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

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.

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.