Is my drain after capsulectomy safe to take out?

Hello,Based on the limited data available, it will not matter whether the drain is remove now (10 days post op) or sometime in the future; your outcome will be the same. However, every day your drain is in is a greater chance of implant contamination with bacteria. I would encourage your surgeon to remove the drain as soon as possible, preferably now. Best of luck!

hello swim1977  If drains were needed, the collection bulb will stay secured to your dressing or clothes with a safety pin. When the bulb becomes half-full, it will need to be emptied. This could occur every four hour or so. To drain, open the bulb from the top, pour out the contents, and write down how much fluid was removed and at what time. Very Important: DoNOT attempt to remove the bulb from the tubing. Squeeze the bulb before securing the plug at the top of the bulb. Drains are typically removed around 4 –5 days after surgery. If the fluid becomes transparent or there is a very little amount draining out, the drain can be removed. #safety #drains

Dear swim1977,every plastic surgeon has his protocol regarding drain removal, in most cases drains are removed once the output is reduced. If you have any concerns, I would suggest you to discuss it with your plastic surgeon. Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Every surgeon has a protocol with thresholds (often < 30cc per day for two or more consecutive days) for when the drain should be removed. Do NOT remove it yourself, but have a conversation with your surgeon about infection risk vs. persistent seroma risk so you understand the surgeon's rationale for keeping the drain in. As soon as the surgeon's protocol is met, the drain should be removed in order to minimize infection risk.

Thank you for your question. You have a drain because of the expected fluid that is produced after a surgery like this - better out than in! If the drain weren't there, you would have the potential to form a seroma, which could then become infected and compromise your outcome. Only your PS can guide you as to when the drain is suitable for removal. Most of the time - but not all - it's when the drain is less than 30cc a day for 2 days. But that's not a hard and fast rule. Best of luck!