Breast Cancer Surgery Recovery Clothing
Recovery from breast cancer-related surgery can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the type of surgery.
Generally, while most people can go home the same day as surgery, recovery from mastectomy and post mastectomy care can take 3 to 6 weeks post mastectomy surgery, lumpectomy, double mastectomy and other similar breast surgeries.
During your recovery period after a mastectomy, lumpectomy or breast reconstruction you are likely to experience:
- Fluid drainage (typically collected with JP surgical drains
- Skin irritability and bruising
- Hot flashes
- Swelling and localized pain at incisions
- General discomfort
- Reduced mobility
Why Plan Ahead for Your Mastectomy Wardrobe?
While it may seem like a small detail, planning your wardrobe in advance is more important than you might think. Post-surgery, you'll need clothing that's easy to put on, gentle on sensitive skin, and accommodates any medical drains or bandages. Having a wardrobe prepared means one less thing to worry about during an already challenging time.
At KickIt, we understand that every detail counts. Designed by cancer survivors, our pajamas were made with comfort and functionality in mind, providing you with clothing that feels like a hug during your recovery.
What to Look for in Post-Mastectomy Clothing
When selecting items for your post-mastectomy wardrobe, consider clothing that’s:
- Soft and Non-Irritating: After surgery, your skin may be extra sensitive. Look for soft fabrics, like modal or cotton, that won’t irritate incisions or sensitive skin.
- Front-Opening: Tops that open from the front are essential post-surgery, as they allow you to dress and undress without lifting your arms, which may be restricted.
- Pocketed for Drain Management: Many top surgeries require you to have surgical drains (like JP Drains) for a couple weeks post-surgery. Look for tops or pajamas with internal pockets to securely hold them in place. Here are some additional tips for managing surgical drains. Interior drain pockets are one of the most appreciated mastectomy recovery must haves.
- Loose-Fitting: Choose clothing that’s loose around the chest and arms to avoid unnecessary pressure on sensitive areas or to accommodate lymphedema.
- Easy to Wash: You may be limited in movement, so it’s helpful to have machine-washable items that don’t require special care.
KickIt Mastectomy Pajamas with Drain Pockets are designed with these features in mind, offering front-button closures, ultra-soft fabrics, and built-in pockets for medical drains. These thoughtful touches make KickIt a perfect addition to your recovery wardrobe.
Lesser-Known Tips for Mastectomy Surgery Recovery
Post-Op recovery can look different for everyone, and sometimes the most helpful tips come from those who have been through it. Here are a few lesser-known tips that can make your journey a little easier:
- Prepare a Pillow Station: Many patients find comfort in having a few pillows for mastectomy on hand for positioning. Soft mastectomy pillows can help you find the right resting position without straining your arms or chest. Pillows can also provide extra support when sitting up in bed.
- Stock Up on Tie, Snap, Button-Down or Zip-Up Tops: Having easy to get on/off tops that you can wear during the day is helpful. These tops allow you to get dressed without lifting your arms and can be paired with soft, loose pants or leggings. Look for items that you can easily layer without raising your arms as well. Our KickIt Cardigan snaps at the neck for easy on/off and features interior drain pockets.
- Use a Lanyard for Showering: If you have drains, a simple lanyard can be a lifesaver when it’s time to shower. You can attach the drains to the lanyard, which keeps them out of the way and makes it easier to clean yourself without any accidental pulls.
- Plan for a Comfortable Mastectomy Bra: While bras for mastectomy may not be top of mind initially, you may need soft, supportive options once you’re ready. Look for bras designed specifically for post-mastectomy wear, which often feature pockets for breast prosthesis and soft, non-irritating fabrics.
- Consider Ice Packs or Cooling Wraps: Some women experience soreness or swelling post-surgery. Having ice packs or cooling wraps on hand can help reduce swelling and make you more comfortable.
