Creative Design: Professional

RecoveryPlus: Post-surgical mastectomy recovery bra

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Abstract

For 2.3 million women worldwide, mastectomies are a necessary part of their breast cancer treatment regimen. However, there are limited studies on the complications experienced with post-surgical mastectomy recovery bras. This project aimed to design a new post-surgical recovery bra worn during the mastectomy recovery period to address the surgical oncologist and patient needs. These needs included larger band/cup size, secured tubing and bulb storage on the bra, better chest wall adherence, compression, thermal comfort, seam comfort, adjustable shoulder straps, adjustable band, and easy closures. The experimental mastectomy recovery bra, in size 40D, is photographed to show the bra usage for a unilateral mastectomy with a drainage tube and compression straps on the mastectomy side only. Future steps will include wear trials to confirm that needs were met. This recovery bra would also benefit patients having a lumpectomy, breast enhancement, breast reduction, and other chest surgeries requiring chest compression.

Keywords: mastectomybra, medical garment, collaborative design, mastectomy, bra

How to Cite:

Michaelson, D. M., (2024) “RecoveryPlus: Post-surgical mastectomy recovery bra”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 80(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.17294