Is it typical to not need drains after surgery? Are drains necessary after a BR surgery? (photo)

Hello! Drains are used on a case by case basis. If your surgeon feels he or she may not need them then that it great. You can sometimes predict by how much work needs to be done if drains will need to be used however, it is impossible to know for sure until intraoperative. Best of luck! 

Thank you for your question.
Every surgeon has their own protocol. Speak with your surgeon for his or her reasons for using or not using drains. Best wishes!

Hi.  You will find different opinions from different surgeons regarding drains.  Some surgeons rarely if ever use drains following a breast reduction.  Personally I find them helpful and use them in most, but not all, of my breast reductions.  Larger reductions I definitely use them.  Smaller reductions I typically do not.  The purpose of the drains is basically to help manage fluid - if your body is producing more fluid than it is able to reabsorb then a drain gives the fluid a place to go.  Otherwise, that fluid will accumulate, or collect inside.  But it is the surgeon's judgment as to whether or not you need the drains for that reason.  I would recommend consulting with a board certified plastic surgeon with good experience with breast reductions.  Good luck and take care, Dr. Howell

I use drains in 100% of my breast reduction patients.  The technique I recommend is The Bellesoma Method, which requires extensive dissection and for that reason I use drains for 3-5 days.  The breasts are reduce and reshaped creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevated them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage.  The weight of the breast is transferred to the underlying pectoralis major muscle resulting in pain relief without excessive reduction.  Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained.  Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.

From my own exoerience I used to use drains but do not anymore. That has not created any problem. Studies have shown that drains are not necessary in breast reduction but each surgeon does what they are comfortable with.

Hi, thank you for your question. Every surgeon has specific criteria for the usage of drains after procedures. They are not mandatory. I hope this helps. Best of luck!

Dear knack,
breast reduction is best suited for women who wish to decrease the size of their breasts. While there are different techniques used to perform this surgery, I prefer the vertical incision (lollipop pattern) breast reduction technique instead of the anchor scar pattern, which reduces more noticeable scarring than usual. I also use a SAFE liposuction technique to reduce additional fat around the stubborn axilla area and bra line. This way, my patients are achieving beautiful results with minimal incisions which reduces downtime and delivers an overall better breast shape long term. Some plastic surgeons use drains, others don't.If you are considering breast reduction surgery, you should consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options and make sure your surgeon understands your goals. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

This depends upon your board certified plastic surgeons' preference and the procedure. Some PS use drains after BR surgery; others do not.

While many plastic surgeons routinely use drains for breast reduction surgery, I have found that drains are not necessary in the vast majority of breast reduction cases. If they are placed, they are usually removed within 48 to 72 hours.

Hello Dr.Chao here,
Thank you for your question, drains are usually needed after breast reduction surgery. The size of your reduction will most likely need drains. Drains will stay in 3 to 5 days and can be removed in the office. The drains that I use are painless when removed.
Thank you, 
Dr. James J. Chao