Will using drains for breast implant revision surgery help decrease the chance of capsular contracture?

Question

The breast implant revision includes capsulectomy and lift.

Steve Merten, FRACS - Account Suspended · Answer

Modern capsular contracture theory suggests drains may increase the risk of capsular contracture, so they generally should only be used for a reason that justifies them. I almost never use drains for breast surgery of any kind.
Regards, 
Dr Steve Merten, Sydney, Australia

Christian Subbio, MD · Answer

Hematomas or significant fluid collections after this procedure should be very uncommon, so in my opinion, adding a drain will only promote bacteria which can indeed increase the risk of capsular contractureBest of luck!
Dr. SubbioBoard-Certified Plastic SurgeonNewtown Square/Philadelphia, PA

Shlomo Widder, MD · Answer

Dear Bettino,   Front and side view pictures would have been helpful and  sorry for your problems.   I have been in practice for 30 years and performed many capsulectomies. Ordinarily, I do not use drains , unless there is diffuse oozing of blood, that can cause inflammatory reaction , which induces capsule contracture. So, placing a drain is not routine and it depends on what transpires during surgery.  It is also very important to perform implants displacement massage , starting 3 days after surgery, which reduces the likelihood of capsule contracture, by stretching the capsule and allowing the implants to settle down faster.   Always, consult with experienced board certified plastic surgeon who operate in accredited surgery center for your safety. Most importantly, check the before and after pictures of redo breasts augmentation in the photo gallery, to make sure that they are numerous, consistent and attractive with nice cleavage, perky, symmetrical and natural looking.                              Best of luck,                                             Dr Widder

Urmen Desai, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

Every surgeon has his or her own preference.   I recommend an in-office examination as well as a detailed discussion with a surgeon who you are comfortable with.   Finally, make sure your surgeon is a Double-Board Certified Plastic Surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS), a member of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS).Best,Dr. DesaiBeverly Hills Institute for Aesthetic Plastic SurgeryHarvard Educated, Beverly Hills & Miami Beach TrainedDouble Board-Certified Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Kevin Tehrani, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the detailed question. No, using drains during your implant revision will not decrease the chance of another capsular contracture. The drains only help reduce swelling and fluid after surgery. The exact cause of capsular contracture is unclear at this time but there is no evidence to support that using drains will help. For more information please visit our webpage.

Steven M. Camp, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question about breast augmentation revision.No drains will not decrease the rate of capsular contracture.  What does decrease capsular contracture is excellent technique and appropriate insertion and handling of implants.  In my practice I follow a detailed checklist to ensure that patients receive the highest level of care, and I review this with my patients.  However, in breast revision surgery there are times when a drain is helpful to control the changes in pocket size and shape and may be beneficial overall to aid your healing.  Review this with your surgeon.Best Wishes

William B. Rosenblatt, MD · Answer

Capsules are a problem no matter how well your surgery is done. There is no evidence that drains decrease the incidence of capsule contracture.

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

There are no studies which corroborate an association between the use of drains and a decrease in capsular contracture.  Their use would be a matter for surgeon preference.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Some use drains and others do not. As far as I know, there are no studies that show using a drain will decrease the risk of a cc.

Jason Pozner, MD · Answer

I dont think there is hard data on drains decreasing the risk of capsular contracture recurrence. However, i use drains after capsulectomy as this procedure creates a lot of drainage and if I use an acellular dermal matrix like Strattice.I dont use drains if I place an absorbable mesh like Galaflex for support without capsulectomy.

Will using drains for breast implant revision surgery help decrease the chance of capsular contracture?

Answers (12)

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