BREAST SURGERY ESSENTIALS
A curated list of products I commonly recommend to support healing, comfort, and garment fit following breast surgery.
Before You Buy
A quick note: sizing, materials, and timing matter more than brand names. I’ve added notes below based on what patients actually find useful – not what looks good online. Links to these products are included for ease and have been chosen to be budget-friendly as well. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I only recommend products I genuinely believe are useful in recovery. This list reflects items I commonly recommend to help support healing, comfort, and skin care following face and neck procedures. Individual needs vary, and not every item will be necessary for every person or procedure.
Post-surgical compression bra with front closure and removable, adjustable support strap
Why I recommend it?
There are many on the market but this is tank top style so the back is fuller coverage and the support strap can be placed above or below the breasts or be removed altogether. Fully adjustable in the front and straps.
Tips & Tricks
Be sure to follow the measurements and understand that these bras typically are sized a bit small so take that into consideration when choosing the right size.
If you have implants that you are doing exercises to help them drop into proper position, the band placed over the top can help between exercises.
It may be beneficial to get 2 – one in black and one in nude so you can swap and wear under different clothing.
BRABIC front-close compression bra with adjustable straps and closure.
Why I recommend it?
If you don’t need the additional strap, this is a great post-surgical bra! Love that it adjusts in the front and the straps. Black won’t show any accidental soilage that can occur.
Tips & Tricks
Remember these size a bit on the small side so take that into consideration. Size up when in doubt.
Ruching does help if you want to tuck a cold gel pack into the bra – not over the areola/nipple and cloth side down to start.
Small, reusable hot or cold gel packs with optional cloth covered side for more comfortable cooling.
Why I recommend it?
So many reasons I love this budget-friendly 6 pack. There are 6 so you can always have one on hand. They tuck into the compression garment so you can be hands free. They stay moldable even when frozen. You can use it as a hot pack. It is FSA eligible. There are more reasons but those are enough.
Tips & Tricks
Use at least 3 times a day for no more than 5 minutes (if plastic side on skin) or 10 minutes (if cloth side on skin) – set your Alexa, Siri, etc. You can unknowingly compromise the skin because you will be numb. DO NOT PLACE OVER THE AREOLA OR NIPPLE.
Allow at least 1 hour between sessions if using more than 3 times a day. Do not use over fat grafted areas!
Wipe clean or use the fabric side against the skin but be sure to clean if soiled.
CURAD sterile non-adherent pads 3 x 4 inch, pack of 100
Why I recommend it?
These are great for wounds that have a small amount of drainage and will have less stick to the area. The 3 x 4 inch size is also perfect for wounds either under the breast or around the areola.
Tips & Tricks
You can buy the 3 x 8 inch size and cut it if you are trying to save a little money but make sure you save it in the package if you do not plan/need to use the entire sheet so the remaining pad can stay clean.
Great if you are using Aquaphor on the incision so it does not rub off.
Though I recommend using siicone scar tape rather than gel, you can use gel then use a strip of this dressing over top so the gel stays on the incision.
Medical grade silicone scar sheeting/tape to improve the appearance of scars.
Why I recommend it?
Medical grade silicone placed on new scars is the best topical to improve scar appearance. Since I could not find an over the counter breast lift medical grade silicone tape that I like, this is the next best thing when used in conjuction with the areolar silicone tape circles below.
Tips & Tricks
Cleanse incisions with Vashe, let dry completely, then cut the tape to size and place over the incision. Start at 2-3 weeks after surgery when incisions are healed properly.
Recommend washing the the side against the skin with a damp washcloth and allow dry while showering.
Medical grade silicone scar tape circles that are latex free, 12 count
Why I recommend it?
I looked at so many breast lift scar tape brands and honestly did not love any of them but you can buy a combination of scar tape roll and cut it to size on the breast incisions and use these around the areolar incision.
Tips & Tricks
If you had a crescent lift, feel free to cut the circle in half and apply each half over your incisions.
These can get sticky! I suggest using a damp washcloth to clean the side against the skin and let dry while you shower.
Do not apply until 2 weeks from surgery provided your incision is healing properly. Use for 3 months to get best results. Store with sticky side against plastic like putting it in a Ziploc bag.