What should I wear after a single mastectomy?

What to Wear After a Mastectomy

  • Front Closures and Zippers. Immediately after a mastectomy, it will be practically impossible for you to lift your arms over your head or around to your back.
  • Secure Your Drains.
  • Loose Clothing.
  • Comfortable Slip-On Shoes.
  • New Bras/Bralettes.

What can I buy after mastectomy?

What to bring to the hospital:

  • Front button and loose-fitting shirts.
  • Yoga pants.
  • Pillow for support under the arm or seatbelt.
  • Slip-on shoes.
  • Snacks.
  • Phone charger.

Do I have to wear a bra after mastectomy?

If you had a mastectomy, it is up to you if you’d like to wear a bra or camisole unless otherwise told by your surgical team. Some bras are more comfortable than others to wear during this time. You have the option to wear a bra or camisole right after mastectomy surgery (with or without reconstruction).

What is a mastectomy bra?

What is a post-mastectomy bra? Post-mastectomy (or simply mastectomy) bras resemble regular bras but with one important difference – they have spandex stretch pockets on the inside which help hold and keep the breast prosthesis in place. Mastectomy bras can be purchased at specialty shops or mastectomy boutiques.

What can you not do after a mastectomy?

Avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting and vigorous exercise until the stitches are removed. Tell your caregiver what you do and he or she will help you make a personal plan for “what you can do when” after surgery. Walking is a normal activity that can be restarted right away.

How soon can I drive after mastectomy?

Avoid lifting anything over 4.5 to 7 kilograms for 4 to 6 weeks. This may include a child, grocery bags, a heavy briefcase or backpack, cat litter or dog food bags, or a vacuum cleaner. Ask your doctor when you can drive again. You will probably be able to go back to work or your normal routine in 3 to 6 weeks.

What is the fastest way to recover from a mastectomy?

Tips for recovering at home Rest: Rest and relax as much as possible. A double mastectomy is a major surgical procedure, and adequate rest gives the body time to heal. Ask for help: Ask friends and family to help with housework, meal preparation, and childcare. Avoid doing strenuous work or taking on too much.

Can I take care of myself after a mastectomy?

Allow yourself to get extra rest in the first few weeks after surgery. Take pain medication as needed. You will probably feel a mixture of numbness and pain around the breast incision and the chest wall (and the armpit incision, if you had axillary dissection).

What should I wear home from hospital after mastectomy?

Pack comfortable underwear, no-skid fuzzy socks (if you don’t want the hospital-provided ones), or slippers/moccasins with non-skid soles. No need for bras: you’ll wake up wearing a surgical bra that will stay in place for a while.

How painful is mastectomy recovery?

Right after the surgery, you will probably feel weak, and you may feel sore for 2 to 3 days. You may feel pulling or stretching near or under your arm. You may also have itching, tingling, and throbbing in the area. This will get better in a few days.

How long do I need compression after mastectomy?

Some patients will benefit from wearing a compression bra around the clock for the first four to six weeks, but many will be advised not to, Dr. Liu says.