Bra advice please - scars around breast

[Ben10NeverAgain]

I'm looking for help on bras to buy. I have had surgery and chest drains so have been left with 4 one inch scars under, to the side and at the back where the strap goes. Bras are all so uncomfortable. It isn't helped by the fact that I have had my first rib (above the collar bone) removed and still have a condition which means that the nerves between my neck and shoulder are hypersenstive. I have to have a balconette strap so that it is not too close to my neck.

I've been to Debenhams to see what they could suggest and ended up with a non-wired bra with moulded cups but it still is agony after a couple of hours as all of the scars are where bras fit. I am a 32C (wearing a 32D on the advice of Debs so that the moulded cup didn't hit one of the main scars.

The only thing that I can wear bra-wise is a bra vest like this. It has an inbuilt bra with moulded cups but it is only an elastic band across the chest that actually presses tightly. I can cope with this as there are no seams in the band either which is one of the main problems with a bra.

I want a bra that I can wear when I eventually go back to work that gives me shape, that I can wear all day without pulling at it, can wear under a shirt without it looking like a teenager with a crop top on - any ideas please as I can't just keep buying them and trying them. It is just too expensive!

TIA

I'd go and find an independent bra shop in your nearest big city. Explain the issues and get them to help you out - try on lots and see what you like/can wear.

I have a scar just where my bra band sits at the front due to keyhole surgery and it was agony for a good few weeks - I lived in sleeveless tops with fitted soft cups sewn in for ages, but was able to tolerate bras after that.

Good luck!

Oh dear, that all sounds v painful Hope you recover soon.

These Sloggi tops are really very light and comfortable, might be worth a go?

The straps are thin and stretchy and don't press or dig on the shoulders like a bra strap does, they also don't have any plastic clips or metal hooks to dig in.

The fabric is really smooth and light. I know you said you didn't want a crop top, but these aren't like the big elasticy wide strapped horrors, they are more like a neat under-top and are good for layering.

Thanks both. I had the surgery 6 months ago now. Apparently it is up to 2 years for these scars to not be so painful (lung surgery). The other condition is lifelong now so I need to get something that will last. I might have a look at the Sloggis thanks. I hate the look of the ahh bra and the genie bra. I had something similar when pg and it just flattened everything. Urgh!

Got to get through wearing a strapless effort for my brother's wedding. I got the dress forgetting the bra issue. Stupid me

If you can possibly manage to get to London, go to rigby and peller. The lovely ladies there will be able to help you.

There is a store in Cambridge now and Bluewater if either of those are closer.

These are not the most supportive things ever, but they are pretty good and exceedingly soft and comfortable ahhbra

I could go to BW MrsPnut. It's just a matter of how much they are going to cost.

Gobblers, the straps look like they would come too far across towards my neck on the ahhbraa

I think that what I want is this but with moulded cups inside. Any ideas?

Ben - I know what you mean, that's something I'd like to find too.

I have in the past cut up old bras to get the moulded cups out, and safety pinned them inside the sloggi tops to get more shape - it kind of worked

You can buy foam or silicone bra cup inserts (google it) separately if you can be bothered to pin or sew them in. You can also wear the sloggi tops one on top of the other if you want more coverage (they are quite thin) so I guess you could put the inserts between the two sloggi layers iyswim.

How about wearing a gentle sports bra or something like the sloggi bra (or even a maternity sleep bra!) which doesnt aim to be 100% supportive, but then also wearing a tight sports vest thing over it, so you have overall support?

Its not ideal, but I think you will find it hard to find a bra that doesnt bother your scars...

The only other way around it I can think of is to find a maternity bra that may fit the bill, as their band (that goes around the chest) is wider for support, and it may not dig in as much..

Or a sports swim top? like www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B004A8S6DQ/ref=asc_df_B004A8S6DQ7895869/?tag=googlecouk06-21&creative=22134&creativeASIN=B004A8S6DQ&linkCode=asn - I am just pasting it for you to understand what I am getting at in terms of fit but no bands to irritate your scars...

Or even getting a size 34 that is a close fit, and placing some kind of support bandage over the scars when you really need to wear something supportive...

I am trying to think of ways around this, I sincerely hope that you recover soon!

How about shapewear? Like all in one type thing?

Something like this: www.johnlewis.com/260565/Product.aspx

Or like this:

www.johnlewis.com/171807/Product.aspx

You don't have to buy from R&P though, the advice is free. They can show you styles that will work and you can find something similar elsewhere.

I do spend a lot of money on bras though because I have huge norks and I like them to be well supported. Brunel would have struggled with the engineering they need.

second everyone that advises those bra tops/or non wired bras

I often wear a non wired bra from M&S and they are v supportive but not sure if even they will hurt you?

I think you need to book some time and invest a quiet weekday morning in a department store

I wear these to sleep in and I find them very comfortable. They also do vests and camisoles. I am a 34D.