What to Wear after Hysterectomy

If you have external, abdominal incisions, you shouldn’t wear anything that is too snug around the waste until your incisions heal. Pants that are too tight can irritate incisions and possibly delay healing. Not to mention, they can be painful! Even if you don’t have abdominal incisions, swelly belly might make pants that fit before a little uncomfortable.

But aside from discomforts, there is one other important reason not to switch to normal pants too soon. Once you resume dressing in your “regular clothes” again, those living in your household might mistakenly get the signal that you are “all better,” and they will expect you to behave accordingly. With the possible exception of hysterectomy patients who have minimally-invasive procedures, a four to six week “disability” period is the doctor’s standard-issue time frame. It may help family members and others to better comprehend that restriction if you stay in your sleepwear during your delicate, early post-op recovery period.

Many women who have a TAH discover that, for the first month or two afterwards, their incision area is too tender to wear jeans. Instead of jeans and other tight clothing, skirts, loose drawstring pants, sundresses, empire-waist dresses, oversized tops, or trousers in a soft fabric are preferred.

The HysterSisters Store has a “Wear Around Shirt” that is an oversized t-shirt made of 100% cotton for your comfort.

For at-home attire, many women wear muumuus, roomy t-shirts, sweat pants, or pajama pants. In terms of undergarments, soft, full-cut panties in a size or two larger than usual are less irritating to a healing abdominal incision. If you are not experiencing post-op spotting, going without underwear might be the most comfortable option.

You’ll also want to be cautious about footwear. As you heal, you may not be as steady on your feet. Additionally, walking in heels could put strain on healing areas. Stick to flats, tennis shoes, and slippers!

You have plenty of time in the future to wear your jeans and high heels. Treat yourself to “ease and comfort” while you’re recovering.

This content was written by staff of HysterSisters.com by non-medical professionals based on discussions, resources and input from other patients for the purpose of patient-to-patient support. Reprinted with permission: What to Wear after Hysterectomy

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