Drains vs no drains?

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.  

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.

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.