When Breast Implants ‘Drop and Fluff’ Do They Get Bigger or Smaller?

If you’re considering breast augmentation and reviewing before and after photos, you might wonder why patients’ breasts seem to sit high on their chests after getting implants. That reason is that many “after” photos are taken before the implants have had a chance to settle in a process called “drop and fluff.”

Dropping and fluffing occurs as implants settle into their final position, but does it affect breast size? In this post, I’ll explore this topic and answer some common questions about how long it takes before you’ll see the ultimate outcome of your procedure.

What Is ‘Drop and Fluff’?

Immediately after breast augmentation surgery, swelling and tight chest muscles cause implants to sit high on the chest. As the body heals, the implants descend to a more natural position (drop), and the lower part of the breast fills out (fluffs). This also occurs if you combine a breast lift with implants.

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Do Implants Get Bigger When They Drop?

Implants don’t actually change size during the drop and fluff process. However, they may appear larger as they settle into a more natural position. This occurs because the implants fill out the lower pole of the breast, creating a fuller appearance. Additionally, as swelling subsides, the breasts begin to appear rounder and closer together.

Is It Normal for One Implant To Drop Before the Other?

Yes, it’s entirely normal for implants to drop at different rates. Our bodies aren’t perfectly symmetrical, so one breast may have slightly more space, resulting in that implant dropping faster.

How Long Does It Take for Implants To Drop?

The timeline for dropping and fluffing varies among patients, but generally:

• The process begins a few days after surgery
• Implants approach their final position after about 6 weeks
• Complete settling occurs around 3 months post-surgery

It’s important to understand that this is a general timeline, and the process can be shorter or longer. Several factors, including the size and placement of the implants, influence how quickly they settle. Larger implants weigh more and tend to drop faster. Placing the implants under the chest muscle may result in a slower drop-and-fluff process but typically yields more aesthetically pleasing results.

What To Expect During the Drop-and-Fluff Process

You’ll notice the appearance of your breasts change as swelling resolves and the implants begin to settle.

• Initial Healing: For the first few weeks after your surgery, swelling may cause your breast skin to look flushed, stretched, and shiny. Your breast veins may also appear more prominent than usual. Expect the implants to sit “high and tight” and the breasts to have a cone-shaped appearance with puffy nipples. These are all common and temporary aftereffects.
• 1 Month After Surgery: As mentioned earlier, the drop-and-fluff process usually begins about a month after the procedure. Breasts begin to feel and look softer, especially in the lower part of the breast. The upper pole of the breast may still feel firm, with upper fullness decreasing more gradually after 6 weeks. You can read more about what to expect after your breast augmentation surgery in our earlier blog post.

It’s natural to feel eager about seeing your results, but be patient. The drop-and-fluff process is an essential part of achieving natural-looking breast augmentation results. Wait at least 3 months before evaluating the outcome of your procedure. If you have concerns about your progress, don’t hesitate to contact us.

If you want to discuss your breast augmentation options with Dr. Vartany, request a consultation using the online form or call us at (818) 500-0823 to schedule an appointment.