the context in which you will wear the bra is also an important factor. During an exercise session, for instance, it usually is wise to wear a specially designed bra for such activities, like the Amoena Sport Performance.

 

To adequately take your posture into account, we have to observe whether or not your upper back is leaning forward or not, measure precisely your torso, and know which type of mastectomy you have received, if any. In some situations, it is preferable to consider better back-support for the bra, especially for those with a large bust. In these cases, models like the Mandy Silhouette are designed precisely to releive the shoulders with a set of special elastic straps. Again, our specialist will easily be able to take all these measurements and provide you with the right assistance to help you find the right comfortable bra you need. 

Mastectomy and Torso Balance 

Be it partial or total, a mastectomy has a significant impact on a woman’s body. With regards to bras, removing a breast unbalances the torso, which can cause postural complications to the shoulders and back. In such cases, choosing the right bra can help you in rebalancing your torso. 

With already a multitude of factors to consider when choosing a bra, taking a mastectomy into account isn’t a simple task. The type of surgery, whether it be total or partial, whether or not you wear a prosthetic, will have a significant and unequal impact on the measurements required for your bust, which complicates the choice of your bra. Specialized bras are designed specifically to receive and hold a prosthetic in place in order to rebalance comfortably your torso. Such products provide balance to your upper back and shoulders in order to prevent further complications to your surgery. These specialized bras are available in a wide variety of sizes and shapes in order to comfortably fit every possible combination of measurements and surgery types. 

 

As you have found out, picking the right bra, especially following a mastectomy, can easily prove to be much more elaborate an ordeal than we might believe. Luckily, here at Équipements Adaptés MCL, we have access to a wide variety of specialized bras which, without being custom-fitted, will be well fitted to your unique body. Our adjustment specialist will be able to assist you by taking the measurements you need in order to help you pick the right item for your personal comfort.

With over 20 years of experience, we can help you to find the best bras you need, and replace the ill-fitting and uncomfortable ones with the right tools that will bring you great figure and comfort beyond age and illness.