CommunitiesIn Treatment For Breast CancerWhat should I wear after lumpectomy surgery with drainage tubes?

What should I wear after lumpectomy surgery with drainage tubes?

LU

Community Member

a month ago

Hello everyone! As I prepare for lumpectomy in four weeks I would like to ask if anyone can reccomend a bra for post surgery and what other things should I start preparing with. Also what kind of clothing to wear since I will have the drainage tube. Thank you all!

12 comments
Comment
accepted answer

Accepted Answer

Many community members find that front-closure sports bras or post-surgical bras work well after lumpectomy, as they're easier to put on without raising your arms and can accommodate drainage tubes comfortably. Button-up shirts, zip-up hoodies, and loose-fitting tops are often recommended since they don't require pulling clothing over your head, and many people find it helpful to have pockets or a small bag to discretely hold drainage bulbs.

3+ patients found this helpful

KB

Community Member

a month ago

They will put a bra on you after the surgery is finished and you go home with it. They also gave me a spare. You can look for one similar if u need more. I did not have a drain but i think a button front shirt might be best for that.

1
LU

Community Member

a month ago

Thank you!

KB

Community Member

a month ago

Welcome!

MW

Community Member

a month ago

Yes they will give a pink compression bra to wear home for two weeks, you can wash it out after a week and wear for next week it was very comfortable to me and helped with the little pain i had.It has Velcro straps to fasten in front which is a big help.

3
CA

Community Member

a month ago

Many community members find that front-closure sports bras or post-surgical bras work well after lumpectomy, as they're easier to put on without raising your arms and can accommodate drainage tubes comfortably. Button-up shirts, zip-up hoodies, and loose-fitting tops are often recommended since they don't require pulling clothing over your head, and many people find it helpful to have pockets or a small bag to discretely hold drainage bulbs.

SS

Community Member

a month ago

Ask for extra surgical bras. They gave me several. Button down shirts work great.

4
LU

Community Member

a month ago

Will do! Thank you!

AA

Community Member

a month ago

Masthead is the brand they sent me home in and I ordered another one. So comfy.

1
LU

Community Member

a month ago

Thank you!

MA

Community Member

24 days ago

I had lumpectomy and 6 lymph nodes removed in mid-Sept 2025. Lots of swelling, no drains. That post-op compression bra , which I hated at first, became my best friend. I am in my late 60s , large breasted and gravity has not been friend. I also purchased a couple of zip front supportive sports bras from Amazon that I used when I washed and air-dried the post-op bra. Button front shirts, 1/2 zip shirts and soft front zip hoodies have become my favorite tops.

1
DT

Community Member

17 days ago

Velcro shirts on shoulders and sides, during drains at least. loose gowns, ( Amazon, and there are many post mastectomy items to purchase there!) compression bras are best after surgery for several weeks.

6
AA

Community Member

17 days ago

Honey love and Evelyn and Bobbie make a supportive Bra tank top that is one piece and won’t ride up under your incision. I started wearing these 2 weeks post surgery (lumpectomy and bilateral reduction). I’ll prob never to back to a regular bra. That said the Masthead bra they sent me home with was a good one and comfortable too with Velcro front closure.

2
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