Abstract
Breast augmentation is one of the most frequently performed cosmetic surgery procedures worldwide. We report on a series of 502 consecutive cosmetic breast augmentations by a single surgeon, using both the submuscular and submammary approaches. A vacuum drain was placed in the surgical pocket at the end of the procedure. The drain fluid collection was recorded immediately after the surgery and the following day before removal. A tenfold increase in the amount of fluid collection was noted in the drain’s reservoir. Thirteen patients presented with minor wound healing problems at the second postoperative follow-up, which were treated conservatively; two of them had the implant removed and replaced after 2 months. There were only two capsular contractions at 1-year follow-up. We focus our discussion on the drainage in the early postoperative period and conclude that the routine use of a surgical drainage reduces the risk for complications. Based on our findings, we advocate that short-term routine use of a surgical drain is advisable.
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We wish to thank Dr. Alan Matarasso, New York, NY, for the valuable criticism and improvement of the manuscript.
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Gherardini, G., Zaccheddu, R., Milner, S.M. et al. Breast augmentation with silicone implants: the role of surgical drainage—report on 502 consecutive patients. Eur J Plast Surg 29, 9–12 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00238-006-0064-z
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00238-006-0064-z