12 Best Postsurgery Bras

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A postsurgery or compression bra will help individuals recover from many kinds of breast surgery. There are different types of postsurgery bras, depending on the type of surgery a person has had, and the right kind for someone may not be right for another.

This article looks at the best bras individuals can consider and discusses what symptoms to look for after breast surgery.

A quick look at the best postsurgery bras

• Best for post-breast reduction procedures: Marena FlexFit Drain Bulb Management Bra
• Best for everyday wear: Brabic Post-Surgical Sports Support Bra
• Best for medium-to-high compression: Prairie Wear HuggerPRIMA
• Best for small budgets: Burvogue Post-Surgery Front Closure Sports Bra
• Best for easy removal: Playtex 18 Hour Easy On, Easy Off Post-Surgery Bra
• Best for a soft fabric: Trulife 327 Charlotte
• Best for post-mastectomy: Oysho Lola Multiway Bra
• Best for sensitive skin: AnaOno Molly Plunge Bra
• Best for full coverage: ThirdLove Monica Post-Surgery Full Coverage Bra
• Best for early stage recovery: Heart & Core Larissa Post-Surgical Bra
• Best for breast augmentation: Macom Signature Bra
• Best zip-front bra: Marena FlexFit Ultra Low Coverage Zip-Front Bra

A postsurgery bra aims to help a person recover after different kinds of breast surgery. They are often compression garments that support the breasts, reduce swelling, and prevent blood and other fluids from pooling.

Typically, postsurgery bras will not feature underwire. They will consist of soft, stretchy material with wide straps and a zipper or other fastenings at the front to make it easier to put on and take off. The designs may differ depending on the type of recovery a person will use them for and the stage of recovery the individual is in.

A person will need a postsurgery bra after the following procedures:

• breast cancer surgery
• breast reconstruction
• breast augmentation
• breast lift
• breast reduction
• mastectomy

Below, we look at 12 of the best postsurgery bras.

Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.

Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.

Best for breast reduction procedures: Marena FlexFit Drain Bulb Management Bra

• Price: $120
• Sizes:
  • 30–40 AA/A
  • 32–44 B/C
  • 34–46 D/E
• Colors: black or beige

This bra aims to provide support and help a person manage drain bulbs and tubes following a breast reduction procedure. It includes two modesty pouches and four positionable rings to anchor the drain bulb to the band.

It may also reduce motion and pressure on incision areas. The featured FlexFit cups reportedly provide flexible and comfortable support to swollen areas of the breasts.

Additional features include:

• high back coverage for extra support
• a padded hook and eye closure and front zipper
• flexible Triflix fabric that wicks moisture and keeps the wearer cool
• antimicrobial material
• a soft elastic bottom band

Reviews mention the bra is comfortable and that users appreciated the holders for drain bulbs. Some also reported that it was cool to the touch. However, a critical review stated it is not adjustable, so it may be unsuitable for the entire recovery process.

Best for everyday wear: Brabic Post-Surgical Sports Support Bra

• Price: $24.99
• Sizes: 32 B to 42 D
• Colors: black and beige

Brabic claims this bra is suitable for postsurgery and everyday use. It is a more affordable option that features a front zipper or hook closure.

The design includes:

• a criss-cross back design for improved posture and added support
• wide elastane rubber band on the bottom
• adjustable shoulder straps
• gentle compression

Best for medium-to-high compression: Prairie Wear HuggerPRIMA

• Price: $82
• Sizes: S to XXL
• Colors: black, beige, and pink

This medium-to-high compression bra provides full body and axilla coverage and higher levels of comfortability. It is latex- and Velcro-free and reportedly has antibacterial properties. It can also wick moisture away from the skin and is OEKO-TEX Standard 100 Certified-skin safe.

Features include:

• 360 degrees of compression with four compression zones
• breast pockets
• dual layered technology
• adjustable straps
• front zipper

Prairie Wear says this bra is suitable for postsurgery recovery, lymphedema, and those with larger breasts who do high impact exercise.

