How long should drains stay in?

LizzyG32

I am having a double mastectomy on May 8th and my post op appointment is on May 21st. I assume the drains will be in this whole time? Is that normal? I have read that some people get the drains taken out after 7-10 day... I will have them in for 13 days! It seems long to me but I do not know.

illimae

Mine took 5 1/2 weeks, I was told that some people are just “juicy”. Hopefully, it won’t take too long, they really, really, really suck.

sm627

Hi Lizzy,

My drains were out within 2 weeks. One came out a week after surgery, and the other was out a week after that. When they take them out make sure you take a deep breath before they pull it out. It will help you not feel any discomfort.

Wishing you all the best with your mastectomy.

Hugs,

Sara

MercyP

I had 4 drains total (2 on each side) for my first surgery. (Bilateral mastectomy with tissue expanders) They removed a pair of drains after 1 week and the other pair a week later.

LizzyG32

thank you for responding! I go back to see BS on April 23rd and I will ask about this then

Jennifer522

Are you getting any PS with the masectomy (expanders put in)? Since I am the PS is considered the lead surgeon

My surgery is 4/10 and I have appt with PS 4/13 and 4/18 and BS 4/20. Glad lots of appts, that they just don't send you home and see you in 2 weeks. I assume dressing changes and drain management will the addressed at those appts.