Dear LW
  This is a decision that the individual surgeon must make and really is about what they feel is likely
to give you the best results. The idea of placing a drain during breast augmentation surgery has
been debated for years. There is no literature to support their use if the space for the implant is
carefully created under direct vision so that the risk of bleeding is reduced.
There are a few potential benefits and several significant drawbacks of routine use. One of the factors
known to increase the risk of developing more scar tissue around the implant is a collection of blood
around the implant known as a hematoma. Often the amount that collects is very small but a larger
amount is potentially detrimental.
  The drain can sometimes limit the severity of this collection. Another issue is that if some fluid (blood
or serum) develops around the implant then there is more risk of the implant moving or rotating.
In my opinion this is only a significant consideration when using shaped implants as they must not
move from their initial insertion position to remain looking their best.
  The drawbacks are having to carry a tube and a small collection bottle around, accepting a small
scar and discomfort where the tube is brought through the skin and the potential for introducing an
infection through the drain. All of my patients are told that I may choose to use one but in reality I have
never used one in primary breast augmentation. This should be left up to your surgeon to decide and
really has very limited impact on your results whether they are used or not.
Dr. Mathew C. Mosher, B.Sc., M.D., F.R.C.S.C.
www.drmosher.com