Swimwear Post Mastectomy, Pre-Reconstruction

June 11, 2015 by Carrie 4 Comments

In less than two weeks, I am going away with my family to Martha’s Vineyard.  While it’s not the private, luxury Caribbean escape I was hoping for, I really can’t complain.  There are beaches, lobster shacks, bike trails…everything I need.

It occurred to me as I was looking through my summer wardrobe that my old bathing suits might not fit me anymore.  They are mostly halter tops with deep plunging v-necks with little support.  They were great for my small breasts and also wonderful for when I was breast feeding on the beach.

But now that I have had a mastectomy and have a tissue expander in one breast, fitting into a bathing suit is tricky.  For starters, one breast is bigger than the other due to the tissue expander.  The left hangs much lower than my right which is now unnaturally high up.  So when I put on my bathing suit and looked in the mirror, I looked like a Pablo Picasso painting (not in the good way).

Notice one breast is higher than the other. That’s kind of what I look like right now.

My budget right now is limited but I wanted to get a bathing suit that was cute and functional, but not a mastectomy bathing suit (I don’t want to wear the cutlets to the beach, or anywhere for that matter).  After scouring the internet and falling in love with suits that cost $100+, I decided to go to Target.  Lo and behold, I found a large selection of tops and bottoms that would work.  But I settled on these two pieces.

I got the top in “Animal Print.” It has a retro feel with the twist tie full cups and the thick straps. The straps and the light padding provide a lift and shape. Unless you are staring, you can’t tell that one breast is larger or higher than the other. And at $22.99, the price can’t be beat!

I love this little swim skirt. It provides coverage but gives a sexy, retro feel.

I also loved this swimsuit from Target but I prefer tankinis (one pieces are a pain in the ass to deal with when you have to pee!)

Retro, fun, simple. I love the full coverage cups with the sweetheart neckline to elongate the neck.

If money is no object or you just want to get the suit you love because you deserve it, I think these are great choices.

I love this one shoulder number. It’s sexy but still has full breast coverage. Anthropologie.com

I think the print on this suit could detract from any breast inconsistencies. I love the shape and the colors.
Anthropologie.com

I’ve never seen anything like this. It’s conservative yet smoking hot at the same time. Anthropologie.com

I love the colors and the print on this. It’s a bikini that’s still sexy but not too revealing. Less is more sometimes, right? modcloth.com

While this suit isn’t my personal style, I think this top is a great option since it’s built a bit like a sports bra. modcloth.com

This rash guard is great option since it has UVA and UVB protection which is important for skin protection post radiation. It comes in an array of colors. bodenusa.com

Another sexy number that has support and coverage. And that color is killer! neimanmarcus.com

Finally, isn’t this the cutest thing to cover your bald head with? I need it!!!!!! nordstrom.com