I'm having a drainless breast implant explant. Why do some surgeries require drains while others do not?

Drains are, often times, a surgeon preference. Commonly, drains are used to allow for the drainage of fluid within a cavity. Theoretically, removal of such fluid would allow the adjacent tissue to adhere back to its normal anatomic position, without interference of fluid forming a barrier in doing so. If stagnant fluid remains within such an empty cavity, the fluid may potentially become a nidus for infection or form a capsule around the pocket, inhibiting the adherence of tissue.

While your procedure without a drain is reasonable, some may also consider doing so for the above reason, thus allowing improved shape with potentially less fluid collection and less infection and quicker adherence of the overlying breast back down to the chest wall. There is no correct answer and both are appropriate treatments. Thank you for your question! Hope that this answers your question.

The use of drains can vary from one practice to another;  it comes down to surgeon preference. In my practice, I do use drains and remove a small segment of capsule (even if it is normal and unthickened);  both maneuvers are meant to help prevent fluid accumulation in the space where the breast implants were removed from. Best wishes with your upcoming procedure.

Each sureon has his own preferences based on what he was taught and his experiences. In our practice I have not found it necessary to place drains after an implant removal.

In general, drains following removal of saline breast implants placed on top of the muscle is unnecessary.  Drains are often used when you are removing breast capsules to assist the tissue in healing.  Best wishes!