How long should drain tubes stay in after breast explant surgery/capsule removal? How long does it usually take to fluff back?

Question

I have 13 year old saline implants under the muscle, 400 cc, 60 year old. I am having a lot of auto-immune symptoms, neck and shoulder pain, leg cramps and left side hip pain.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Drain tubes usually stay in until drainage is below a certain threshhold.  Often times they are removed 3-5 days after surgery.  As the breasts heal, they will begin to "fluff".  It will take a few months for you to see your final results however.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear about the problems you are experiencing. You will find that the use of drains will vary from one practice to another. In my practice, I do generally use drains when breast implants are removed.   I removed the drains when their outputs are low.  On average, drains are removed four to seven days after the surgery. Patience is definitely indicated after removal of breast implants; it will take many months/year for the skin to “bounce back” and for you to see the final appearance of the breasts.
In "borderline" cases where there is doubt whether breast lifting is necessary or not, I advise patients to undergo explantation only and to give their breasts the benefit of the doubt  before deciding whether breast lifting would be beneficial.  
 I hope this, and the attached link (dedicated to breast implant removal surgery concerns) helps. Best wishes.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your excellent question.  In most instances drainage tubes can be removed with 3-10 days of surgery.  It will largely depend on the amount of fluid that drains in 24 hour increments.  Your breast tissues will heal and soften over the following several months to leave you with your long-term appearance.  Hope this helps.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Every surgeon is different, but I like to keep my drains in until they are less than 30 cc's for 24 hours or even lower. It depends upon the procedure.

Kamran Khoobehi, MD · Answer

The drains can be removed after 2-3 days if the drainage is low. The final results may take few weeks. I offer my patients fat grafting at the same time to prevent too much shape and size change. Please see the link.

How long should drain tubes stay in after breast explant surgery/capsule removal? How long does it usually take to fluff back?

Answers (7)

Answer: Drains and explant

Answer: Drains and explant

Answer: Implant removal

Answer: Implant removal

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

How long should drain tubes stay in after breast explant surgery/capsule removal? How long does it usually take to fluff back?

Answers (7)

Answer: Drains and explant

Answer: Drains and explant

Answer: Implant removal

Answer: Implant removal

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.