Insider Info on How Breast Implants "Drop and Fluff" After Breast Augmentation

Let’s get real about what it means for breast implants to “drop and fluff.” As a woman and a board-certified plastic surgeon, I understand the excitement and anticipation surrounding your recent breast augmentation procedure. You’ve invested time, energy, and trust in yourself and your surgeon to achieve your desired results. And while you might be eager to see the final outcome, it’s important to remember that achieving a natural and beautiful look takes time, especially when it comes to the process known as “drop and fluff.”

Think of your breast tissue and the underlying pectoral muscle as a supportive hammock for your new implants. Immediately after surgery, this hammock is naturally tight and needs time to stretch, or adjust, to its new “guest.” This tightness can cause the implants to initially sit higher on your chest, appearing slightly different than anticipated. This is entirely normal and part of the natural healing process.

Over the next 3-6 months, and sometimes even up to a year, this supportive “hammock” will gradually soften and relax (the “fluff” phase). As this happens, the implants will settle lower (the “drop” phase) into their final, more natural position, creating a smoother and rounder appearance.

The placement of your implants also plays a role in the timing of “drop and fluff.” Implants placed above the muscle tend to experience a faster “drop” phase, typically within 6-12 weeks. This is because the muscle doesn’t need to relax as much to accommodate them. Conversely, implants placed under the muscle take longer to “drop” due to the additional layer of tissue that needs to adjust.

Remember: Every woman heals differently, and the “drop and fluff” timeline can vary based on whether your implants were placed above or below the muscle, and your own unique anatomy. One breast implant may drop and fluff a little earlier than the other breast implant. Your implants may drop and fluff on a different schedule than your friend! In the real before and after photos below, see how the implants drop, fluff and finally settle in the first four months.

• Focus on healing: Prioritize rest and follow your board-certified plastic surgeon’s post-operative instructions carefully. If your doctor recommended that you massage your breasts, then be sure to do that the way she showed you. You don’t have to google the breast implant massages – just ask your surgeon. If your doctor said you don’t need to massage the breasts, then refrain from doing so. Follow instructions and be sure to wear compression bras as recommended by your doctor.
• Embrace the journey: Celebrate small milestones and remind yourself that the final results are worth the wait. This investment you are making on the front end of your recovery – of the implants riding high, will pay dividends in the future. This time that you spend with your implants, stretching and softening your tissues, will pay off in the long run.
• Communicate openly: Don’t hesitate to reach out to your board-certified plastic surgeon if you have any concerns or questions. If you are worried or feel like this is not what you expected, be sure to talk to your doctor. Sometimes a quick call and discussion over a virtual visit or in person can really ease your mind and help you avoid sleepless nights.

By understanding the “drop and fluff” process and trusting the healing journey, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying your beautiful and natural-looking results.

If you are interested in moving forward with Breast Implants or Breast Augmentation Surgery our all-female team is happy to take care of you in Raleigh at our on-site Surgery Center with an on-site operating room and clinic. If you are coming for your plastic surgery in Raleigh from Cary, Chapel Hill, Durham, Garner, Knightdale, Fayetteville, Greenville, Wilmington or out of state, feel free to call, text or email us. We want to set you up for success in every way – and we are here to help!

Ready to schedule a consultation? Call us, text us or email us! One of our all-female-staff members will be happy to book your appointment.

The authors declare no conflict of interest or monetary gain by recommending products outlined in this post.