What is the average timeframe for a patient to have drains after implant removal/lift?

Thank you for sharing your question. In most cases of an explant and lift drains are not used, while for a tummy tuck procedure they can last from 5 days to a couple of weeks after surgery. Hope this helps.

This depends upon your PS's protocol; some use drains, others do not. If drains are inserted in your abdomen, they may stay in for 1-4 weeks. Record the output of each drain for every 24 hour period and take the record to your follow-up appointment. Drains should be stripped every 4 hours as instructed after surgery. The general rule is for the drainage to be less than 30cc over a 24 hour period prior to removing the drain. I do not use drains after breast implant removal; other board certified plastic surgeons may.

You're correct in noting that everyone is different. Drains for implant removal are typically in place for less time that tummy tucks. For breasts 3-7 days is average. For a tummy tuck it can be 7-14. They are removed based on output amount.