Why do some people have drains post breast augmentation surgery?

As others have stated it is unusual to need drains after breast augmentation. However some surgeons use them because they believe that removing residual blood and fluid after the surgery reduces then chance of capsular contraction or hardening of the implant.In some cases when the implant is placed under the muscle there is excess bleeding. In these cases it is wise and probably helpful to use a very small drain overnight.If your surgeon feels he or she needs a drain it is certainly a good idea to have it.However most of the time a drain is not needed after breast augmentation in my experience (35 years.)

A surgical drain is a tube that’s
inserted during surgery. It’s used to remove fluids or blood from a wound so
that the tissues heal together better. I have never used drains and don’t
recommend drains to my patients for elective cosmetic breast augmentation
surgery. During this surgery, no tissue is removed and there is minimal
bleeding.



A study conducted by two British
surgeons who placed drains after breast augmentation surgery reported a 10
percent infection rate in their patients. They suggested that the drains, which
could act as entry site for bacteria, possibly caused this high rate. The
bottom line: The advantages of using a drain have to outweigh the possible
disadvantages. That’s likely the case in breast reconstruction surgery after a
mastectomy, where drains are commonly used. For more information on this topic
and others, I recommend a plastic surgery Q&A book like "The Scoop On
Breasts: A Plastic Surgeon Busts the Myths."

Typically you should not require a drain after a primary augmentation. Revisionary surgery may necessitate the use of drains depending on what was done but if your surgeon is suggesting drains for a primary then that should raise some red flags. Get a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon near you to discuss your options. Best of luck!