My drains had clips on the outside of the tubing of the drain. The clips had sharp ‘teeth’ allowing me attach the drains to a lanyard. The lanyard was actually a long 1/2” string that the hospital gave me to go home with but I was able to knot it to the length I wanted. Simply clip the drains onto the lanyard. No shower for 6 days after surgery until I saw him in office. I washed my hair in kitchen sink during the 6 day period. I am surprised that surgeons don’t give you the lanyard type string ahead of surgery. Also not a bad idea to ask about the drains if never encountered them before. It seems ridiculous to wake up groggy and be sent home with stuff you have never seen previously. My situation a bit different mastectomy 22 years ago with saline implant. Back then I used a study pillow. Reoccurrence in April so had implant removed to a flat chest 3.5 weeks ago as well as tumor removed and 1 sentinel node. the plastic surgeon suggested a “shelf” at the bottom of breast for a bra to sit. Hope this makes sense. He gathered tissue to create the shelf. I definitely did not ask enough questions. I am 3.5 weeks out. Both drains removed at 2 week mark. The shelf type area still feels like a very tender bruise. Some suggestions I would make is to have easy microwave meals because cooking takes forever when you are trying to use mostly 1 arm. If I overdo anything the tender bruise hurts more. The plastic surgeon did tell me “elbows in” for 1st 2 weeks and he still doesn’t want reaching up motions. I quizzed a bit more and he wants to avoid fluid collections under the skin that would make me unhappy with the results. I didn’t use any special equipment. When I went to MD office with the drains I wore them on the lanyard under my button down shirts. I stocked up on button down shirts. Actually bought myself some pajamas_2 pairs. I still haven’t put a shirt on over my head. I did cook ahead. Slept in bed, avoided the L side. 1/2 pain pill helped me get 5 hours a night. Hope this is helpful. Sending you all my best wishes