Why Are Drains Used 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 often involve more dissecting, and I always use drains with Alloderm or Strattice. However, some surgeons do use them on all augmentations.

Thank you for your question. In primary breast augmentation (i.e. a first time breast augmentation), drains are not typically used. If I am performing a secondary (or revision) breast augmentation involving the removal or modification of a capsule, I will often place drains to help prevent the development of seroma around the implant from the raw surface due to the capsule work.

The vast majority of plastic surgeons don’t use drains when
they perform routine breast augmentation procedures. Occasionally, drains are used when surgeons
perform revisional surgery or anticipate seroma formation. Fortunately, these situations are rare and,
for this reason, surgical drains are rarely used.