Understanding Chest Surgeries & Breast Reconstruction: A Guide for Bra Fitters

By Dana Donofree, owner of AnaOno

Bra fitters play a crucial role in helping individuals feel comfortable, confident, and supported in their intimate apparel. For those who have undergone chest or breast surgeries, finding the right bra isn’t just about fit—it’s about understanding their bodies, their choices, and their needs. The terminology behind breast and chest surgeries can often feel overwhelming, but as a bra fitter, having a foundational understanding allows you to better serve your customers with empathy and expertise.

Why People Choose Chest or Breast Surgery

People undergo breast or chest surgeries for various reasons—some are medically necessary, some are medically driven, and others are personal choices. These surgeries can be reconstructive, aesthetic, or gender-affirming, and each individual has unique motivations for their decision. As a fitter, recognizing these different journeys ensures that you can guide your customer toward the best options for their post-surgical comfort and lifestyle.

Understanding Different Surgical Procedures

Reconstructive Breast Surgeries

For those who have faced a breast cancer diagnosis or other medical conditions requiring mastectomy, reconstructive options vary, and not all involve implants.

• Implant Reconstruction: Uses silicone or saline implants to restore breast shape after mastectomy. Customers may experience changes in sensation or asymmetry, and comfort-focused, wire-free bras are often ideal.
• Flap Reconstruction (Autologous Tissue Reconstruction): Uses the patient’s own tissue from areas like the abdomen (DIEP, TRAM), back (Latissimus Dorsi), or thighs (PAP, TUG) to recreate the breast shape. These procedures often leave scars in multiple areas, and bras with soft, smooth linings can help minimize irritation.
• Goldilocks Procedure: A lesser-known option where remaining breast tissue is used to create a natural mound without implants. This option can leave different contours than traditional reconstruction, so finding the right cup shape is key.
• Fat Grafting: Fat is transferred from another part of the body to help enhance volume, symmetry, or smooth out irregularities. Soft, adaptable bras are beneficial for those undergoing multiple fat grafting sessions.

Aesthetic & Cosmetic Breast Surgeries

Not all breast surgeries are cancer-related. Some individuals choose aesthetic procedures to address natural asymmetry, volume loss, or personal preference.

• Breast Augmentation (Implants): Enhances size and shape with silicone or saline implants. Supportive bras with gentle compression help maintain shape and reduce movement post-surgery.
• Breast Reduction (Reduction Mammoplasty): Reduces breast size to alleviate discomfort or for aesthetic reasons. Customers may seek structured, supportive bras to accommodate changes in breast weight and positioning.
• Mastopexy (Breast Lift): Lifts and reshapes the breast, often paired with augmentation or reduction. Bras with molded cups or side support can help maintain the new breast shape.
• Aesthetic Flat Closure: A choice for those who opt out of breast reconstruction post-mastectomy, creating a smooth, contoured chest. Flat-fit bras, soft camis, or pocketed bras (for optional breast forms) are great options.

Gender-Affirming & Chest Surgeries

For individuals undergoing gender-affirming procedures, finding gender-appropriate, affirming undergarments is essential.

• Top Surgery (Masculinizing Mastectomy): Removes breast tissue to create a flatter, more masculine chest. Post-surgical compression binders are commonly used initially, transitioning to soft, wire-free bras or compression-free garments for long-term comfort.
• Breast Augmentation (Feminizing Surgery): For transgender women or non-binary individuals seeking breast implants. Post-surgical bras with light compression and soft fabric can support healing and enhance comfort.

Helping Customers Find the Right Fit

Understanding these procedures allows bra fitters to meet customers with knowledge and compassion. Here’s how to provide the best experience:

• Ask Open-Ended Questions: Instead of assuming, ask, “What kind of support or style feels best for you?”
• Know Your Styles: Offer wire-free, pocketed, compression, or adaptive options to meet varying needs.
• Consider Scar Placement & Sensitivity: Reconstructed, augmented, or flat closures all have unique considerations for band placement, fabric softness, and adjustability.
• Respect Personal Preferences: Some customers may want bras that reflect their pre-surgery style, while others may seek entirely new designs.

As bra fitters, you are more than just experts in size and fit—you are a source of support for individuals navigating their post-surgery journey. By understanding the diverse landscape of breast and chest surgeries, you can provide every customer with the dignity, confidence, and comfort they deserve. Whether they have implants, choose to go flat, or have undergone gender-affirming surgery, your knowledge and empathy make all the difference in their lingerie experience.

Read More Articles About Breast Health in Dana Donofree’s Column on Lingerie Briefs