Wondering what to wear after a single mastectomy? Read our guide to find out.

A mastectomy may be a frightening thought. Whether you’re undergoing breast reconstruction at the same time or not, you’ve already spent countless hours researching the procedure and sharing your concerns with your breast cancer surgeon.

You’ve made childcare arrangements and planned for someone to drive you home from the hospital, but nothing can truly prepare you for a mastectomy. What are your options, including what to wear after a single mastectomy?

Every woman’s reaction towards a mastectomy is distinct. Regardless of your conditions, your body will no longer appear like your body. The shape and form you’ve become accustomed to will be drastically altered, and it’s OK to be sad about it.

After radical bilateral mastectomies, women who opt to delay or forego reconstruction frequently discover for the first time how much tissue was taken, not just from their chest but also their sides and part of their back. Their babies will no longer be able to put their heads on their mother’s chest without causing her discomfort. Their grief is palpable.

What To Wear After A Single Mastectomy

After a mastectomy, one of the essential things you can do to help yourself heal is to practice proper self-care. Keep in mind that the operation will significantly limit your arm’s range of motion, so arrange for someone to assist you wash your hair after the initial surgery and then help you put it up to decrease the number of washes necessary.

Your clothing is a reflection of your self-care. After a mastectomy, not only will most of your garments be virtually hard to put on, but they will also be unprepared to cope with surgical drains and the discomfort of your post-surgery body.

5 Things To Wear After A Single Mastectomy

1. Front Closures and Zippers

It will be tough for you to lift your arms above your head or around your back following a mastectomy. As a result, be sure that any bras or clothes you wear can be fully secured in the front without requiring you to put the clothing over your head.

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Being able to dress oneself after surgery gives you a slight boost in confidence and helps you feel more like yourself.

2. Secure Your Drains

Surgical draining is one of the most unpleasant procedures of a mastectomy. They play a vital role in removing extra fluids from your body, which can create swelling and slow down the healing process.

 

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You may use a specialist mastectomy belt, buy some pink pockets, or find a lovely sweater or camisole with internal pockets big enough to fit each drain to help hold them in place.

3. Loose Clothing

Your body will be pretty sensitive after a mastectomy. It’s advisable to wear looser clothing at this period to avoid fabric rubbing against your sensitive skin. Shirts with a dropped sleeve are handy since they prevent chaffing along the side of your breast or armpit.

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Also, instead of your go-to yoga pants, opt for a pair that is a little looser. Because your upper body will initially be weak, fighting your yoga pants for supremacy at the end of the day will be considerably more exhausting than usual.

4. Comfortable Slip-On Shoes

Breast cancer survivors are always advised and informed that they will be put under painful medication after a single mastectomy. Hence having comfortable and secure shoes are essential.

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However, reaching far enough to tie tennis shoes is going to be difficult. Instead, wear a loafer or other secure flat to get through the day.

5. New Bras/Bralettes

Unfortunately, this might be the most challenging wardrobe readjustment for breast cancer patients since it makes them confront how much their bodies have altered. It is, however, a chance to learn to appreciate your new physique.

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Look for smooth, attractive textiles that make you feel wonderful when you wear them. Avoid underwired bras in favor of flexible bras with the ability to adjust the amount of padding.

So, What Should You Wear After a Single Mastectomy?

Whether you undergo a double mastectomy or a single mastectomy, your movements will be restricted substantially throughout your recovery.

You’ll feel painful (it was a big operation after all), and your range of motion will be limited, especially in your arms. We refer to this as T-Rex arms because you can’t raise your arms over your shoulders or carry anything substantial.

I understand how terrifying it is to enter the operating room for your single or double mastectomy surgery, especially with the extra stress of being dressed and ready for the procedure.

However, you are not alone in your anxiety over the surgery ahead of you. I’ve put together a list of what to wear after a single mastectomy to assist you in selecting comfortable clothing

I don’t want you to be concerned about how you’ll dress, so I’ve put up a quick list of five items to wear that will help you recover in comfort.

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