Compression garments after mastectomy

A post-surgical bra may support the chest and hold dressings in place, while a prescribed sleeve or glove may help manage arm or hand swelling. These garments have different purposes and should not be substituted for one another.

The operation, any reconstruction, the location of drains, and the condition of the incision determine whether compression is suitable. A garment should provide even support without rubbing the wound, pressing on a drain, bunching in the armpit, or leaving deep grooves.

Arm swelling after breast surgery needs assessment because treatment depends on its cause. A specialist may measure the arm and select a sleeve with an appropriate length, pressure, and hand component rather than relying on a standard sports sleeve.

Follow the schedule given by the surgical team, including instructions about sleeping, showering, and washing the garment. Put it on over dry skin and smooth out folds. Check the incision and the skin around the chest, armpit, arm, and hand each time you remove it.

Contact the fitting team if the garment slips, rolls, pinches, becomes loose as swelling changes, or is difficult to apply without straining the operated side. Do not alter seams or add padding over the incision unless the team has shown you how.

Remove the garment and seek prompt clinical advice if it causes increasing pain, numbness, tingling, a cold or discoloured hand, blistering, or rapidly worsening swelling. Also contact the surgical team for spreading redness, warmth, pus-like drainage, fever, wound opening, or a sudden increase in fluid around the chest.

Call emergency services for severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting, or sudden swelling with breathing symptoms. Do not tighten a garment to manage these signs.

Ask whether your garment is intended for chest support, swelling control, or both; when it can touch the incision; and how drain removal or breast reconstruction changes the plan. Confirm who should refit it if chest or arm swelling changes and which skin marks are acceptable.