News
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Who Benefits from Wearing a Post-Surgical Bra?
Women who plan to have any type of breast or chest surgery procedureWomen who plan to have any type of breast or chest surgery or procedure will benefit from wearing a post-surgical bra. Post-surgery bras are an important step in the healing process. The chest area is stabilized and kept free from infection. Scaring and swelling are reduced with compression, and drain tubes are accommodated.
After A Mastectomy (breast cancer surgery)
Breast cancer is the leading type of cancer among women in the United States. Based on the National Cancer Institute’s cancer statistics report (2005-2007), 12% of women (or one out of eight) in the United States will develop breast cancer at some point in their lives.
After any type of mastectomy/breast cancer surgery a post-surgical bra will provide support and comfort for the remaining breast. The added drain tube pouches anchor and hold surgical drain tubes and bulbs in place providing additional comfort and convenience by eliminating pulling on the incision. And fiberfill breast forms restore shape (temporarily) without discomfort.
There is also a great deal of discussion about wearing compression bras right after surgery to help eliminate the incidence of lymphedema following breast cancer surgery.
The compression bra can benefit in the following ways:
- Minimizes Swelling
- Speeds Up the Healing Process
- Improves Blood Circulation
According to the National Cancer Institute, the overall incidence of upper extremity lymphedema can range from 8% to 56% two years following the surgery.
After Cosmetic or Reconstructive Procedures
This represents a growing number of medical patients. Last year the American Society of Plastic Surgeons reported over half a million breast operations: including breast lifts, breast augmentations, reductions, and reconstructions. It can take from a few weeks to several months for these women to get back into normal looking bras.
After cosmetic surgery or reconstructive surgery, a woman’s bust line has changed and bras can provide both support and look great as well as enhance the breast augmentation healing process.
Added support prevents ongoing gravity affecting the shape and appearance of the breasts. The new implants act as a small (or large…) battering ram constantly putting pressure and stretch on the lower portion of the breast tissue and skin, and the breast tissue and skin will lose that fight every time. http://www.drmoliver.com/bras-after-breast-augmentation-houston
After Heart Surgery
According to my.clevelandclinic.org about one third of all (150,000 a year) coronary artery bypass surgeries (CABG) are performed on women. A front closure post-surgical bra will hold the breasts together and prevent the breasts from pulling on the incision. Normally, older women who are the majority of the candidates for heart surgery have heavier breasts. The surgery results in cutting all the muscles and tendons eliminating that support to the breasts. Wearing a post-surgical bra throughout the recovery period will reduce pulling on the scare tissue and pain in the scar area.
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OFF-THE-SHELF Compression Wear
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May 2018 Newsletter
Cancer de Mama Clinic Update
Cancer de Mama runs a yearly clinic in La Penita, Nayarit and Guadalajara, Mexico. With the help of volunteers, Cancer de Mama provides free prostheses and bras, funds medical expenses, offers after-surgery counseling, physical therapy, and provides wigs, scarves and hats for Mexican women who suffer from breast cancer and don't have resources. The next clinic is Feb 2019. Read More
Compression T & Crop Top Update
New Size Chart
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Compression Shapewear by Wear Ease
Wear Ease Shapewear is a line of sewn garments specifically designed to help manage swelling resulting from surgery or lymphedema. All shapewear items (780, 785, 910, 912, 915, 970 and 1000) are constructed of a sturdy and compressive fabric (80% nylon/20% spandex) that feels cool and comfortable to the touch. These garments were designed to provide maximum comfort and compression that results in 100% compliance when fitted properly. All styles in this group are designed and sewn with pockets to hold a lightweight or leisure breast form or a swell spot.Mild Compression
The level of compression provided by Wear Ease garments depends on each individual fit. Providing compression with the fit of a garment for the girth of a torso is more difficult than fitting a limb.
A compression level within the range of 10-16 mmhg may be achieved. If the garment is any tighter than this, it will not be comfortable and it won't be worn (per discussions with lymphedema therapists and designers).
Proper Fit
Wear Ease compression shapewear should fit snug and comfortably to ensure 100% compliance.
If the garment feels tight, then the next larger size should be selected. If the garment fits loose then the next smaller size should be selected.
Wear Ease compression shapewear are sewn garments and can be worn to bed at night to ensure continual compression. Items that are constructed of circular knit cannot be worn to bed because they may result in the effects of a tourniquet.
Value
Wear Ease Shapewear is a good value:
- Supportive and quality fabric
- Designed specifically for the post-surgical and lymphatic needs
- Practical garment for air travel, exercise and bed
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All Compression Garments Are Not Created Equal
Each person’s limb is unique and responds differently to compression; your age, the condition of your skin and tissues, and your ability to apply and remove a garment are important considerations in garment choice. Knowing the many options available and the differences between the various garment brands will help you find the best garment for your limb. Ready- made garments are generally a good starting point if your limb length and shape are fairly standard. If you have moderate or severe lymphedema, or if the shape of your limb is more bulbous in one or more areas, or your limb is extra short or long, you may need to be fitted for a custom made garment.
If you do not wear a daytime garment, the benefits of the intensive treatment will be lost, so fit and comfort are important. Your lymphedema therapist and fitter must be willing to explore options with you. The therapist should also periodically check the garment fit and effectiveness, and modify the system as needed, to ensure the best outcome. If a circular garment is not firm enough to control the swelling, you may also want to consider a different garment type or compression level for specific activities such as exercise or gardening. Remember to replace your garments at least every 6 months to ensure you are getting the prescribed compression.
Women who plan to have any type of breast or chest surgery procedure
