For those who had a mastectomy, there are several changes to expect, especially with your wardrobe. First, it would be best if you look for the right post-surgical or mastectomy bra. For some, it can be surprising to discover that specific cuts or necklines look different.
It can be a challenging ordeal to adjust to these changes in life. Most might end up rethinking their entire wardrobe. Nevertheless, before the task becomes overwhelming for you, there are several tips to help you. With the proper approach, you can find the right way of showing off your style and confidence in your clothes.
Here are several helpful dressing tips after mastectomy.
1. Take Your Time
After mastectomy, the bodily changes can be shocking for most. However, it’ll take some adjustments until you’re used to your new appearance and clothing requirements. For most, the changes can seem overwhelming after the surgery. It’s important to give yourself time to check the clothing options that are best for you.
You should look for outfit ideas and note down the looks you want to try out. Then, make sure that you’ll try on various breast surgery garments to find the right one. Those who undergo mastectomy for breast cancer surgery or reconstructive surgery can process a claim that can cover the cost of different mastectomy products. A Fitting Experience Mastectomy Shoppe can help with the filing of breast forms, post-surgical compression bras, or mastectomy bras insurance claims.
2. Appropriate Clothing During The Recovery Phase
The stage of recovery you’re in after a double mastectomy influences how you dress. Right after the surgery, you have extra considerations to ponder, such as soreness, stiffness, and limited movement. Also, don’t forget to consider how the drain tubes can affect your wardrobe.
After some time, you’ll gain better mobility. Nevertheless, you might consider how your breast forms will rest on your clothes or whether the scars will show. The following weeks that follow will require to think about getting compression bras. This type of undergarment helps the sensitive breast tissue and scar tissue readily recuperate. In addition, the bra is specially structured to fit around the surgical drains and place the right amount of pressure on the lymph nodes to lower the risk for infection.
3. Selecting The Correct Breast Form
For those who decide to utilize a breast form, you should take the time to get the best one available. In addition, you should check out good-quality brands and materials to ensure superior quality and comfort.
As you select a good brand, pay close attention to your specific preferences. For example, an insert breast form might be a good choice since you can slip it into a pocket in your bra. On the other hand, an adhesive or contact breast prosthesis attaches directly to your chest, which provides a more natural feeling.
4. Investing In Good-quality Bras
A post-surgical bra can make a significant difference when it comes to comfort. Therefore, it’s crucial to select a specially designed post-mastectomy bra right after surgery especially those in natural fabrics.
You should choose one with wide straps for extra comfort and soft fabric that’s gentle on your skin. During the early recovery phase, you can wear a bra specially designed to accommodate drain tubes and provide compression.
5. Maintaining Your Style
Although comfort is essential, your self-esteem and confidence must be crucial elements. How you express yourself through your wardrobe should still be an important consideration. There are some significant changes to your signature style after mastectomy, but you can find ways to showcase the look you love the most, modifying them to your new needs.
6. Items That Are Easy To Wear
During the initial phases of recovery, it can be hard to move your arms and get your clothes on and off. You might experience discomfort when reaching for a side zipper since it can pull at your surgical site. The ideal way to steer clear of this is to look for clothes that are easy to wear and take off. Those that have front closures are the perfect choices since you can readily reach them.
When selecting a T-shirt, the neck should be wide enough. Although most will prefer high necklines to cover the decolletage, a shirt with a small neck can be challenging to pull off without elevating your arms.
7. Soft Fabrics
After a mastectomy, comfort is the key. Prioritize clothes that have breathable and soft fabrics such as jerseys, cotton, bamboo, or modal. These types of materials come at a higher price tag but are worth the investment.
8. Drawing Attention Downward
An ideal approach to an outfit is selecting what you want to accentuate. For example, if you feel self-conscious about how your chest looks, you can divert attention to your legs. You can achieve this by selecting a shorter skirt or shorts or any element with a vibrant color or pattern that’ll attract attention.
Conclusion
The recovery after mastectomy surgery can be overwhelming for many, especially with adjustments to clothing. However, due to the restrictions with movement and discomfort during the recuperation period, you can make the necessary adjustments to your wardrobe. With help of these valuable tips, it can help you make the right choices to stay comfortable while staying true to your style.