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How Important is It to Place a Drain After Implant Extraction?

asked 1 year ago by Cindy812 in Terre Haute, IN
Latest answer by Tom J. Pousti, MD
Question viewed 435 times
Tags: drainage, fluid

I have saline subpect implants I want out for several reasons. I want a simple extraction. What are the odds that I will have fluid accumulate and do I need a drain placed if the capsules are left in place?

13 answers to How Important is It to Place a Drain After Implant Extraction?

+2

Breast implant removal without drains

We do not use drains when breast implants are removed, or removed and replaced. Occasionally there will be a small fluid collection called a seroma, though a snug bra and time will solve the situation without a drain. Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd
Peter E. Johnson, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+2

Placement of drain with breast implant removal (explantation)

The odds of having fluid accumulate are 100%. The odds of it being a problem are more difficult to quantify. Oftentimes the fluid accumulates and slowly absorbs allowing for a gradual and concentric reduction and contraction of the breast which is a good thing, Alternatively if it gets infected or forms a chronic pseudocyst, it could be a bad thing. In general I do not use a drain unless treating a chronically draining seroma or infected wound cavity.
Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+2

Drain after implant removal

If just the implants are removed and nothing is done wit the capsule, it is OK not to place a drain (but depends on surgeon preference). However, there is a risk of fluid collecting in the empty space. If this happens, it can be removed with a needle, or a small drain can be placed later. In my experience, it is usually not a major problem.
Karol A. Gutowski, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Drains after Breast Implant Removal?

For most patients I do not think trains are necessary after straightforward breast implant removal; however, I understand why some surgeons would prefer to use them. Best wishes.
Tom J. Pousti, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon
+1

Drain placement after implant removal

Drain placement is frequently done after implant removal to prevent fluid accumulation.  Therefore, if you don't get drains your risk of fluid build-up is pretty high.
Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD

Baltimore Plastic Surgeon
+1

Drains after explantation?

With implant removal, I do recommend the placement of drains in all my patients though they can be of a very small size and can possibly be removed within a few days. Without them, a certain percentage of patients will accumulate fluid which then has to be aspirated out with needles - not necessarily a pleasant option. In rare situations and with persistent fluid accumulation, a drain may even then need to be placed. There are differing approaches and there may not be a right or... more
Steven Turkeltaub, MD

Scottsdale Plastic Surgeon
+1

Using drains when removing breast implants

Drains can help eliminate any accumulation of fluid in the breast pocket. If your surgeon plans on leaving the capsule in tact, you will likely not need drains. If the capsules are removed you may need drains for a few days to help close the "dead space" that may be left behind once the implant is removed. Your surgeon may also choose to place some internal sutures to help close off the space. Best wishes, Dr.Bruno
William Bruno, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
+1

Drain after implant removal

Drains are not necessary if the capsule is left intact.  Your board certified plastic surgeon should choose to remove the capsule if is causing problems (which you say you have).  If that is the case then he will need drains.  Best wishes,
Ricardo A. Meade, MD

Dallas Plastic Surgeon
+1

Drains for implant extraction

Using a drain makes sure that fluid does not accumulate which you are healing.  Although it is annoying for a few days, it makes sure the fluid gets out.  If the fluid does accumulate, you will need to have it removed in the office with a needle, which is not a big deal but it is uncomfortable for you.
Bivik Rajnikant Shah, MD

Columbus Plastic Surgeon
+1

Implant removal and drains

Not all breast explanatations require drains. If it is pretty dry then drains are probably not necessary.
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Use of drains after implant removal.

I tend not to use them in uncomplicated cases and over time the pocket will shrink up.  If there was an infection or issues with the capsule such as calcification then more surgery may have been necessary and drains likely would be helpful.
Terrence Murphy, MD

Englewood Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast Implant Explantation

With removal of breast implants one need to do atleast a partial capsulectomy, to make sure the pocket heals. If capsulectomy is performed then you will need a drain. Keeping the capsule, it may not resorb and fill with fluid.
Samir Shureih, MD

Baltimore Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast implants

Though drains may not always be necessary, I recommend placing them to potentially avoid seromas or hematomas.
Shahin Javaheri, MD

San Francisco Plastic Surgeon

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