Why Are Drains Used in Breast Augmentation?

Drains are placed into surgical sites where there is potential for fluid buildup. I do  not use them routinely for breast augmentation but there are some instances where it might be considered. One is when textured, shaped implants such as the 'gummy bears" are used, because the body needs to "stick" to the textured implant surface to prevent it from rotating. Fluid buildup could interfere with that. Another is if there is concern about bleeding. Revision surgeries often involve more dissecting, and I always use drains with Alloderm or Strattice. However, some surgeons do use them on all augmentations.

Thank you for your question. In primary breast augmentation (i.e. a first time breast augmentation), drains are not typically used. If I am performing a secondary (or revision) breast augmentation involving the removal or modification of a capsule, I will often place drains to help prevent the development of seroma around the implant from the raw surface due to the capsule work.

The vast majority of plastic surgeons don’t use drains when
they perform routine breast augmentation procedures. Occasionally, drains are used when surgeons
perform revisional surgery or anticipate seroma formation. Fortunately, these situations are rare and,
for this reason, surgical drains are rarely used.

Hello!  Thank you for your question!  Use of drains is typically surgeon preference. The reason for its use would be to remove the fluid from the breast pocket in the initial postoperative period.  Stagnant fluid can certainly induce bacterial colonization, however, your body typically absorbs such fluid readily. Most surgeons after a primary breast augmentation, including myself, do not use drains.  But, again, it is surgeon preference. Discuss this with your surgeon prior to your procedure. Best wishes!  

Using drains is not common after breast augmentation, although in rare cases they may still be required. Drains reduce the risk of fluid buildup, however they are not preferred by surgeons because they generally increase the length of recovery and make the healing process more uncomfortable. The risk of infection also increases.

In first time breast augmentation, most plastic surgeons DO NOT use drains. I do not use them either. It is not necessary.

I do not use drains on a routine augmentation.  If I have perfromed a complicated mastopexy/augmentation I might use a drain.

I do not use drains in my primary breast augmentations.  If other procedures are being done, such as a breast lift (mastopexy), a revision of a breast augmentation (especially if a capsulectomy (removal of a previous breast capsule), as examples, then I consider the use of a drain.

If drains are used in breast augmentation, it is due to the fact that the surgeon feels the surgery has some residual blood or fluid. Using drains may expose the patient to infections after surgery.  I try TO AVOID the use drains after breast augmentation.

I do not routinely use drains. In theory, if the breast augmentation is done correctly, there should not be any fluid. One exception may be with textured implants, where it is critical there is adherence between soft tissues and the textured surface.