How long is too long for drains to stay in after a breast reduction?

Question

I had a breast reduction on 9/30. My output is 10cc per side, per day total (5cc per side in the morning and evening) My doctors office seems to be very overbooked and isn't able to remove my drains until 10/11. I feel this is far too long. Is there any increased risk with keeping the drains in for such a long period. Would you advise seeing a different doctors office about drain removal at this point?

Richard A. Bartlett, MD · Answer

Dear jherrara1124, Typically drains are ready to come out when the drainage is between 5-10 cc in a 24 hour period. Your drains are within that range. I would call your doctors office and reiterate that your drainage is minimal, and you should be able to get it out in the next few days.

M. Scott Haydon, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. For a straightforward reduction that does not involve and implant or implant removal, drains can usually be removed within a few days. We get concerned about long drain times if there are implants involved. At this point your drains are not putting out much. There is no reason you should have to wait. If your surgeon cannot do it today, then I would ask who they would recommend you go to. Best of Luck!

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Based on your description, it sounds like your drains are ready to come out. I would suggest that you call your plastic surgeon's office again and  speak to your plastic surgeon directly. "When there's a will there's a way"; I am sure they will be able to have you come in earlier to have the drains removed. Much better for your plastic surgeon ( as much as possible), as opposed to another physician who does not know your situation, to remove the drains for you. Best wishes.

Douglas J. Mackenzie, MD · Answer

As noted by others on this post, drains after breast reduction have been shown to be unnecessary in the first place.  But if a plastic surgeon still uses drains for breast reduction, I have no real problem with that.  However, keeping a drain in for an excessive period risks problems.  Drain removal is easy and quick, and is often done by a nurse in the office. Proper post-operative management should be a priority for your surgeon, and you shouldn't have to wait because of an "overbooked" schedule.

Carmen Kavali, MD · Answer

It's actually been shown that drains are not necessary at all after breast reduction.  You should push your surgeon's office to get you in sooner to have your removed.  Leaving them longer could lead to infection.

How long is too long for drains to stay in after a breast reduction?

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Answer: Difficulty getting unnecessary drains removed after breast reduction

Answer: Difficulty getting unnecessary drains removed after breast reduction

Answer: Drains after breast reduction

Answer: Drains after breast reduction

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How long is too long for drains to stay in after a breast reduction?

Answers (5)

Answer: Difficulty getting unnecessary drains removed after breast reduction

Answer: Difficulty getting unnecessary drains removed after breast reduction

Answer: Drains after breast reduction

Answer: Drains after breast reduction

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.