Post Surgical Bras for Every Stage of Healing and Recovery

If you've just had a mastectomy, reduction, augmentation, or other chest surgery, you'll need to stop wearing regular bras for a while until you recover.  You will still have to wear a bra (except of course for washing both the bra and yourself) until you heal, but you'll need different post-surgical bras for each stage of recovery. I have broken these down in stages (from initial post-surgical wear to fully healed).

But first, I want to emphasize that I am not a doctor. I can give suggestions, but not medical advice. If you have questions about your operation, healing, or any follow-up procedures or visits, please consult your doctor and follow their advice.

I also want to stress that everyone recovers at a different pace, and you may heal more quickly (or more slowly) than you expect. If you think you have a problem, talk to your physician. It may also help you to seek out support forums to talk about your recovery with other people who have had similar operations. The actual lived experience of surgery and recovery has plot twists that doctors may overlook.

That said, here are some tips on how to navigate the post-surgical bra wearing and buying process.

Start with the bra the doctor gives you. Then, move on to an initial recovery bra with openings or pockets to accommodate your drains. Once you have healed a bit, depending on what type of procedure you had, you can switch from the post-surgery bra with drainage allowance to a soft cup front closure bra or a compression sports bra. Basically, something that's more similar to an everyday bra you would have worn before your operation.

You will likely be more comfortable in a seamless style, as there is less chance of irritation. Look for something breathable, such as a cotton or cotton-blend bra. It may be easier to put on a bra that closes in front, as there is less need to stretch and pull on your incision(s).


You’ll need to avoid wearing underwires for about three months. It’s best not to buy any new underwire bras until you have healed, the swelling has gone down, and you can be sure of your new size and shape (particularly if you had augmentation or reduction). This may take up to six months (everyone recovers differently).

If you had shoulder or rotator cuff surgery, enhancement, reduction, or reconstruction, you can start wearing regular bras when you are fully healed. If you had a mastectomy or lumpectomy, you can purchase bras with pockets for the form(s).

I’ve listed bras by each stage below.

Initial Recovery Post-Surgical Bras (after Chest or Shoulder Surgery, Reduction, Augmentation, Mastectomy, or Reconstruction)

Gentle Touch Post-Surgical Surg-Ease Bra

Made of cotton, with two pockets for drainage pouches (right after surgery). The velcro straps make it easy to put on and take off, as well as to check on healing and your surgical dressing(s).

This is good for breast surgery, rotator cuff surgery, shoulder surgery, or chest surgery. Measure under your bust (or your body size) to get the right size, rather than by cup size.

S-XXXXL (28A-B, 30-32B, 34-36C-D, 36-38D-DD, 42-44DD, 44-46F, 46+) in white or black. The white is available in front hook or front velcro closure).





Elizabeth Post Surgical Bra


This has openings on the sides to allow room for drainage. This is best if that’s where your drains are, if you have an incision in the center of your chest from thoracic surgery, it might not work as well. The straps and the center close with Velcro so it’s easy to get it on and off. The openings at the sides also adjust so you can get them the right width for your drains with squashing them (or yourself). Since the closures are Velcro, you can fine-tune the adjustment without worrying about hooks or fasteners to get the right size, and when the swelling starts to go down.


Comes in pink, sizes S-7X.

Post Surgical Bra Front Closure Mastectomy Bra

If you’ve had a mastectomy, you will need bras with pockets to hold your prothesis. You may find that a front closure bra is more comfortable, and easier to put on. Since it closes in front you don’t have to stretch so much to reach the hooks and fasten them.





Amoena Frances Front Closure Mastectomy Bra


Designed to wear for leisure or sleeping, this bra is super soft, and made from 88% cotton knit. There’s elastic on the top, under the band, and on the straps for a better fit. It won’t provide tons of support, but it’s fine once you’ve passed the drain stage and are ready for a more “standard” bra. It does have pockets for breast forms (if you need them). Those are sold separately. And, it comes in some fun prints and colors too.

