You might’ve heard about surgical drains after breast surgery or even have one stitched onto you right now. While some are more unconvinced of the utility of these tubes, there are others who believe these can help during the recovery process.
If you do, however, have them fitted, they can cause some discomfort and inconvenience. This is why many people wonder exactly how long it is that these drains need to stay in and what you need to do to care for them.
Additionally, it’s also a good idea to understand why some doctors may or may not consider using surgical drains, noting that the following information pertains to breast reduction, augmentation and lift.
Why Do You Have Drains After Breast Surgery?
The purpose of surgical drains is to drain the excess blood or fluid so that it doesn’t accumulate. This is, in turn, believed to reduce the risk of postoperative complications.
For instance, in the case of breast augmentation, it is thought to help with seroma, hematoma, and capsular contracture, as noted in a 2023 study published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal.
Alternatively, however, the same study concluded that the “unwarranted use of drains” should be avoided as it may not only be more expensive for the patient and require prolonged antibiotic coverage but also increase the risk of:
- Infection
- Pain
- Discomfort
Some surgeons always use surgical drains, others avoid them, while there are others who may use them for special cases. It can vary according to the surgeon’s protocol and your case.
How Many Drains Are Placed After Breast Surgery?
If your surgeon does decide to place drains, you will be fitted with two in total, one on each side of the breast. And the drain itself might look something like the following:
How Long Do Drains Stay In After Breast Surgery?
Your surgical drains may be left in place for around 3 days after which you will have a check-up appointment with your surgeon. Keep in mind that these drains have to be removed by the medical team, and you cannot do so on your own. That’s because they’re stitched into the skin, and the stitches will have to be removed before the drains can be taken out.
Again, the duration for which the drains stay in place may vary. Some surgeons might put them in place only to remove them before your discharge. If you have concerns about them, make sure to discuss them in a face-to-face consultation with your doctor.
What Are The Aftercare Instructions For Breast Drains?
Some of the aftercare instructions for the breast drains may be as follows:
- Sleeping – While you have your breast drains, you can, of course, sleep with them although it can be slightly uncomfortable. You may be advised to sleep on your back or on a recliner (especially if you toss around while sleeping).
- Showering – You may be advised against taking a shower until the drains have been removed.
- Wearing a bra – It might be okay for you to wear a bra since the drains are placed on the sides, but it can also be uncomfortable.
- Emptying the drains – As your drains will fill up, you may be asked to empty them every day. The medical team should explain to you how that will be done during the discharge appointment.
Of course, aftercare instructions can vary between doctors, so you must consult your own surgeon about how you need to care for your drains after breast surgery.
What Is The Colour Of The Fluid In The Drains?
Your blood along with body fluid will collect inside the drain, so the colour of the fluid is usually red, although not too bright red. The amount of fluid drained should decrease every day. But if at any time you feel that you’re not feeling well or recovering normally, you should not hesitate to get in touch with your doctor.
What To Do If Your Surgical Drain Falls Out?
A surgical drain does not come out on its own because it’s a long tube placed inside your body, and you’ll also get stitches to keep it in place.
Also note that the tube of the surgical drain needs to be pulled out manually, which can cause slight discomfort. However, it is done with the help of the medical team, and the patient alone cannot do it.
Conclusion
The medical community is divided on the use of surgical drains after a breast lift, breast reduction or augmentation surgery. While some surgeons find them to be beneficial for the recovery process, others do not believe that to be the case. In any case, it’s important that you find an experienced and board-certified medical professional, and you should make sure to follow their advice.
Reviewed and Approved by the Medical Team
