Do drains placed after breast implant removal collect fluids and tissue?

Question

I’m having a total capsulectomy and bilateral implant removal done next week. My friend told me her drains collected fluid, blood and tissue when she had hers removed. I was wondering what the leftover tissue is that the drain removes? She described it as white, thin and stringy. Is it left over from the capsule? Confused because she got a total capsulectomy and her surgeon confirmed he was able to remove it all.

Irena Karanetz, MD · Answer

Hi, Thank you for the question.
Drains are very important after implant removal with total capsulectomies. They help remove fluid and blood that can build up, and can prevent seroma formation.
Sometimes small amount of particulate tissues can be present in the drains as the fluid clots off. It doesn’t mean that the capsule is present. 
I suggest that you discuss your questions and concerns with your Plastic Surgeon. 
Good luck with your upcoming surgery.
Best, Dr. Karanetz
Dr. Irena KaranetzBreast Fellowship-TrainedBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

Only fluid comes out in the drains. Sometimes portions of this can coagulate into what appears to be stringy lengths of tissue but it isn't. The drains are important to seal up the space.

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @sjd1117 and thank you for your question. Drains are really important in surgery I always leave drains even, because they decrease the amount of inflammatory fluid or blood that has accumulated in the area and to control how much fluid ore blood is coming out of the drain to identify early complications if there are. I share with you a video about breast implant removal to shed some more light. best wishes!!

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Drains will collect serous fluids and may have small amounts of particulate tissue present.  This is normal and is not a sign that there is leftover capsule present.  I encourage you to discuss your concerns with your surgeon.  It's important that you feel comfortable and confident in your recovery.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear sjd1117,
drains are used to remove fluid and prevent seroma formation. I would suggest you to discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon. 
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Drains are placed to remove excess fluid and prevent a pocket of fluid developing. Occasionally, some thin tissue may also appear in the drain.  The white stringy stuff was probably not the capsule but nearby tissue.

BREAST IMPLANT REMOVAL PROVIDERS NEAR YOU

Do drains placed after breast implant removal collect fluids and tissue?

Answers (6)

BREAST IMPLANT REMOVAL PROVIDERS NEAR YOU