Breast lymphedema is a chronic swelling of the breast that is characterized by fluid accumulation and massive tissue enlargement in the breasts.
Lymphedema differs from breast lumps in that breast lumps require deep tissue surgery to remove, while surgical procedures used to address lymphedema are done to drain the swelling. The solid lumps have cancerous cells, and if left untreated, the lumps can cause development of breast cancer.
Breast lymphedema causes a lot of discomfort to a patient, mainly because the swelling requires the patient to constantly raise their arms and physically massage the swollen breasts to enhance fluid flow.
This article will look at the unique features of lymphedema bras and how they help to improve the breast health of a lymphedema patient.
Breast Form Compression Pockets
After surgery, a lymphedema patient requires a lot of drainage exercise to remove all the accumulated fluid in her breast. Lymphedema bras are special types of mastectomy bras that are designed specifically for lymph node drainage and breast support.
Lymphedema bras have breast form pockets sown in the bra to ensure proper holding of the breast prostheses cups after a mastectomy surgery. A breast requires a lot of drainage after a lymphedema swelling reduction surgery. The lymphedema bras are designed to offer compressions to the breast tissues once the patient starts moving and exercising.
The compressions have a massaging effect that presses the tissues and opens up the lymph nodes. The lymph nodes release the trapped fluid causing significant reduction in breast swelling. Breast compression by the lymphedema bra helps save time and inconvenience of manually draining the breast fluid.
The lymphedema bras are made of absorbent fabric, which ensures that all the fluid from the lymph nodes of the repaired breast is absorbed.
Wide Straps and Front Zippers
Normal bras have thin support straps and are fastened from the back. The normal bra is designed to give ample breast support without highlighting the bra. A normal bra, if worn by after a lymphedema reduction surgery, can have catastrophic consequences. The cups of a regular bra will block the lymph nodes, preventing the drainage. The thin straps will cause immense pain under the arms and around the breast area.
Lymphedema bras have wide straps that help distribute the pressure to the top of the shoulders. Releasing pressure to the shoulders ensures that the operated breast relaxes and has enough room for drainage and proper air circulation.
The front zipper allows the patient to easily put on the lymphedema bra, which would otherwise be a very painful process if she wore a regular bra.
Extension Twitches
After mastectomy, a breast is prone to swelling and regular fluctuations in size. An extender twitch of a lymphedema bra helps accommodate breast size fluctuation during different periods. The extender twitch helps to adjust the fit of the bra around the back and below the breasts by tightening or loosening the bra.
Custom Breast Pads
Breast pads are designed for size enhancement. A full mastectomy usually leaves little breast tissue on the chest. A breast pad is customized according to the breast size you want, and is held onto your chest under the pockets of the lymphedema bras.
The breast pads are stretched to give padding and coverage under the armpits and around your back, which helps to distribute the pressure all around the abdomen and release the pressure off your breasts. A breast pad helps to give clearance to your armpits by slightly lifting up your arms. The armpit clearance ensures that the lymph nodes drain the fluid, causing the swelling in your breast.
The breast pads also help to ensure extra absorption of the drained fluid. A patient can opt to wear the breast pads or wear the bra alone pressed flat on the chest, depending on the severity of the swelling. Breast pads are easily washed and are reusable for a long time before you can replace them.
Conclusion
Lymphedema causes a lot of pain to a patient, and often requires a mastectomy surgery. Constant drainage of the breast swelling is necessary to help reduce chances of an infection and speed up the healing process. For you to get the most out of your lymphedema bras, always ensure that your therapist customizes the bra specifications depending on your drainage and sanitary needs.
