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Insurance Covers the Right Compression Garment for Truncal Lymphedema, So Don’t Settle for Less!

Women wear all kinds of shoes to the grocery store, from high-tech running shoes to strappy high heels. But when a woman goes out for a run, she knows she needs to leave the heels at home and choose the running shoes that will support her feet properly.

The same principle applies to choosing the right compression garment for truncal lymphedema. Any woman who has undergone breast cancer treatment is at risk for truncal lymphedema, which is the painful buildup of fluid in the chest, breast and/or back. The wearing of compression garments is a standard part of treatment for lymphedema.

Sometimes women at risk for truncal lymphedema are encouraged to wear sports or mastectomy bras because they may be less expensive than a real compression garment. However, while sports bras and some post-surgical bras may offer a bit of compression, they are like high heels – they may function in some situations, but they are just not designed for the specific needs of truncal lymphedema patients. Design features that are fine for athletes or mastectomy patients – underwires, narrow shoulder straps, wide armholes, traditional “bra” silhouettes – can be painful or even harmful to women with lymphedema, because they may dig into swollen skin and block the drainage of lymphatic fluid.

But there’s good news: the only bra specially designed for truncal lymphedema is also suitable for athletic activity, and contains pockets that can hold prostheses for mastectomy patients. This means that a woman with (or at risk for) truncal lymphedema might actually save money by buying a single garment instead of multiple ones!  Or she may choose to add this versatile garment to her wardrobe of wearable treatment options.

And there’s even better news: most private insurance companies are reimbursing for the compression bra, which means women can base their choice of compression garment on their medical need– not just on price.

Invest in the right compression bra the first time! You’ll be glad you did!