Sizes S-2X (32-50A-D) in white, beige, blue snake, navy, black, orchid/white print, taupe lace, gray lace

Annette Post Surgical Bra 10618

Suitable for use after augmentation surgery, reduction, or post-mastectomy. This is a cotton blend bra, which closes in the front, making it easier to put on after your operation. There’s also cotton fabric behind the hooks, so that they don’t touch your skin.

It has a wide band for support and a racerback to help keep the straps from slipping (which is extra helpful when it’s hard to raise your arms). Then, once you’ve recovered, you can keep wearing it as a weekend, lounging bra.

Sizes 34-46 B-DD in beige and black.

Annette Post Surgery Seamless Bra S-129

Made of a special fabric that keeps your skin dry and comfortable and free from irritation. It has mild compression so that you’ll stay in place. The bra closes in front, so it’s easy to get dressed and undressed by yourself. And, the straps adjust in front, making it simpler to get the right length. It’s also absolutely seamless, which will reduce the chance of skin irritation.

There’s a piece of material behind the hooks so that there’s a barrier between the hook and your skin. That will make it more comfortable and minimize chafing. Note that the back and sides are high, and it has a wide band, so it might be uncomfortable if you have a short torso.

Sizes S-XL (32-40B, 32-38C, 32-38D) in beige and black.

Post Surgical Compression Bras

Annette Womens Seamless Bra

This is better for latter stages of recovery, as it is closer to a sports bra. No seams, no wires, and it closes in front. The fabric is a cotton blend that’s comfortable and lightweight. It has light compression to reduce jiggling and discomfort as you move around.

The bra hooks in front, so you don’t have to twist around to put it on or take it off. The sides are high for better support, but they might be a problem if you have a short torso.

Sizes S-XL (approx 32-40B-D) in beige and black.






Amoena Ester Surgical Bra

Looks more like a sports bra and is has a easy on/off front closure. It’s much easier to put on while you are recovering. It has cotton pockets for forms (if you need them; those are sold separately). There are no wires, just a wide underhand which will help keep you from shifting around. There’s mesh along the sides and back to help keep you cooler and more comfortable.

A good option if you need a large band, small cup as it comes in band sizes up to 44 in A and B cup sizes.

Comes in white or black, sizes 34A-D. 36A=DD. 39A-DD. 40-DD, 42A-DD and 44A-D.

Post Surgical Soft Cup Bras

Wacoal Soft Cup 852247


This is a good choice if you are larger than a D or DD cup. While it doesn’t close in front, it is soft, comfortable and gives excellent support without an underwire. There’s no lace or seams to irritate your skin, just a bit of decorative openwork between the cups. This does not have pockets, so it’s not suitable for a mastectomy. It will work if you’ve had reconstruction, reduction, or augmentation.

The fabric is stretchy and breathable for a better fit and greater comfort.

Comes in 34-44 B-DDD in beige.

Wacoal How Perfect Soft Cup Bra


Smooth, and made of an exceptionally soft knit fabric. There are no wires to rub against your skin or irritate your incisions. It does have some boning on the sides for better support. The plunge shape won’t show under lower necklines. Keep in mind that if you’re very round the plunge may not be a good option (as you could pop out of the center).

No pockets for prosthetics; this is best for recovery from other types of surgery (reconstruction, augmentation, or reduction).

Comes in beige, pecan, purple, and black in sizes 30-32B-DDD, 34A-DDD, 36A-DD, 38B-D, and 40A.

Post-Mastectomy Bras with Pockets

Anita Allie Womens Cotton Mastectomy Bra

Made nearly entirely of cotton to keep you cool and comfortable on hot days. There are pockets for breast forms, and thin straps that won’t show under clothing. It has a bit of satin trim along the edge of the cups and tiny bows at the bottom of the straps and between the cups. There is a seam across the front (which you can't see too well in this photo), so it's best for thicker tops.


