Will a drain prevent a hematoma?

Question

Hi. I’m wondering if I should insist on a drain?to my knowledge, my PS doesn’t generally put a drain in but I’m wondering if I should maybe ask him to put one in just to be on the safe side ?

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Hi valentines08, Placement of a drain after breast augmentation surgery does not necessarily prevent hematoma. In fact, it is not entirely necessary to place one right after surgery. It is often indicated if there are complications that necessitate the placement of drain. Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS
  
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
  
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery 
  
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Yannis Alexandrides, MD, FACS · Answer

No, a drain will not prevent a hematoma. A drain is placed to remove small amounts of fluid and blood that could create an environment that eventually can leave a hematoma, however bleeding would not be prevented by a drain.

Peter N. Butler, MD, FACS · Answer

HI,thank you for your question. A drain is not necessary following a cosmetic breast augmentation and it will not prevent a hematoma.

E. Ronald Finger, MD · Answer

Even though you didn't mention the procedure you are interested  in having done, that is an excellent question. The short answer is no. Drains won't prevent a hematoma. The only place I use a drain in in a face lift because even a small accumulation of blood will prolong recovery time.In my opinion drains should not be used either in the breast, except in a reduction mammoplasty, or with a tummy tuck. In fact, the no-drain tummy tuck is a significant advancement in that procedure. The reason is less pain, shorter recovery and actually less risk of complications such as fluid collection.I hope this has answered your question. Good luck with your procedure.

Lisa M. DiFrancesco, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. A drain will not prevent a hematoma. A drain is use to remove the fluid after surgery that your body normally produces in the inflammatory phase of healing. A hematoma is causing by abnormal bleeding after surgery. Some causes of bleeding maybe trauma to the surgical site or elevated blood pressure/ heart rate from strenuous activity after surgery. Each patient is different but it is a reasonable discussion with your surgeon.

Effie Katerinaki, MBChB, PhD, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Hello. Well designed studies in the Plastic Surgery literature have proven that drains in general do not prevent haematomas. Patients can still develop a haematoma with a drain in place, if there is a vessel bleeding inside the wound, as the blood clots can block the drainage holes of the drain tubing. Therefore many modern Plastic Surgeons do not use drains routinely. Of course this is an individual surgeon's decision and depends on the type and extent of surgery you are scheduled to have. You should discuss this with your surgeon. All the best with your operation.

Damon Thomas, FRACS · Answer

Thanks for your question. A well executed breast augmentation does not require a drain as bleeding is generally very minimal. Inserting or removing a drain ironically can actually create bleeding. Even if a drain was in place and a haematoma occurred the drain will not prevent the blood accumulating and you would sill need to undergo further surgery to treat the bleeding.

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Most important is careful surgical technique by your surgeon to prevent hematoma.  A drain will not prevent a hematoma from forming if there is bleeding.  The concern about a drain during breast augmentation is the risk the bacterial contamination from the outside of the skin could track along the drain.  If your surgeon feels that you have excessive bleeding and need a drain in your surgeon will choose to use 1 but I do not use them prophylactically.

Samuel Maurice, MD, FACS - Account Suspended · Answer

Drains do not prevent hematomas. For standard breast augmentations, drains are not typically necessary and therefore are not typically used.

Will a drain prevent a hematoma?

Answers (9)

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