Best for small budgets: Burvogue Post-Surgery Front Closure Sports Bra

• Price: around $23–30
• Sizes: S to XXL
• Colors: black and beige

This affordable postsurgery bra has adjustable shoulder straps and a criss-cross back design for support and help with posture. There is padding at the side of the cup instead of the middle, which reportedly reduces friction on the breasts.

It has a three-column hook and eye closure. The bra consists of Lycra, while the company claims people can wear it during sports.

Reviews mention the rows of hooks make it easy to adjust depending on how much swelling a person is experiencing. Customers also stated it was comfortable and that the cushioning helped prevent scar irritation. However, some buyers stated it was too small, and a number of them found it uncomfortable.

Best for easy removal: Playtex 18 Hour Easy On, Easy Off Post Surgery Bra

• Price: around $36
• Sizes: 32 B to 40 DDD
• Colors: beige

This bra features hook and eye closures on the front and back for easy removal during all stages of postsurgery recovery. It consists of 85% cotton and 15% spandex and comes with hidden pockets for postsurgical breast forms.

Playtex writes that it offers four-way support. This includes side and back support, plus support from full cups and the straps.

Reviewers appreciated the option to take off the bra from the front and back. Others found it supportive and affordable. However, some critical reviews mentioned that the bra was uncomfortable and did not give people a flattering shape under their clothes.

Best for a soft fabric: Trulife 327 Charlotte

• Price: buyers must contact the company for prices
• Sizes: 32–44 B or D
• Colors: beige or white

The manufacturers state that this bra is suitable for those with lymphedema, arthritis, or limited mobility in their upper body. However, a person should speak with a doctor before choosing a bra for a specific health condition.

The microfibre stretch cup and adjustable straps provide soft, flexible support. It includes extended microfibre pockets.

Additionally, buyers must contact the company to get prices for this bra.

Best for postmastectomy: Oysho Lola Multiway Braysho

• Price: $45
• Sizes: 32–38 B or C
• Colors: black or blue

Oysho offers this multiway bra that comes with a right or left cup. This is for people who have had a mastectomy and want to shape one of their breasts with their bra. The cup is detachable.

It is a nonwired lace bra that comes in light blue or black. People can also open it from the front or back.

Best for sensitive skin: AnaOno Molly Plunge Bra

• Price: $59
• Sizes: S to XXL
• Colors: black, white, and sand

AnaOno has specially designed this plunge bra for those with sensitive skin after surgery. It provides less coverage than most compression bras with its plunge design and features hidden seams to reduce the risk of irritation.

AnaOno uses soft, TENCEL Modal fibers for this bra. The company recommends it for people who have had reconstruction, lumpectomy, or a mastectomy.

Features of the bra include:

• soft material
• wire-free cups
• built-in pockets for breast form inserts
• stretchy material for flexibility
• adjustable straps

It may be possible for a person to get insurance coverage for this purchase.

Positive reviews claimed it was comfortable and soft and did not irritate incisions. However, some customers had problems with sizing.

Best for full coverage: ThirdLove Monica Post-Surgery Full Coverage Bra

• Price: $59
• Sizes: S to 3XL
• Colors: dusty rose and black

This bra provides full coverage, and the company recommends it for people who have had implant reconstruction, lumpectomy, mastectomy, and breast augmentation surgery.

It features convertible straps, high sides and neckline, and soft fabric. ThirdLove claims it is soft and suitable for people with sensitive skin.

Positive reviews stated it was comfortable and supportive, and some buyers said they could adjust the compression levels with the hooks. However, one customer did not like the seams as they irritated their scars.

Best for early stage recovery: Heart & Core Larissa Post-Surgical Bra

• Price: $70
• Sizes: XS to super queen
• Colors: white and black

This bra contains mesh pockets for puffs, inserts, or ice packs. It also has a drainage bulb holder that discreetly manages drains, with a wide band for added comfort. This may make it suitable for people in the early stages of recovery.

The company uses a soft fabric to prevent irritation at incision sites.

It has a racerback design to prevent straps from slipping. The fabric is breathable and antimicrobial.

The XS to XXL band sizes range from 28 to 48 inches. The larger sizes are called queen and super queen and have band sizes from 50 to 60 inches.

There are no reviews for this product online.

