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.