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Why Are Drains Used in Breast Augmentation?

asked 5 months ago by dlandazuri
Latest answer by J. Jason Wendel, MD
Question viewed 197 times
Tags: comparison, drains, infection, no drains, recommendation

Hi, I would like to know why some surgeons use drains in breast augmentation while others don´t. Can they cause an infection? Is it better to use them or not? Thank you

15 answers to Why Are Drains Used in Breast Augmentation?

No drains for breast augmentation

In first time breast augmentation, most plastic surgeons DO NOT use drains. I do not use them either. It is not necessary.

J. Jason Wendel, MD
Nashville Plastic Surgeon

www.mc.vanderbilt.edu

Drains for breast augmentation

I do not routinely use drains for primary breast augmentation but will use them on occasion for redo's. It is personal preference.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Drains and breast augmentation surgery

The usage of surgical drains after breast augmentation surgery is highly surgeon specific. Drains are generally placed when the surgeon determines or feels as if there might be fluid collecting around the implant after surgery. Certain breast surgical procedures may have a higher incidence of requiring drain placement, such as revision breast augmentation. the majority of patients undergoing primary (for the first time) breast augmentation at Gayoso Plastic Surgery do not require the use of... more

Antonio Gayoso, MD
Saint Petersburg Plastic Surgeon

www.gayosoplasticsurgery.com

Why Are Drains Used in Breast Augmentation?

The majority of boarded PSs DO NOT use drains in primary breast augmentation. If a surgeon uses them on a regular basis than that is his/her personal technique.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon

Drains and breast augmentation

For augmentation using smooth implants most surgeons do not use drains. However for augmentations where a textured surface implant will be used a drain will limit fluid around the implant and promote the ingrowth of the capsule into the textured surface of the implant. If there is fluid around the capsule the incorporation of the implant into the surrounding capsule will likely not occur and the implant will behave similar to a smooth walled implant. In this case, one would not gain the... more

David M. Kahn, MD
Palo Alto Plastic Surgeon

I do not use drains on a routine augmentation

I do not use drains on a routine augmentation. If I have perfromed a complicated mastopexy/augmentation I might use a drain.

Vishnu Rumalla, MD
Dallas Plastic Surgeon

tarrantplasticsurgery.com

Drains after Breast Augmentation

Most plastic surgeons do NOT use drains after a standard breast augmentation as there is no evidence that they offer any benefit. If you surgeon plans on using them, ask why.

Karol A. Gutowski, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Drains are not routine in breast augmentation

Drains are placed into surgical sites where there is potential for fluid buildup. I do not use them routinely for breast augmentation but there are some instances where it might be considered. One is when textured, shaped implants such as the 'gummy bears" are used, because the body needs to "stick" to the textured implant surface to prevent it from rotating. Fluid buildup could interfere with that. Another is if there is concern about bleeding. Revision surgeries... more

Richard Baxter, MD
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

DRains in Breast Augmentation

I have many friends who are excellent plastic surgeons and use drains for breast augmentation. However, I have never used them for a routine enlargement and see no benefit in their use in my hands. I think you should find a surgeon who you like and trust and let him make the decisions based on his preferences and experience.

Ronald V. DeMars, MD
Portland Plastic Surgeon

Drains during breast augmentation

I do not use drains during breast augmentation surgery. They are a potential access for an infection in my opinion as they are an opening to the outside. I use them in certain revisionary procedures due to the amount of drainage that may come from those type of procedures.

Rick Rosen, MD
Norwalk Plastic Surgeon

Drains & Breast Implants

I personally do not use drains in breast augmentations. I try to make certain that there is no significant bleeding when I close the wounds and most surgeons do not feel that drains prevent hematomas. I do, on the other hand, routinely use drains in reductions and tummy tucks for other reasons.

John Whitt, MD
Louisville Plastic Surgeon

Use of Drains

There are specific reasons for the use of drains, and the surgeon should best be able to determine the need. I do NOT use drains in breast augmentation, nor do any of my partners. Drains do increase the risk of infection and so should be used only if there is a real need.

William H. Gorman, MD
Austin Plastic Surgeon

Drains and Breast augmentation

I think that it is unusual for drains to be used after breast augmentation. I have never used drains after placement of implants, but I am sure that some surgeons do. Drains are usually placed to remove excess fluid after surgery in which a large space has been created (like the one for the implants). I have not ever wished that I had placed drains after an augmentation despite having done almost a thousand procedures. Drains do potentially increase the risk for... more

Eric T. Emerson, MD
Charlotte Plastic Surgeon

www.seplasticsurgery.com

Breast Augmentation and Drains?

Thank you for the question. I do not use drains for breast augmentation surgery. I do use them however for some revisionary breast surgery, where extensive dissection and/or capsulectomy surgery is performed. Hopefully, you will receive some responses from surgeons who feel that drains are helpful and the reasons why they feel the drains are necessary. Probably more important in determining the final outcome of surgery (than whether drains are used... more

Tom J. Pousti, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

www.poustiplasticsurgery.com

Drains are not used on Primary Breast Augmentation-Drains are used on some revisions.

MOst Palstic Surgeons do not use drains on Primary or First Time Breast Augmentations. The fear is that the drain is a communication between the implant and the outside body surface and could allow bacteria to get inside and infect the implant. Following implant revisions such as capsulotomy or other surgery that can cause bleeding and or fluid collections drains are often used but removed as soon as possible.