Patient preference for bra or binder after breast surgery

Background:  No data are currently available to assess the relative merits of breast binder or bra following breast surgery. Methods:  A randomized controlled study was undertaken to compare a breast binder with a bra postoperatively for patients undergoing lumpectomies, partial mastectomies and total mastectomies. Results:  Fifty‐eight patients were included in the study. Six different parameters were compared and the bra was found better on all criteria; a small group of patients who initially used a binder and then, for a second procedure, used a bra, found the bra more comfortable. Conclusion:  Postoperative discomfort can be decreased by using a well‐fitting bra rather than a breast binder.