Many patients who are considering cosmetic surgery to reduce the size of their breasts may be concerned about the healing process. They may want to know how long it will take to heal following surgery, the possible side effects and risks from the procedure, and the proper care for their incisions during the healing phase. Proper care for surgical drains constitutes perhaps the most common questions that Dr. Paul Pin has received about care following surgery. Despite what patients may think, caring for surgical drains is relatively easy, provided they understand just a few basic concepts.

What Purpose Do Surgical Drains Serve?

As a side effect from any surgical procedure, blood and fluid may pool underneath the skin. This is actually part of the body's normal immediate response to having the skin cut open. If these pools of fluid (seromas) and blood (hematomas) are not drained, they may cause delayed and poor wound healing, which in turn will lead to excessive scarring.

In the case of breast reduction surgery, particularly if a great deal of reduction is needed, the drains help remove pooled fluid and blood from the body. This is vital during the first four to seven days following surgery, when there is likely to be bruising and swelling. Preventing the formation of hematomas and seromas will decrease the duration and severity of bruising and swelling.

How Do Surgical Drains Work?

Surgical drains consist of short lengths of flexible, plastic surgical tubing that is placed just under the skin's surface at various points along the incision sites. One end of the tubing leads out from the body and usually has a small, removable vacuum bulb on the exterior end, into which the blood and fluid are collected. There is a small plug on the vacuum bulb that allows for emptying collected fluid and blood. Dr. Pin will have patients periodically empty the bulb when it becomes full, measure the amount of fluid and blood collected in the bulb each time, and keep a record of the amount and the color of what is removed.

How Should Surgical Drains Be Maintained?

Patients should wash their hands thoroughly before removing any collected blood and fluid from the vacuum bulb. Before emptying the bulb, patients will need to milk the surgical tubing to prevent it from becoming clogged by small blood clots. With one hand, secure the tubing next to the incision site. Using the thumb and forefinger, gently squeeze the length of the tubing from the body into the collection bulb. Once this is done, the plug can be opened to remove collected blood and fluid for measurement. This should be done several times a day. Do not rinse out the bulb or tubing with water, which may increase the risk of infection.

Dr. Pin is committed to working closely with patients to provide them the best possible results from their breast reduction surgery. Proper care of surgical drains will not only speed the healing process, but help provide more satisfactory final outcomes.