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

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.

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!

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.   

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.

 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.