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FAQs: Compression Bras vs. Mastectomy and Sports Bras
in the Treatment of
Truncal Lymphedema

  1. Q: What’s the difference between a compression bra and a mastectomy bra?

    A:  Mastectomy bras are designed to hold prostheses securely in place. Some compression bras, including Bellisse’s Compressure Comfort® Bra, are also designed to hold prostheses, but they do much more as well. Compression bras provide compression for patients with post-surgical swelling or truncal lymphedema, which is often the painful retention of lymphatic fluid in the torso (a common side effect of breast cancer treatments). Mastectomy bras are simply not designed to provide compression in all the areas that can be affected by truncal lymphedema, such as high in the armpit and/or on the back. In fact, depending on their design, some mastectomy bras may be contraindicated for lymphedema, because they do not provide therapeutically useful compression, may cut into tender, swollen tissue, and may even block the drainage of lymphatic fluid.

  2. Q:  Can’t one get compression from a regular sports bra?

    A: Regular “compression” sports bras are designed to flatten the breasts against the chest wall in order to help minimize their movement during exercise. There is no consideration of lymphatic flow or surgical scarring. For women with lymphedema, this kind of compression is inadequate, and may sometimes even exacerbate the problem. (Also, sports bras often do not come in large sizes, so many patients will not be able to use them.)

  3. Q: What features should one look for in a compression bra?

    A: A good compression garment will provide compression in all the areas of the torso where lymphatic fluid can build up, including the back and under the arms. If a compression bra does not cover these areas, it may not be appropriate for lymphedema. Compression bras should also avoid chafing the skin and, most importantly, allow drainage of lymphatic fluid from the torso. For this reason, it’s important to avoid any compression garments that have underwires, non-flat seams across the cups, or narrow straps. Finally, look for a compression bra with a front zipper, so that it will be easy for patients with a restricted range of motion to use it. To find out more about the features that are important for successful compression, visit http://www.bellisse.com/comfort_bra/features.shtml.