Are drains or a urinary catheter necessary?

I personally do not use drains with breast reduction and seldom use a Foley catheter into the bladder. Different surgeons have different ideas about this however.

Thank you for your question. There is a wide variability in surgical techniques for breast reduction, in relationship with the size to the breasts, the amount of reduction desired and planned, position of the nipples, etc.In my practice, the use of drains in breast reduction is rare (less than 10% on average), the use of urinary catheter even more rare (I do not remember last time one has been used).However there are situations where the use of drains and urinary catheters is appropriate.In the case majority of cases, removing the drains is not a very unpleasant experience.Make sure you ask all the questions you have to your surgeon when you meet him/her and they will be able to clarify their preferences in their practice for breast reduction.Best of luckAndrea Marando

Congratulations on your decision to proceed with breast reduction surgery; this operation tends to be one of the most patient pleasing operations we perform. The use of drains or urinary catheters may vary from one plastic surgeon to another;  therefore, for relevant/accurate information you will need to run this question by your plastic surgeon. In my practice, urinary catheters are not necessary and drains are usually used. Drain removal can be relatively painless if local anesthesia is used at the time of drain removal. Best wishes.