Drainage Post- Capsulectomy on One Breast

Hello! Thank you for your question! It is a matter of surgeon
preference as well as what is seen during your procedure that will
determine whether or not a complete capsulectomy is performed. If
significant capsule formation is seen intraoperatively, a full capsule
removal may be warranted with a drain in order to completely remove all
of the tissue and allow better adherence of your breast back to its
normal anatomic position down on your chest wall. If minimal contracture
is seen, it may be possible to leave the capsule, or place cuts within
the capsule to allow better adherence. It truly is dependent on what is
seen with your capsule and the issues that may be causing you to have
such a procedure (e.g., contracture from ruptured implant vs pain vs
simple pocket adjustment, etc). Implants mayor may not be replaced depending on your discussion and reason for capsulectomy.  Drains will usually be removed when less than 30cc/day.  Typically they stay for as long as needed.  It is not uncommon to have such drainage after a complete capsulectomy.Without
knowing your issues and
without an examination, it is difficult to tell you what may be the
best thing for you. I tend to favor performing capsulectomies (in an en
bloc fashion) in order
to create a fresh pocket, reshape the pocket, allow better shape and
adherence of the overlying breast. I would discuss your issues with your
plastic surgeon who will assist you in determining the right modality
for you. Most patients tolerate this procedure very well with minimal
downtime. It is typically an outpatient procedure with most being able
to resume activities within a few days along with restrictions for a
week or so. Many surgeons will recommend a postoperative garment for
several weeks postop as well. Hope that this helps! Best wishes!

Thank you for the question.

Drains are commonly used after capsulectomy. Removal of the drains will vary from one practitioner to another;  it is a judgment call made by the surgeon who knows your situation best.

Best wishes.

Placing a drain after a breast capsulotomy is common.  Although there is no standard amount in which surgeons decide to pull a drain, most will do so after it's draining less than 25 or 30 ml/day.   Individual surgeons may modify that based on specific findings during surgery.

It is fair to ask your surgeon when he or she is planning on pulling it out and what daily output they are comfortable with.   You also have an idea of how much is too much so that you know to call your surgeon if a problem should develop.