Drainage Tube Fell out 3 Days After Breast Reduction

I would recommend you contact your surgeon about the situation. Some surgeons place drains for breast reductions that stay in for a few days after surgery. You want to make sure the entire drainage tube is removed so there is not a retained plastic component in your body. You should also monitor the area for any signs of fluid buildup (like swelling or a seroma), which may require attention. Your surgeon can provide specific guidance and check for any potential issues that could arise from the drain coming out prematurely. Our practice does not use drainage tubes for the majority of breast reductions.
Krishna Vyas, MD, PhD, MHS
Harvard, Hopkins, and Mayo Clinic Trained
Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon
New York, New York

Thank you for your question.
This requires a call to your surgeon. Drains are in place for a reason. Reach out to your surgeon for guidance. Best wishes!

Although many physicians do not drain breast reductions the inadvertent loss of a drainage tube by the third day will usually not cause any effect in the long term result.  This has happened to many patients and surgeons with no consequences.

The use of drainage tubes in breast reduction is somewhat controsversial. I frequently remove these at the first visit without any problem. Notify your surgeon, but it is likely he/she will do nothing other than observe.

Most doctors do not use drains at all for their breast reductions in our community.

However, it is always best to keep your surgeon posted immediately whenever a question arises.  Only he knows exactly what happened during your surgery.  there may have been a very good reason to place the drains, and you might need drainage of fluid, monitoring for infection, etc.