Items Needed After Mastectomy: What I Actually Used for My Recovery
Wondering what to use after a mastectomy?
As someone who went through a bilateral mastectomy recovery, I can share exactly what I needed—especially the skincare product that truly helped with irritation, redness, and chafing.
Here’s my personal list of post-mastectomy must-haves and how Bedrock Balm became my skincare recovery essential.
My Story: From Founder to Patient
As the founder of Bedrock, I never expected to use my own skincare for a bilateral mastectomy in 2025. I was shocked when my routine mammogram raised a red flag. A follow-up, a biopsy, and then the doctor that came over to me with sad eyes. I knew.
At first, I thought a lumpectomy would take care of it.
However, after an MRI, cancer was detected throughout my entire left side. Every surgeon I consulted recommended a bilateral mastectomy.
I didn’t yet know what I would need Bedrock Balm for, but I knew I would need it.
I’d hoped for a single surgery, direct-to-implant, but due to necrosis, I had to be sewn up flat. Then, 12 days later, I had a sentinel node surgery after they found three new invasive tumors outside the ducts.
How I Used Bedrock Balm During Mastectomy Recovery
I originally created Bedrock Balm to be a multipurpose, soothing zinc-based cream for everyone in my family. I never dreamed it would become my surgery skincare salvation dealing with breast cancer.
Here’s how I used it after my mastectomy:
- Redness and chafing from wearing a tight medical compression bra for 30 days straight
- Irritation and blisters from the surgical drains on my sides
- Painful skin folds caused by my skin being sewn flat
- Barrier protection around the edges of my bandages
Bedrock Balm helped calm, protect, and comfort my skin every single day. I applied it morning and night to reduce redness, support healing, and feel human again.
Other Items I Found Helpful After Mastectomy
If you’re preparing for surgery or helping someone who is, here’s a quick list of what helped me most:
- Cozy Button-up Pajamas (you can’t lift your arms at first!)
- A lanyard to hold surgical drains during showers
- Soft, pull on jogger pants for doctor visits
- Extra pillows for easier sleeping on my back
- Bedrock Balm (for skin irritation, redness, and skin fold protection)
Going through a mastectomy was one of the hardest things I've endured. I remember waking up and crying it was a new day. But overcoming cancer reminded me why I created Bedrock in the first place—to use zinc and nourishing botanicals to soothe skin like nothing else can.
If you’re preparing for surgery or in recovery right now: you’re not alone. I'm on the other side, I have my spark back, and you will too.
💛 Rachel, Founder of Bedrock
Can I use skincare products after a mastectomy?
Yes, but be careful and check with your doctor. I used Bedrock Balm because it’s made with zinc oxide and botanical oils that are gentle for sensitive, healing skin.
How soon after surgery can I apply skincare products?
Always check with your surgeon first. Once your incisions are closed and healing, you can use soothing, non-irritating creams to calm skin folds, chafing and redness.
What helps with redness from compression bras and drains?
Bedrock Balm has 20% zinc oxide to provide barrier protection; it calms and protects the skin barrier. Zinc is naturally anti-inflammatory and helps comfort irritation caused by medical devices or tight clothing.
Is Bedrock Balm good for post-surgery skin?
Yes — it’s gentle, plant-based, vegan, and designed for sensitive skin. Many customers (and me!) use it for redness, irritation, and barrier balance after medical treatments or procedures.
