Supporting Compression Selection in Breast & Chest Wall Lymphoedema Care
A practical guide to navigating compression garments, adjuncts and clinical decision-making
Breast and chest wall lymphoedema can present very differently from one person to another. Swelling may involve the breast, lateral chest wall, axilla or surrounding tissues, while surgery, radiotherapy, scarring and changes in tissue texture can add further complexity.
Selecting compression therefore involves more than simply choosing a bra or garment.
Clinicians may need to consider the location and extent of swelling, tissue characteristics, post-surgical stage, skin sensitivity, comfort, garment coverage and the patient’s ability to tolerate and manage compression as part of everyday life.
To support this process, LES has developed the Breast & Chest Wall Lymphoedema Compression Guide, bringing together available compression garments and adjuncts from a range of suppliers in one practical clinical resource.
Why compression selection can be challenging
Breast and chest wall lymphoedema may involve:
- swelling across different areas of the breast, chest wall and axilla
- fibrosis or thickened tissues
- altered breast or chest contours following surgery
- sensitive skin or post-radiotherapy tissue changes
- scarring and areas requiring additional pressure modification
- different compression requirements during the day, at night or following surgery
- individual differences in comfort and tolerance
- the need for padding or other adjuncts alongside the primary compression garment
These factors mean that an option suitable for one patient may not meet the needs of another.
Introducing the LES Breast & Chest Wall Lymphoedema Compression Guide
The guide brings together manufacturer-supplied information from participating compression providers in a consistent format to make it easier for clinicians to explore and compare available options.
Products are organised into four key categories:
- Daytime Compression Garments including bras, camisoles and compression vests
- Night-time Compression Garments including sleep bras and adjustable vests
- Post-Surgical Compression Garments including temporary bras, post-operative vests and adjustable wraps
- Accessories and Adjuncts including padding, inserts, straps and linings
Each supplier section also includes practical fitting tips, garment-care information, available off-the-shelf and custom-made options, and contact details for product-specific support.
More than a product catalogue
The purpose of this resource is not to recommend a particular garment.
Instead, it is designed to support clinicians in:
- exploring available breast and chest wall compression options
- comparing different garment types and features
- considering the coverage required for the individual presentation
- identifying options for daytime, night-time and post-surgical use
- exploring padding and adjunctive products where appropriate
- considering both off-the-shelf and custom-made solutions
- accessing supplier-specific fitting guidance and product support
By bringing this information together in one place, the guide can support product exploration while clinicians continue to apply their own clinical reasoning and professional judgement.
Supporting individualised compression choices
Breast and chest wall compression needs to work for the person wearing it.
A garment may need to provide appropriate coverage and compression while also accommodating breast and chest shape, sensitive tissues, scarring and areas of fibrosis. Fit should be secure without causing pain, irritation or unwanted pressure.
The guide highlights some of these practical considerations through the fitting information supplied by participating companies. This includes considerations such as breast and lateral chest wall coverage, strap tension, measurement techniques, adjustment options and the use of padding where appropriate.
Supporting collaboration with industry partners
One of the strengths of the guide is the ability to view options from multiple compression providers within a single resource.
Participating companies have supplied product information, fitting considerations, garment-care guidance and contact details to support clinicians in exploring available solutions.
This can help clinicians broaden their knowledge of the products available and connect directly with suppliers when more detailed fitting, customisation or product-specific advice is required.
Using the guide in practice
The guide can be used to:
- support compression discussions with patients
- compare options for different breast and chest wall presentations
- explore alternatives when an existing garment is uncomfortable or poorly tolerated
- identify adjuncts that may assist with particular tissue characteristics or areas of swelling
- explore options across different stages of treatment and recovery
- assist clinicians who are less familiar with breast and chest wall compression
- support ongoing professional development in compression therapy
Importantly, the guide is intended to complement comprehensive assessment and individualised care planning. Clinicians should consider the patient’s presentation, post-surgical stage, tissue characteristics, skin sensitivity and tolerance when selecting compression garments and adjuncts.
A final reflection
Compression for breast and chest wall lymphoedema is not simply about finding a garment that fits.
It involves considering where compression is needed, how the tissues respond, what level of coverage is appropriate, what the patient can comfortably tolerate, and how the garment will function in everyday life.
The LES Breast & Chest Wall Lymphoedema Compression Guide has been developed to support these decisions by bringing practical product information, fitting considerations and supplier expertise together in one accessible clinical resource.
Acknowledging our Industry Partners
LES acknowledges and thanks Amoena Australia, Essity, Haddenham Healthcare Australia, Lohmann & Rauscher, medi Australia and OPC Health for supporting the development of this resource and ongoing clinical learning. Inclusion does not imply endorsement, and clinicians are encouraged to apply their own professional judgement in all aspects of patient care.
