Do you HAVE to have drains on a breast lift (lollipop scar) with no implants?

Thanks for you inquiry. In truth it depends on how much your breast has to be changed (position, shape, contour) which determines if you need a drain.  Not all breast lifts need a drain, but some would definitely benefit from one. I would argue that a drain for 2-5 days could reduce your recovery time if your surgery caused a lot of swelling, some bleeding, etc. Drains are simple to use and most office can train you to take care of them in a few minutes. I suggest you pick the surgeon who you thinks will give you the best long term result and not just satisfy a short term goal of avoiding a drain.  Good luck.

HI Ms. Texasbelle, I typically do not place drains after a breast lift unless there is an unusual amount of bleeding, which is very rare.If your plastic surgeon feels that drains are necessary, they are not too difficult to manage at all.Just discuss this issue with him/her.Best,Dr. Christine Rodgers

Thanks for your question! Every surgeon is different, but for isolated breast lifts I do not think drains are necessary. Most surgeons would likely agree. Brest of luck!

Thanks for your inquiry.  Drains are not necessarily needed after a breast lift.  I do not routinely insert them.  You could check with your own plastic surgeon about their protocol.

Drains are frequently used after certain surgeries to minimize fluid collections in surgical spaces. For example, almost all surgeons place 1 or 2 drains after a facelift. Many (most) surgeons place drains in an abdominoplasty.  In my experience, most surgeons do not place drains in a breast lift in most cases; however, this decision is up to your surgeon's personal practices.