Sizes 32-40A-E and 42A-D in black, white, and beige.






Anita Post-Mastectomy Bra 5349

Now that you’ve recovered, it’s time for a more standard sort of bra. This one has no wires, so it’s comfortable, but the horizontal and vertical seams will give you more lift and support than a seamless bra.

There’s even a touch of embroidery on the cups. The pockets inside are comfy, soft cotton with elastic at the edge to hold the form(s) in place. And, it comes in a variety of colors, as well as band sizes up to 50.

Choose from beige, black, blue, white, red, or ivory. Sizes 32-44 A-F, 46-50 A-D.





Classique Post-Mastectomy Bra

A bit of scalloped lace adds a touch of elegance to this bra. It’s got lace between, over, and under the cups so it looks pretty as well as providing support. The pockets are cotton with a bit of spandex for stretch over your form.

Comes in black, beige, white, and pink in sizes 32-AA-C, 34-42AA-D, 44A-DD

Amoena Lara Seamless Molded Cup Wire free Bra

Sometimes you just need a seamless bra (so it doesn’t show through shirts). This one is smooth, with just a small embroidered appliqué leaf between the cups. In fact, it looks a lot like the sort of bra you probably wore before surgery.

There’s a bit of padding for modesty, rather than size. It does seem to run a bit big, particularly in smaller cup sizes, so keep that in mind.

Comes in black, beige, and white in sizes 32A-C, and 34-40 AA-D.





Amoena Karla Bra with Pockets

A truly pretty mastectomy bra! This one is cut and sewn for better fit and shaping, but has no wires to irritate your skin. The cups are overlaid with lace and there's scalloped lace edging along the bottom of the band. The straps have two petite bows and there's another bow between the cups. Most of all, no more plain Jane bras!


Comes in beige, white, and bright pink in sizes 32A-B, 34-42 A-D.





Royce Caress Georgia Wire Free Pocketed Bra

If you prefer a smoother look (that's still pretty), try this Royce bilateral bra. The cups are smooth, but the bottom and center are lavished with matching lace. It's also partly cotton, so it will be soft and comfortable against your skin.

It has no wires, and there's a pocket in each cup for a prosthesis. And, it comes in a much wider range of sizes than usual, with cups mostly going up to a FF and bands up to 42, including 40 and 42 A cups, which are hard to find!

Comes in black or beige in sizes 32, 34, 36, 38, 40 A-FF and 42A-DD.

Post-Mastectomy Sports Bra with Pockets

If you were active before surgery and want to keep working out, you’ll need a sports bra with pockets for your prosthesis. This will gave you the shape you want, while minimizing sweating and discomfort from exercising.

Keep in mind that sports bras tend to run tighter in the band, so you may want to sister-size up a band size and down a cup size for a more comfortable fit.

Anita Active Front Close Sports Bra 5523

This can do dual service as both a second stage recovery bra or a post-mastectomy workout bra. It has pockets for breast forms and a front closure to make it easier to get it on and off. The fabric is designed to wick moisture away from your body and keep you cooler. The straps have minimal stretch and adjust in front, so you don’t have to take it off to get the right fit.

It comes in both large band/small cup and full bust (the reverse) sizes. There are no wires, just a soft support band under the cups. It has both compression (to keep you in place) and encapsulation (for support), so it will keep everything from moving around whether you are post-op or recovered and out power walking.

EU sizes 32-42 A-E, and 44 A-C in white and black.

Amoena Performance Sports Bra


This one is better for low impact activities such as yoga or a brisk walk (essentially the less bouncing and jumping the lower the impact). There are ventilated and mesh panels in the back, between the cups, and on the sides to minimize wetness and moisture against your skin.

It’s designed as a post-mastectomy bra, so there are pockets for forms (but those are not included with the bra).

EU sizes 32AA-D, 34-42 A-DD in beige and black.