Is it common to have to have drains again when you have your tissue expanders replaced with silicone gel implants?

Question

Is it common to have to have drain in when you have your tissue expander's replaced with silicone gel implants.? I had bilateral mastectomy's with tissue expander's February 24, 2015. Today June 22, 2015 I had the tissue expander's removed, permanent gel implants placed, some grafting done. I was never told that I would need bilateral drains again is this common, it was never discussed with me was rather shocking to see them.

Ritu Chopra, MD · Answer

Drains are very surgeon dependent on each operation. At the second stage often times there is a considerable amount of capsule work. If this does take place a drain maybe needed due to oozing. However when I do my second stage reconstructions I use a drain approx. 30% of the time. However if I do the drains they generally stay for 2-3 days at the most. I do tell all my patients preoperatively that they may have a drain so we are all on the same page.Hope this helps!

Allen Gabriel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Drains are recommended during the exchange as some capsule work is done.  It's even more important when am anatomical implant is used.  Best of luck.

Is it common to have to have drains again when you have your tissue expanders replaced with silicone gel implants?

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