Do you need drains after breast explant surgery?

Question

For a healthy woman in her 30s, no complications with implants. I have read a lot of mixed opinions online.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Plastic surgeons vary in the protocols they follow.  I do not use drains after breast implant removal; other board certified plastic surgeons may.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear elizabeth1989,
Every plastic surgeon has his own preferred technique. Some plastic surgeons use drains, others don't. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Garrett A. Wirth, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

There is a great deal more to answering the question then you might suppose at the front end.  The decision to use drains is surgeon dependent, and even varies from procedure to procedure.  For example, if large implants are being removed and no mastopexy (breast lift) procedure is being done, this is an example of where drains may be useful or more indicated.  If small implants are being removed, it might be less likely that drains are utilized.  Work with your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to evaluate your specific situation, goals, anatomy, and opportunities.  Best wishes. WirthPlasticSurgery.com

Brian Widenhouse, MD · Answer

It depends on the surgeon's protocol. Drains are not required for implant removal, though some surgeon's may use them. If they are used, they will only be in place for a few days. Ask your PS about this prior to your surgery so you can know what to expect.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

The use of drains after explant surgery will vary by surgeon preference as well as the specifics of your procedure.  If they are used they typically only stay in for a few days.  I encourage you to speak to your surgeon about his/her preference about the use of drains.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Most surgeons will make the decision in the OR to use drains if necessary. I rarely use drains for implant/capsule removal. But, if I think the drain is needed, I will use one.

John W. Tyrone, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I rarely use drains with healthy explants.  If you need a total capsulectomy and only if there was excess fluid would I use drains.  Every surgeon uses different techniques so make sure you ask their reasoning for using drains.  Good Luck.

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

Elizabeth,I never use drains with explantation procedures unless you perform a total capsulectomy (and only then if there is excessive oozing-which is very rare).Every surgeon has their own practice and none are more correct than the other.Dr T

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. Keep in mind that practices will vary (which is why you've encountered the "mixed opinions"); the information you receive here may not be relevant when it comes to exactly waht your plastic surgeon protocol is. In my practice, I do use drains for all patients who undergo breast implant removal surgery. The drains help with fluid removal (and helps prevent seroma formation).
 Generally speaking, breast implant removal surgery is a very well-tolerated procedure typically  associated with much less discomfort and medication requirement for postoperative medications ( compared to the initial breast augmentation procedure).
 I hope this helps.

Sybile Val, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

The decision of whether to use drains after explant is usually determined at surgery.  Sometimes drains are needed due to excess fluid, or simply to help the raw tissue adhere to each other.  Your surgeon can discuss this as it applies to you. Wearing a good compression garment will help expedite healing.

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