Do I Need to Wear a Binder After Lumpectomy?

Hi Linda - The breast surgeon outfitted me with a Masthead brand surgical bra (Elizabeth pink style 042). The claim is that patients need to wear it 24/7 for 2 weeks. I had a lumpectomy and sentinel lymph node surgery on August 28th and am still wearing this bra - it's very comfortable much like a light weight sport bra which accommodates the swelling in the armpit/axilla. This week I'm going to get measured for a compression sleeve which will include the breast - supportive wear. Don't know what this will look like. Functionality, I imagine that it will add support as I begin with light exercises to restore damaged nerve repair. So far, the swelling is localized in the axilla area and has not spread swelling in the arm. I'm currently waiting for my second surgery (October 19th) targeting the DCIS revealed in the Post-Surgical breath biopsy. Looks like I'll be wearing the Masthead bra a little longer. I hope my experience with this bra gives you some idea about the use of a 'binder'.When I first heard that term, health professionals didn't take the time to explain that loose term and how it applied to my situation. I hope this helped you, Zaharenia (Zaha)

Thank you I'm just trying to prepare myself as much as possible my surgery is next Wednesday

I'll keep you posted on what this custom supportive wear is like. Since we are all unique in our bodies, the axilla area is complex and offers an abundance of nerves and nodes. It's not easy to predict the post surgical outcome of swelling. Admittedly, some of the nerves are back to normal but my armpit is still numb. This may take a little while longer for me. The anesthesiologist gave me an upper body/localized spinal block which numbed me 5 days + nights. However, it gave me a spinal headache and it took me 4 hours to get out of post surgery recovery instead of the typical 1 hr. The good thing is that the local spinal block eliminated the need for taking pain meds. The doctor had prescribed Tramadol HCL 50 mg. for pain management. I didn't want to use this medication because it belongs to the opioid family. Instead, I used Tylenol (1000 mg.) only twice well into my second week before the follow up appointment.

Hi Linda - I trust you are already healing post-surgical. I promised that I'd give you an update on what the 'custom supportive wear' was. It's a pump mechanism to manage future lymphatic drainage. I will have a sleeve, abdominal vest and shorts that can hook up to it. The pump delivers air into the inflatable sections in concert as a gentle wave motion and massages the body. It is a great option available to individuals who may need it. It's made by Tactile Medical if you're interested to see for yourself.

I have been wearing the bra since 9/27 for me it rubs on axillary incision so very uncomfortable today was told I need to wear it for at least week longer

Thank you for your update

Hi Linda - I used a heart shaped pillow under my arm to make it more comfortable. And yes, the bra did rub against the incision for me as well until the swelling went away. Blessings to you.

Thank you

I had issues with the compression bra so had to purchase a larger one due to swelling and a few sports bras with moderate support

I have had a lumpectomy and radiation. I am being treated by both a traditional Oncologist and a Naturopathic Oncologist. I go to a Lymphedema Therapist to hopefully prevent Lymphedema with exercise and manipulation of the sites. I have some scar tissue from radiation however I am fortunately mitigating fluid accumulation. I highly suggest this approach rather than waiting to develop Lymphedema and living with it for the rest of life. Good luck good people 🩷 Laurie

Post-surgical garment requirements can vary quite a bit depending on the specific procedure and your surgeon's preferences. Many community members have shared different experiences with compression garments and binders after similar procedures, so connecting with others who've been through this journey could provide helpful insights alongside your medical team's guidance.