How long does one have drainage tubes for after Breast Reduction?

There will be a range of opinions on this issue.  I don't generally use drains for breast reductions but when I feel they are necessary (perhaps for a very large reduction), I remove them when the output is under 40cc every 24 hours.  I always remove them after 14 days regardless of the drainage, although it is very uncommon to need them for more than 3-5 days.

Recent published studies have not supported the use of drains after breast reduction; however, they are still widely used.  If placed at all, you would need them for no longer then one week. 

In 2012 the American Society of Plastic Surgery published guidlines for breast reduction surgery, and stated that placement of drains after surgery was not beneficial (see the attached link). So you will likely see more and more surgeons moving away from routinely placing drains. I rarely place drains after breast reduction, but when I do, they stay in place for about 5-7 days. Best of luck to you!

Like many of the other responders, I do not use drains for breast reductions. However, when I use drains on other procedures they are removed based on drain output, not on time.

...drains are seldom used these days.  Most of the literature says it doesn't prevent complications (like hematomas or seromas) and may actually contribute to problems.  Obviously it is at your surgeon's discretion though.

I haven't use drainage tubes after a breast reduction for over 20 years. Saying that I might place one if the tissues are very oozy but that is also very rare.Good LuckStephen M. Davis, MD, FACSGreen Hills Plastic SurgeryNashville, Tennessee

Most of us have moved away from drains after breast reduction, though in general when drains are placed they are removed in three to five days. You will be quite happy when they are.

You will find that some plastic surgeons do, some don't, use drains with breast reduction surgery. In my practice, when I do use drains, I remove them when the output is low (this is usually possible 3 to 5 days after surgery). I hope this, and the attached link, helps.