- Prepare for Limited Arm Movement: Many survivors note that reaching for things can be tough in the first few weeks. Arrange your essentials at waist or shoulder height to make reaching them easier. This includes putting your daily necessities like water bottles, snacks, medication, and reading materials within arm’s reach.
- Practice Self-Compassion: Recovery is a journey, and it’s important to give yourself grace along the way. It’s okay to need rest, and it’s okay to ask for help. Make time to check in with yourself mentally and emotionally, as your well-being is just as important as your physical recovery.
What Are the Best Clothes to Wear After a Mastectomy?
The best clothes to wear after a mastectomy are typically soft, loose-fitting and easy to put on without lifting your arms overhead. Front-opening shirts, pajamas, robes and zip-front tops can make dressing easier when chest, arm or shoulder movement is limited. If you have surgical drains, clothing with built-in drain pockets can also help keep drain bulbs secure and accessible. Breathable, gentle fabrics are especially helpful around sensitive skin and incision areas. Always follow your surgical team’s instructions about bras, compression garments and clothing worn directly against the surgical area.
What Should I Wear Home From Mastectomy Surgery?
Plan to wear a loose, comfortable outfit that doesn’t need to be pulled over your head. A button-front, wrap-front or zip-front top paired with relaxed pants and slip-on shoes is often easier to manage after surgery. Breastcancer.org specifically recommends packing open-front clothing and loose-fitting pants for the trip home. If you’ll be leaving the hospital with surgical drains, consider clothing with built-in drain pockets or another secure way to carry the drain bulbs.
Do I Need Clothing With Drain Pockets After a Mastectomy?
Not everyone has surgical drains after a mastectomy, so drain-pocket clothing isn’t necessary for everyone. If you do go home with JP drains, however, built-in drain pockets can provide a convenient place to securely carry the bulbs rather than pinning them to clothing or using a separate pouch. Surgical drains may remain in place until a follow-up visit, so ask your surgeon before surgery whether you are likely to have drains and how they recommend securing and caring for them.
What Pajamas Are Best After a Mastectomy?
The best pajamas after a mastectomy are soft, breathable and easy to get into without pulling anything over your head. Look for front-opening or wrap-style pajamas that accommodate limited arm and shoulder mobility. If you’re recovering with surgical drains, pajamas with interior drain pockets can make sleeping, resting and moving around the house more convenient. A relaxed fit can also provide additional room around sensitive surgical areas.
How Do You Get Dressed When You Can’t Lift Your Arms After Breast Surgery?
Choose clothing that opens completely in the front so you don’t have to pull it over your head. Button-front shirts, wrap tops, zip-front garments, front-opening pajamas and robes can all reduce the amount of overhead arm movement required to get dressed. It can also help to place your most frequently worn recovery clothing within easy reach before surgery. Follow your surgeon’s specific restrictions on arm movement, since these can vary depending on your procedure and whether you’ve had lymph node removal or reconstruction.
What Should I Wear After Breast Reconstruction?
After breast reconstruction, prioritize soft, loose-fitting clothing that is easy to put on and doesn’t unnecessarily press against sensitive surgical areas. Front-opening tops and pajamas can be particularly useful when arm movement is uncomfortable or restricted. Depending on the type of reconstruction, you may also have surgical drains or incisions in another area of the body, such as the abdomen, making loose-fitting clothing especially useful. Your surgical team should determine when you can wear a regular bra, compression garment or other clothing against the reconstructed breast.
What Are Useful Mastectomy Recovery Essentials?
Useful mastectomy recovery essentials often include front-opening clothing, comfortable pajamas, a robe, slip-on shoes, a secure way to carry surgical drains if you have them, and pillows for comfortable positioning. It can also help to move frequently used items to easy-to-reach locations before surgery so you don’t have to reach overhead. Personal care items, comfortable non-slip socks and help with meals and household tasks can make the first days at home easier as well. Your care team can provide a personalized list based on your surgery, reconstruction and post-operative restrictions
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