What is current practice for JP drain removal after strattice augmentation due to prior capsular contracture of one breast?

Question

I had implant removal (3 year old implants ~330cc) with a moderate capsular contracture of only one breast- replaced with approximately same sized impants. I am in my 30s and very active and healthy. I understand JP drain removal varies by surgeon, but my drains have been in for 12 days and they are draining less than 15 ml per day per drain of serosanguinous fluid, but my surgeon will not remove them. They are very irritating to me.

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

Most surgeons wait until less than 30cc per day is coming out to remove a drain.  The use of biologic mesh may increase the risk of seroma so some surgeons wait a definitive time frame like 2 weeks regardless.

Tracey H. Stokes, MD · Answer

I typically remove drains when they are consistently less than 30cc over a 24 hour period.  You should discuss with your surgeon his/her reluctance to remove your drains.  There is probably a specific reason he/she wants to leave them in.

Jeffrey A. Sweat, MD · Answer

A general guideline for removing drains is less than 30cc of drainage in a 24 hour period for a couple of days in a row, but your surgeon may be using more caution since he used strattice.  The Strattice needs to heal into place and a fluid collection could prevent that.  You should address your concerns with your surgeon and make sure you understand why the drain tubes may be left in longer.

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

Drains are important after capsulectomy and placement of an acellular dermal matrix such as Strattice, in order to prevent fluid accumulations called seromas and to help ensure that the material incorporates. Your surgeon must have a specific reason to leave the drains in at this point. A common guideline is minimum 7 days or so, then based on less than 25 cc's per day for 2 days.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Each surgeon is different. This is something to specifically address with your surgeon.  The less fluid the better when it comes to breasts and foreign materials.

What is current practice for JP drain removal after strattice augmentation due to prior capsular contracture of one breast?

Answers (5)

Answer: Drains with Strattice after capsulectomy for contracture

Answer: Drains with Strattice after capsulectomy for contracture

Answer: Drains and strattice

Answer: Drains and strattice

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Capsular Contracture Treatment

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

What is current practice for JP drain removal after strattice augmentation due to prior capsular contracture of one breast?

Answers (5)

Answer: Drains with Strattice after capsulectomy for contracture

Answer: Drains with Strattice after capsulectomy for contracture

Answer: Drains and strattice

Answer: Drains and strattice

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Capsular Contracture Treatment

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