Fitter's Product Notes
Berlei product description …soft and breathable cotton-lined cups…a lumpectomy, mastectomy and radiation treatment…Front and back opening…cotton blend cups are breathable and soft…prosthesis's (sold separately) are easy to insert into pockets and feel secure.…’
Is it a Post-Surgery or Post-Surgery Compression Bra?
When looking for a surgical bra, you’re likely to see two seeming similarly bra descriptions.
Knowing the difference can save you from the I’m in so much pain, is it really my bra post op outcome we often see.
Post-surgery bra They may be called a post-op bra, surgical bra or recovery bra, but we believe they’re better thought of as a comfort bra because they won’t provide the support needed after most breast surgeries.
Post-surgery compression bra What a difference the word compression makes! Sometimes called post operative or surgical compression bras, these bras are made from the higher compression elasticised material to provide the firm and even support needed to hold the breast shape, help with swelling and bruising, and reduce tension on tender incisions when moving about.
Choosing the Right Bra
In the Fitting Room we check the type of breast surgery and surgeon to ensure you’re fitted in the post-op compression bra your surgeon prefers.
Measuring comes next because we know that the size of the Berlei Y130W can differ from fashion bra sizing. Discussion then turns to bra style. Does the surgeon prefer a front fastening zip or clips? Do they prefer a lower cleavage or higher cleavage longline bra shape? Will the strap adjustment and the other parts of the bra suit your torso length? And then, which colour?
To give you a better way to choose a post-operative compression bra with the shape and parts for your surgery, we put each of our bras on a mannequin, made side-by-side comparisons, then rated the outcomes. The shape and parts ratings for the Berlei Y130W are described below.
To aid your choice we cropped our product images because research suggests we make better choices when the eye is not distracted by the model and we show all the bra colours on the one product page so you can see them side-by-side.
Then, to help you get the size right, you can scroll down to our Fitter’s Size Guide to check your size.
If you’d like a second option, you can call the STUDIO and then make a quick and easy PHONE purchase.
And don’t forget to check if you can claim for a post-surgery compression bra on Private Health Insurance.
How Does Bra Shape Affect Fit?
As post-operative bra specialists, we’ve learnt that what a bra looks like on the model isn’t a very reliable way to tell if the Fitted Shape will suit your post operative needs.
To make it easier to compare post op compression bras, regardless of brand, this is how the shape of the Berlei Y130W compares with our other bras. The Fitted Shape description at the top of the page gives you a quick guide when browsing.
Length The medium bra length tends to position the seamless medium width underbust band on the chest just under the breasts.
Cup Type & Shape The elasticised cotton blend cups can be softer after surgery and when undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment.
Cleavage The medium/low cleavage encloses the breast and reduces up and down breast movement for improved wear comfort.
Underarm If a lumpectomy involves underarm surgery, the medium underarm height can cause discomfort because the edge may sit over the incision. After recovery, before transitioning to lower cut fashion bras, NewGel scar management can be an option for reducing and fading scars.
Back Band The narrower back band allows tops with a lower back to be worn during recovery.
Straps The medium adjustable shoulder straps are usually wide enough for wear comfort.
What Parts of a Bra Affect Fit?
Over the many years we’ve been fitting post operative compression bras we’ve found the following parts of the Berlei Y130W can play an important role in achieving a good fit after breast surgery.
Fastener The non-adjustable front clip fastener can be more suitable for wear after a mastectomy because a compression bra is not usually worn until drain lines have been removed or after a lumpectomy because drain lines are typically not needed.
Fastener Adjustment The front fastener can’t be adjusted, but the rear clip fastener has three clip adjustment positions.
Openable & Adjustable Straps The non-openable shoulder straps typically do not affect hospital wear after a mastectomy or lumpectomy. The rear buckle allows for adjustment.
Label The fabric label is worn on the inside.
Why Question Bra Performance?
Why question supplier product performance and certification claims? Because we’ve learnt that marketing statements are not always verified. This is what we know about the Berlei Y130W.
Free of Harmful Chemicals (Latex) No claim made.
Australian Therapeutic Drug Administration (TGA) Approval No certificate found.
Material Main cup lining: Cotton/Elastane. Elastics: Nylon/Elastane. Underbust elastic: Nylon/Elastane (excl trims). Material percentage mix is not declared.
Compression No claim made.
Moisture No claim made.
Anti-Bacterial No claim made.
Wash Performance Loss No claim made.
Life of a Post-Surgery Compression Bra Post surgery bras are usually designed to service the typical 6-8 weeks recovery period. Our observations suggest compression bras tend to stretch and lose shape and elasticity after 6-8 weeks of continuous wear. Appropriate care can extend compression bra performance.
Brand & Manufacture Australian Brand. Made in Indonesia.
BreastCare STUDIO is centrally located in the Perth suburb of Burswood. You're welcome to drop-in or call if you have any questions.
T (08) 9361 1300
E info@breastcarewa.com.au
Measure & Size Notes
In hospital after surgery isn’t the right time to find your post op compression bra isn’t a good fit.
Whilst it’s tempting to use your Fashion Bra Size, our fitting experience shows that bra size varies between Brands and between bras with the same Brand.
Your Existing Y130W Band & Cup Size
The Berlei Y130W post surgery compression bra complies with accepted Australian (AU) Bra Sizing.
However, since bra sizing can vary, we always use our Berlei Sizing Chart to verify your existing Band & Cup Size.
Your existing Underbust measurement doesn’t change after surgery (apart from swelling), so it can be used when determining your post op Band Size.
If you’re having a lumpectomy or unilateral mastectomy (one breast removed), your existing Bust measurement can be used to determine your post op Cup Size.
If you’re having a bilateral mastectomy (two breasts removed), you can choose a preferred Cup Size.
After surgery, adjust the Berlei Soft Form as needed to fill the bra cup, then place it in the pocketed cup to create a balanced breast shape. This may take a bit of trial and error.
If in doubt you are welcome to drop into the STUDIO. We will show you how to adjust and fit the soft form into the cup pocket, then fit and adjust your Berlei Y130W.
Bra Measuring Tips
In the Fitting Room we use a flexible cloth tape and measure to the nearest centimetre.
If you don’t have a cloth tape, use non-stretch fabric or a belt, mark the size and then measure the length with a metal tape or ruler. Avoid string because it presses into the skin and flexible metal tapes because they wrap unevenly.
We find having someone else measure is quicker and more accurate. If self-measuring, use a mirror to check that the tape is level and wrapped firmly (but not tightly) around the body. When measuring, stand still and upright, relax, breathe out, then measure.
Bust measurements are taken over the breast whilst only wearing a fashion bra and the underbust measurement is taken over the skin, just under the bra band.
BreastCare STUDIO is centrally located in the Perth suburb of Burswood. You're welcome to drop-in or call if you have any questions.
T (08) 9361 1300
E info@breastcarewa.com.au