Best for breast augmentation: Macom Signature Bra

• Price: around $53
• Sizes: XS to XXL
• Colors: black, clay, red and white

The manufacturer recommends this bra to those who have had breast augmentation surgery. Macom states it offers medical-grade compression and full coverage. The bra also has expandable cups to fit the wearer’s new cup size.

The company claims it can minimize swelling and stabilize implants. It has a seamless design to reduce irritation at incision sites.

Online reviews on the company website are all positive and stated the customer service team was helpful and that the bra was comfortable and supportive.

Best zip-front bra: Marena FlexFit Ultra Low Coverage Zip-Front Bra

• Price: $76
• Sizes: 30–38 B/C and 32–38 D/E
• Colors: black and beige

This bra features a front zipper with detachable straps, making it easy to put on and take off. The zipper lock prevents the zipper from sliding open during the day.

The cups reportedly fit two cups sizes into one bra. However, there are no options available for people who want an A-cup bra.

Marena claims that its FlexFit cup accommodates breast swelling. The stretchy material prevents binding and is also antimicrobial and moisture-wicking.

Online reviews reported that customers found the bra supportive and very comfortable. However, some found it slightly too expensive. Others noted that it may be useful to have a hook to make zipping the bra up after surgery less painful.

The table below compares all of the postsurgery bras in this article.

People should consider the following factors when choosing a postsurgery bra:

• Surgery type: Manufacturers specifically design some bras for specific surgeries, such as a single mastectomy.
• Fit: People may wish to try a range of sizes to find an appropriate fit. While a postsurgery bra should be supportive and provide some compression, it should not restrict movement or be uncomfortably tight.
• Price: Some postsurgery bras can cost more than $100. A person should consider their budget and the features they need before purchasing a bra.
• Additional features: Additional features, such as pockets for ice packs, inserts, bags for bulbs, and drains, may be necessary for some users. These features may increase the price of the bra, so people should consider which features are necessary for them.
• Fabric: A postsurgery bra should comprise flexible, soft fabric to accommodate swelling and minimize irritation at incision sites. People may also wish to consider antimicrobial fabrics.

A person can consult a doctor if they notice any of the following symptoms after breast surgery:

• wound infection
• persistent postsurgical pain
• mastectomy flap necrosis
• reduced tactile sensation
• reduced shoulder or arm mobility
• bleeding
• lymphedema

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) writes that breast implants can cause pain and changes in sensation in the breast and nipple. A person should discuss these complications with a doctor.

Those who have had surgery for breast cancer may experience infections, swelling, or a collection of fluid called a seroma. They can speak with a breast care doctor for advice on managing postsurgery symptoms.

Below, we answer some of the top frequently asked questions about postsurgery bras.

What bra is best after surgery?

The best type of bra after surgery will depend on the type of surgery a person had and their personal preferences for style, fabric, and color. Bras that offer front and back closures, bulbs to manage drainage, and adjustable straps and cups can be useful for many people. However, postsurgery bras should not feature underwiring.

People can speak with a doctor before their surgery to understand which bra will be best for them.

How tight should my postsurgery bra be?

A postsurgery bra should provide some compression but should not restrict movement or be uncomfortable or painful to wear. A postsurgery bra that is too tight can irritate incision sites and scars and increase the risk of infection.

What is different about a postsurgery bra?

Postsurgery bras are different from bras for everyday wear because they provide compression and often feature a front and back closure to make them easy to put on and take off. They may also include pockets for breast forms, ice packs, or tubes for drainage. Postsurgery bras offer greater coverage than a typical bra and will not include underwiring.

How do you wear a bra after surgery?

Doctors will sometimes recommend a person wears a bra day and night after surgery. People can choose a front-fastening bra to make putting it on and taking it off easier after surgery. This is because the shoulders can be stiff after breast surgery. A person can talk with a doctor about their options before their procedure.

A postsurgery bra offers support and compression to minimize swelling and wound irritation. They are often highly adjustable, with adaptable straps and cups. They may also feature pockets for ice packs or drainage bulbs.

People should prioritize bras that are comfortable, soft, and come in an appropriate size.

A person can speak with a doctor before their procedure to understand what type of bra they should wear afterward.