Drains vs no drains?

Question

So I've noticed half surgeons do drains and half don't. What's the difference and why do some do both.

Stanley Okoro, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Each surgeon will likely vary on their inclination and indication on when/if to use drains.  Drains are placed during a surgery when a notable amount of tissue is removed and the remaining “dead space” would otherwise be filled with fluid collection and/or blood.  Placing drains in these situations allow for continuous and immediate evacuation of potential accumulations of fluid.  As a board certified plastic surgeon who performs hundreds of breast and body procedures each year, I usually do not place drains for breast reductions, but often use them for tummy tucks.  Regardless of the use of drains, the importance of finding an experienced board certified plastic surgeon to perform your procedure is the highest priority when selecting your surgeon.

James N. Romanelli, MD, FACS · Answer

As you can see from the answers already posted, opinions differ about the use of drainage tubes as part of breast reduction surgery. I find that drains are rarely needed for breast reductions (or tummy tucks). If a patient’s tissues ooze a lot during surgery, or in the case of very large reductions, I will use drains. Otherwise, they are associated with a higher risk of infection, as well as being annoying to patients. Recovery without drains is faster and easier in my experience.

James D. Frost, MD · Answer

Traditionally, almost all breast reductions were done with drains.  In the last 20 or 30 years, the use of drains for reductions has decreased.  Where your surgeon falls probably depends on his/her age and experience.  I tend to use drains in the largest of breast reductions, especially when remove a lot of tissue from near the armpit.  The decision is made during surgery.  Your experience with a reduction can be just as good with or without drains.  Trust your surgeon to make the best choice for you.  Most women are very glad they had reductions.  I hope you will be one of them.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and congratulations on your decision to proceed with breast reduction surgery; it is one of the most patient pleasing operations we perform.

The use of drains  for breast reduction surgery is surgeon  dependent (not “mandatory”). Drains are usually used to evacuate fluid (prevent fluid accumulation).

Whether or not a plastic surgeon uses drains should not be a factor when it comes to plastic surgeon selection.  Key will be selection of a board-certified plastic surgeon who can demonstrate significant  experience in shaping the types of outcomes you will be pleased with. Best wishes with your upcoming surgery.

Adam Tattelbaum, MD · Answer

I suspect you are talking about a tummy tuckYour surgeon is probably going to quilt the tummy. This means sewing down the abdominal wall rather than just letting it stick down on its own. Quilting diminishes the risk of fluid collection so many surgeons no longer leave drains.

While I favor quilting as well, I do favor leaving a drain. If fluid were to accumulate it could lead to infection, so I think of a drain as an emergency relief valve. If your post is about breast surgery-- It is far less likely that breast lifts or reductions will trap fluid so many , myself included, do not leave drains.

When in doubt your PS about his or her preference.

Best wishes.

Drains vs no drains?

Answers (9)

Answer: Breast reduction: drains vs no drains?

Answer: Breast reduction: drains vs no drains?

Answer: Drain or no drain? Tummy tuck? Breast?

Answer: Drain or no drain? Tummy tuck? Breast?

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Drains vs no drains?

Answers (9)

Answer: Breast reduction: drains vs no drains?

Answer: Breast reduction: drains vs no drains?

Answer: Drain or no drain? Tummy tuck? Breast?

Answer: Drain or no drain? Tummy tuck? Breast?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.