Breast lift and drain bags.

Thank you for your question. It is not uncommon to use drains if the reduction and lift is fairly extensive. In most cases I do not use a drain. In the event that a drain is deemed necessary, it usually stays in for 3 to 5 days. I can understand your apprehension but the drains are really not that big a deal. Best of Luck!

Drains are a very useful tool that are used after surgery to temporarily remove the fluid and blood that build up in the area that is operated.

I do not place drains in patients who have had breast lift surgery.  Most surgeon I know do not either.  Don't let this deter you from having a surgery you need or want.  Schedule a consultation with a few different surgeons in your area who do many breast lift surgeries each year and see if your surgeon places drains before you become anxious about this.Best of luck,

Surgery involves cutting and moving around of tissue. The areas of cutting can create fluid that can fill up the area under the skin. This fluid is called a seroma. To avoid the accumulation of a seroma, we remove the fluid before it accumulates. As the tissues heal, the chance of seroma formation decreases. Some areas of the body and some procedures have a higher rate of seroma formation than other areas. Physicians may or may not use drains to remove the fluid based on procedure, location and comfort level.When drains are removed, you may feel discomfort for 1-2 seconds and then it gets better.

It sounds like your surgeon plans to use drains in your breast lift surgery.  This is a very common practice and done at the discretion of the surgeon.  Increasingly, less surgeons use drains, but the practice is still accepted.  The drains are tubes about the size of a pencil connected to a bulb that collects the fluid.  You will have to empty them at home.  The drains are typically in for several days and sometimes are painful.  Ask your surgeon if you need drains.

Ask your surgeon if he/she uses drains.  Not all of us use them for augmentation/lifts.  Some drains are just used overnight, and some may be left in for about a week.  Most drains are easily removed without much pain. Be sure to discuss all your concerns with your surgeon prior to surgery.

Some surgeons place drains after a breast  lift surgery. This is done to help eliminate the dead space and potential accumulation of fluid. 

are not commonly used but under certain circumstances, they certainly let you sleep better.  They are easy to manage and most allow patients to shower with them, and they are easy to take out.  If you get one, don't fret about it as it will be only a distant memory as your recover from your procedure.

Some surgeons prefer using drains after breast surgery.  There is no increased risk with their use.  Mostly they are a nuisance until they come out but that is about it.  If you are otherwise happy with your surgeon don't let the drains become a deciding factor.

The use of drains will vary from one physician to another. The management of drains will also vary. Although patients do tend to worry about drains,  they are really not a “big deal”. More importantly, choose your plastic surgeon carefully and communicate your goals carefully as well. Best wishes.