Breast Implants in Cosmetic Surgery: Use of Redon Postsurgery Draining

Abstract

Introduction: This study concerns 200 female patients who received 400 breast implants over a period of 12 months between June 2006 and June 2007. In the first group, the surgeon put in some preventive bilateral regular postsurgery Redon drains; the second group did not receive any Redon drains. This study compares the occurrence of postsurgery side effects in both patient groups, particularly the risk of hematoma, infection, and lymphorrhea. Materials and Methods: Only patients receiving regular bilateral implants were included in this study. In the first 6 months, we used a Redon draining system, while in the next 6 months, nothing was used. Usual, routine postsurgery surveillance was done on both groups. Results: There were no significant differences in the occurrence of postsurgery hematoma, infection, or lymphorrhea in either group. Conclusion: Insertion of a postsurgery draining system to prevent hematoma should not be a routine procedure. However, concerning the use of implants inserted through axillary incision without endoscope, the benefits of a preventive draining system should be subject to further discussions. A complementary study in the midterm on the occurrence of capsular contracture also looks necessary.