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Are Drains Recommended After a Breast Reduction?

asked 1 year ago by 8342anon in Los Angeles, CA
Latest answer by Tom J. Pousti, MD
Question viewed 723 times
Tags: drainage

After years of the "phobia" of having a reduction, I plan to have the surgery the first week of August 2010. What is the opinion of having drains after having a reduction. I am a "dense" DDD wanting to go down to a C cup. After asking questions it appears that each doctor has their preference....

7 answers to Are Drains Recommended After a Breast Reduction?

+1

Breast Reduction and Drains?

Thank you for the question. Congratulations on your decision to proceed with breast reduction surgery; it is one of the most patient pleasing operations be performed. You are correct in that some surgeons use drains, some don't; if I were you I wouldn't be too concerned either way. As long as you have picked your plastic surgeon carefully you can be confident that you should do very well. Best wishes.
Tom J. Pousti, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon
+1

Drains and breast reduction

Commonly drains are placed at the end of the procedure to remove unwanted fluid that may accumulate after surgery. They are usually removed within a week.
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Drains and breast reduction

Use of drains vary from  none, to passive to active suction. There are no definitive studies supporting their use of effectiveness. However, I would guess that most surgeons do employ them.
Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast reduction

I have done many breast reductions and have very rarely used drains. Problems such as bleeding or seromas can occur with them so there really is no need for them. I do the surgery as an outpatient and the patient is in a bra within about five days. Fortunately, there is much less pain than implants and usually the patients can resume all activities within two weeks. Watch my video.
Edward J. Domanskis, MD

Orange County Plastic Surgeon
+1

Drains after breast reduction

In most cases, I do not place drains for breast reductions.  However, each patient is different.  I would say that the larger the breast reduction, the increased need for drains.  If you have DDD breasts and have a significant reduction, you may need drains.  However, don't spend too much time worrying about the drains.  They really are not a big deal - if they are needed then so be it.  Good luck.   
David Shafer, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

Drains with Reduction Mammaplasty

The use of drains, as you point out, is generally an individual preference.  For many years I did not use drains, but I have used them for the past 4-5 years.  I feel this has resulted in less swelling and generally better healing post-operatively.
John Whitt, MD

Louisville Plastic Surgeon

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