How important is it for drains to be used after explant surgery with capsulectomy?

Greg0704,

For a complete total capsulectomy, I always use drains to help prevent a seroma, a fluid collection that can form in the location where the implant was located. Each plastic surgeon will have their protocol for explant surgery.

Dr. Eric J. Wright

Thank you for your question.

It depends on many factors such as the degree of bleeding during surgery, on the technique used by your surgeon, the size of the implants removed and therefore the size of the "empty space" left, on your age, medical conditions, medical treatments etc.

In my practice in Manchester and London, I very rarely use drains in breast surgeryl; however every case has to be assessed in relationship to all the parameters above mentioned.

I hope it helps.

Andrea Marando
Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeon
Manchester and London, UK

In my practice I almost never use drains after implant removal and capsulectomy. Instead I place light quilting sutures to close the space which reduces the risk of serum formation. Drains are inconvenient, can be a route for infection and most importantly, have been shown to have little impact on the final results so are best avoided in my opinion.