How can I reduce the daily fluid output after reconstruction?

It is not uncommon to have persistent drainage after mastectomy and reconstruction. Some reasons for this include: removal axillary lymph nodes, large volume mastectomy, and/or use of dermal matrix during reconstruction. I routinely remove drains when output is around 30 ml/day. If the daily output does not subside then I have the drains placed on passive drainage to facilitate more fluid absorption by the body. Check with your plastic surgeon if this may be an option for you. Best, Dr. Yegiyants

I'm sorry to hear you are experiencing this very common problem. I'd say fluid output and accumulation (seroma) is the number one complication after mastectomy and breast reconstruction. Reasons for this are somewhat unclear, and a recent review of the problem in the literature suggests that we still don't completely understand why this happens. There are plenty of theories, but it turns out that there really isn't much you can do as a patient beyond following your surgeon's advice to minimize the output. I encourage my patients to stay as active as possible. Best wishes.