How Long to Wear the Drains After Strattice Breast Surgery?

As a general rule, plastic surgeons usually remove drains placed during breast surgery (i.e. breast augmentation with implants, breast lift, or a breast augmentation with breast lift)  when the drains are putting out less than 20-30 cc of fluid per day; drains are thus usually removed within 5 days of surgery.

However, because your breast surgery required the use of Strattice, you may have more drainage and require drains for a longer period of time.  Removing drains too early can result in unwanted fluid collections underneath the skin.

Jaime Perez, M.D.

Breast Augmentation Specialist in Tampa, Florida

Plastic Surgery Center of Tampa, Florida

Drain duration varies from surgeon to surgeon but most suggest less than 20cc over a 24 hr period.  I usually like to see that amount or less for 2 consecutive days.In my experience of over 250 patients Strattice produces less fluid than Alloderm and usual duration is 5-7 days.Best!Dr B

Thank you for the question. When acellular dermal matrix is utilized, there seems to be more fluid accumulation present. For this reason, I utilize two drains for each breast and leave the drains in place until the output is very low.  For most patients, in my practice, the drains are removed some where between 5 to 10 days postoperatively. Keep in mind, that it is very important that no fluid accumulates between the acellular dermal matrix and the underlying tissues, as the dermis "incorporates" into the patient's native tissues. I hope this, and the attached link, helps. Best wishes.