Is a Drain Necessary for Breast Reduction?

Hi there-

Some surgeons will always use a drain, some do so on a case by case basis, and some never would...

The important thing is to find a surgeon with experience and skill- then trust them to do what they do best...

For some advice on how to find such a surgeon, please refer to this:

A drain is not necessary for breast reduction. Using a drain depends on the surgeon and the surgical technique applied.

A breast reduction procedure is commonly performed with the use a drain but it is not universally utilized. I tend to use these intermittently based on the sie and technique used. However, they are not absolutely necessary.

Every plastic surgeon is different in the way they manage patients.  It is based on that surgeon's experience.  So drains are not mandatory in breast reductions.

Dr. ES

In 99% of my breast reductions, I do not use drains.  However, if I feel it is necessary, then I will put one.  You do not need to be scared of a drain.  It is placed to allow excess fluid to drain instead of collecting below the tissues.  It is normally removed within a few days and leaves a minimal scar if anything.  Good luck.

Thank you for your question.  Drains are not always necessary, in fact I perform most of my breast reductions without them.  The decision to use or not use a drain is largely the result of the surgeon's expertise and surgical technique and it is important for patients to understand that there are no universal rules when it comes to their use or avoidance.  Best of luck on your upcoming surgery!  

This may be related to your surgeon's experience.  while patients dislike having drains, it definitely keeps the swelling and discomfort to a minimum, and you only need it for the first few days.  Drains can be small and soft and are not painful when they are removed.  If you do not have a drain, you will be fine but are likely to have a bit more swelling and possibly bruising in the first week.  Congratulations on having a breast reduction.

Thank you for the question.

The use of drains  for breast reduction surgery is surgeon  dependent ( not “mandatory”).

 Best wishes with your upcoming surgery.

Drains are not always necessary after a breast reduction.  In  most cases I will place them, but for some techniques it can be avoided.

This is a standard of care issue. If the majority of boarded PS's are using some form of a drainage system than it seems to be a good idea. I use them in 90% of my reductions, for 24 hours to days.

From MIAMI DR. B