Are drains or a urinary catheter necessary?

Question

I have been waitlisted for breast reduction surgery. Right now I have no idea when I will go in as the wait time is unfortunately 1-2 years. I will admit that the more I read these stories the less afraid I am, however I wondering about the drains. Are they mandatory? That is the part that scares me the most. I can't imagine getting something yanked out of my skin after surgery. Do you also get a urinary catheter inserted? I do not want that either.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

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.

Andrea Marando, MD · Answer

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

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

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.

John J. Edney, MD · Answer

I personally rarely used drains after breast reduction.  I don't normally use a urinary catheter either.  Each surgeon however has their own routine.  It will be important for you to discuss this with your surgeon prior to your surgery.

Adam David Lowenstein, MD, FACS · Answer

The answer to your question has more to do with your surgeon than anything else.   Some surgeons use both drains and urinary catheters, others, such as myself, do not use either.  This is a question you should ask your surgeon so you are aware of all of the expectations you should have at the time of your procedure.Good luck, Dr. Lowenstein

Are drains or a urinary catheter necessary?

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Answer: Will I need drains or a urinary catheter after my breast reduction?

Answer: Will I need drains or a urinary catheter after my breast reduction?

Answer: Drains with breast reduction

Answer: Drains with breast reduction

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Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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Are drains or a urinary catheter necessary?

Answers (7)

Answer: Will I need drains or a urinary catheter after my breast reduction?

Answer: Will I need drains or a urinary catheter after my breast reduction?

Answer: Drains with breast reduction

Answer: Drains with breast reduction

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.