Fitter's Product Notes
Lipoelastic product description …compression post-operative bra designed for all types of breast surgery…trendy pink hooks…wide underbust band…prevents the bra from moving upwards…higher cleavage covers the entire bust…similar cut to the PI Ideal…’
Is it a Post-Surgery or Post-Surgery Compression Bra?
When looking for a post-surgery bra, you’re likely to see two seemingly similar 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 Lipoelastic PI Optimal 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 Lipoelastic PI Optimal 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 Lipoelastic PI Optimal compares with our other bras. The Fitted Shape description at the top of the page gives you a quick guide when browsing.
Length The longer bra length allows the wider underbust band to sit firmly on the chest under the breast.
Cup Type & Shape The seamless elasticised cups mould to the post op breast shape. The elasticised fabric has a firmer feel on the skin and supports the weight of the breast, reducing tension on incisions when moving about. When used for treating lymphoedema after a mastectomy, we can fit a pocket into the cup for a breast form.
Cleavage The medium height cleavage more fully encloses the breast, stabilising implants and reducing up and down breast movement for improved wear comfort. When used for treating lymphoedema, the cleavage height allows a bra pad to be positioned on the breast for targeted compression.
Underarm Band The medium/high underarm fully supports the side of the breast and chest and usually covers underarm incisions, avoiding irritation caused by the top of band sitting over an incision. Before transitioning to lower cut fashion bras, NewGel scar management is an option for reducing and fading scars. When targeted compression is needed to treat lymphoedema, the underarm height allows a bra pad to be positioned to the side of the breast or higher in the axilla.
Back Band The very wide back band improves wear comfort by more evenly distributing the weight of the breast around the chest during recovery.
Straps The wider adjustable shoulder straps improve 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 Lipoelastic PI Optimal can play an important role in achieving a good fit after breast surgery.
Fastener The front clip fastener can be more suitable when there are post-operative drains and increased swelling to the breast and/or underbust.
Fastener Adjustment The front fastener has three clip adjustment positions. The clip gauge matches standard bra extenders, allowing a 9-clip extender to be fitted into the full length of the fastener. This provides the flexibility needed to increase Band Size adjustment for drains and/or underbust swelling and to separately increase size adjustment across the breast when needed.
Openable & Adjustable Straps Straps are openable and have a two-clip fastener with four adjustment positions. When fitting the bra in hospital after surgery, open and then fit the straps over the shoulder, then adjust the straps so the bra band sits on the chest below the breast fold. If needed a 2-clip extender can be fitted into the straps to increase adjustment.
Label The fabric label is worn on the outside.
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 Lipoelastic PI Optimal.
Free of Harmful Chemicals (Latex) OEKO-TEX Ready-to-Wear Product Certificate 02.0.8039.
Australian Therapeutic Drug Administration (TGA) Approval Pending.
Material RIB material, 56% Polyamide, 44% Elastane.
Compression No claim made. When asked, Lipoelastic suggested 20-30 mmHg (nominal) when the bra is fitted according to the sizing chart.
Moisture Breathability 2.57 m2Pa/W (high), Uptake of Perspiration 815 g/m2h (good) & Perspiration Flow Out of Garment 85% (high) according to CEN 14622.
Anti-Bacterial No performance claim.
Wash Performance Loss No claim made. When asked, Lipoelastic provided evidence showing that repeated washing (see appropriate care link below) doesn’t affect material performance.
Life of a Post-Surgery Compression Bra Manufacturer correspondence suggests this bra is 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 Made by Lipoelastic in the Czech Republic.
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 PI Optimal Band & Cup Size
The Lipoelastic PI Optimal post surgery compression bra has what we call a Product Specific (ProdSpec) Sizing Chart. Why? Because measurements used for Band & Cup Sizing can differ from other Bras, and it has dual Cup Sizing.
That’s why we use our Lipoelastic PI Optimal 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 to verify your post op Band Size.
To find your post op Cup Size, use your existing Bust measurement to verify your Cup Size, then adjust the Cup Size to suit your surgery.
Your PI Optimal After Surgery Cup Size
For breast implants, breast reduction, breast lift and explant surgery, adjust your existing PI Optimal Cup Size using your surgeon’s expected change in Cup Size.
If you had a unilateral mastectomy (one breast removed), Cup Size is usually based on your existing natural breast. This can be a little more complicated if you’re also having a breast reduction (same time or later). If you had a bilateral mastectomy (both breasts removed), you can usually choose a preferred Cup Size. This may depend on the type of breast reconstruction.
For each of the above, dual Cup Sizing (e.g. B/C) provides flexibility when the change in breast size is uncertain. But if the Bust measurement is on the border of two Cup Sizes it makes Cup Size more difficult to judge because the change in Cup Size is more accentuated.
If it’s all a bit complicated, PHONE the STUDIO to talk about your post-surgery bra size. If you’ve purchased from BreastCare before, we’ll check your size and then you can make a quick and easy PHONE purchase.
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.
After a unilateral mastectomy (one breast removed), measure the natural breast in the bra as shown in the Half Bust x 2 illustration above, then calculate the Bust measurement.
After a bilateral mastectomy (both breasts removed), measure the underbust, then use the Sizing Chart to select your preferred Cup Size.
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
