But you’re not alone. You can always call the STUDIO to talk to a Fitter or organise a Virtual Bra Fitting. PHONE (08) 9361 1300.
If you’re in WA, you’re welcome to drop-in for a STUDIO Fitting.
Which is the Right Bra for Your Breast Surgery?
Post-op bra, surgical bra, recovery bra and post-surgery bra names can be misleading. We use the following descriptions to help you avoid an I’m in so much pain, is it really my bra post op experience.
Comfort Bras The lower compression can be better for smaller breasts and less invasive surgeries such as a lumpectomy or implant removal where post op wear comfort can depend more on breast stability than breast support.
Recovery Bras Having medium compression, they can be better for a more invasive lumpectomy, larger breast implant removal and a breast lift where recovery comfort is more likely to need breast support.
Compression Bras These provide the higher compression that can be better for more invasive surgeries such as breast reduction, lift, reconstruction and augmentation where firm and even support is needed to hold the shape of the post op breast and breast implants, promote swelling reduction and reduce tension on tender incisions when moving about.
Choosing the Right Compression Bra
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…’
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?
This is what we’ve done to help you make better bra choices on our Australian ONLINE Fitting STUDIO .
We noted the indicative compression rating (lower, medium or higher) in the description text above the name so you can see it when browsing.
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.
To help you get the size right, our Fitter’s Size Guide explains how we do it in the STUDIO.
And don’t forget to check if you can claim for a post-surgery bra on Private Health Insurance.
How Does Compression Bra Shape Affect Fit?
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 Compression Bra Affect Fit?
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 Compression Bra Performance?
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.
