How do you speed up drop and fluff?

How do you speed up drop and fluff?

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Breast Implant Settling: How Long Does it Take for Implants to Drop?

After breast augmentation, your breasts will evolve and change over the next several months. This is a process called implant settling. So, how long does it take for implants to drop? It happens to everyone and it does take time. Don’t be surprised if your newly implanted breasts aren’t exactly as you imagined they would be right when the bandages come off. It will take time for you to see the breast implant drop. Give those breast implants time to settle.

How long does it take for implants to drop into their final position? What can you expect in the weeks and months after your Charlotte breast augmentation surgery?

Breast Implants Start High

Right after breast augmentation, breasts often have a high, elevated appearance, especially if the implant was placed under the pectoral muscle. Your breasts may also look smaller than you were hoping for. At first, the muscle and breast tissues are tight, compressing your implant. In time, these tissues will relax and loosen, and the breast implant drop will occur and develop into a more natural-looking position. Your breast size may also increase slightly. Plastic surgeons sometimes call this “dropping and fluffing”. The breast implants drop into a lower position on the chest and expand in size as the pectoral muscle and breast tissues place less pressure on your implant.

If you’ve recently received breast implants and the positioning looks high, give it time. Your breasts haven’t yet achieved their final appearance. Keep in mind that depending on what breast surgery you may have had such as a breast implant exchange or breast lift the final look of your breasts may vary.

How Long Does it Take for Implants to Drop?

There is no simple calculation for determining how long until your breast implants settle or drop. There are many different factors in play depending on the types of cosmetic surgery procedures you have. Give it time and know that most women are happy with their breast appearance by 6 weeks after surgery. One breast may settle before the other. This is normal and is nothing to be concerned about.

• Implant Shape – Round implants, both saline and silicone, are more affected by the pressure that the pectoral muscle and breast tissues place on new implants. If you have round implants, you’re more likely to notice an elevated, squished breast appearance during those first few weeks after surgery.
• Implant Position – Implants that are placed behind the pectoral muscle receive more compression than those that are placed above it. We’ll talk about the benefits of each type of implant placement.
• Muscle Tone – Athletic patients with highly developed chest muscles may require more time for implant settling.
• Post-Surgical Care – Massage may help breast implants to settle sooner. There are also medications that can speed the process. We’ll talk with you about your options and give detailed instructions for post-breast augmentation care.

Wait to Shop for New Lingerie

The settling and breast implant drop process takes time after breast surgery. Your breast size may change several times as you progress through the recovery process. Give it time, be patient, and wait to shop for a new lingerie wardrobe. We recommend waiting about three months before investing in a lot of new undergarments. By this time, the breasts are usually close to their final size and shape.

As you wait, avoid underwire bras. These can push up breast tissue and may keep your implants from settling properly.

Keep in Touch

Many patients feel nervous and unsettled about their breast appearance while they wait for settling to occur. The breast implant drop and settling is a normal process, but if you’re worried, get in touch. We are always happy to answer questions and alleviate concerns about body cosmetic surgery. We’re here for you! In the mean time, you can browse our breast surgery before and after photo gallery to see real client results.

Call to schedule your Charlotte breast augmentation consultation by calling H/K/B at 704-659-9000 or book a consultation here.

When Breast Implants Drop & Fluff, What Happens & Why?

The term “drop and fluff” refers to breast implants and is familiar to most breast augmentation patients. It is commonly used on breast implant chat sites and refers to the process breasts undergo in the first few months after augmentation surgery. While this term may sound humorous, it is actually a pretty good description of the process and an important component of getting beautiful breast augmentation results.

Why Do Implants Look High and Tight at First?

Immediately after getting breast augmentation, patients experience an inflammatory process that causes the tissues to swell and the chest muscles to tighten. This can give breasts a high, tight appearance that may include:

• A “humpy” appearance along the upper breast
• A flat appearance at the outer breast
• A smaller-than-expected appearance because of constricted the tissues

Furthermore, swelling between the breasts can fill in the cleavage area, also making the breasts look smaller and wider apart than they actually are.

What Happens When Implants Drop and Fluff?

Over time, the swelling resolves, the tissues loosen up, and the shape of the implant starts to exert itself on the overlying tissues. As a result, the implants settle into a lower, more aesthetically pleasing position on the chest. They appear softer and rounder, and they look larger and closer together. Hence, “drop” (settle lower) and “fluff” (round out and look fuller).

The patient featured in the Instagram post below is 6 weeks post-op, and you can see that her implants are already starting to settle nicely.

View this post on Instagram

How Long Does It Take for Implants to Settle?

In general, patients should expect breast implants to settle within 6 weeks to 3 months. And in reality, breasts progressively look more natural over many months. Different factors affect the speed of this drop and fluff process, including:

• Tight skin before surgery. Breasts of younger patients with no prior pregnancies or breast surgery will take longer to expand than looser skin.
• Larger implants. Breasts with large implants generally take longer to settle than smaller implants, as the skin has to stretch more.
• Textured implants. The implants take longer to settle than smooth implants as they are more stable and do not require postoperative breast massage.

The bottom line is that breast augmentation is an evolving process and patients need to be patient with their results. I sometimes call it the gift that keeps on giving as implants generally become more attractive with each week after surgery. It is important to understand this before surgery so you allow your tissue the time it needs to accommodate your new implants. Learn more about how breast implants settle from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and what to expect during breast augmentation recovery in our related blog post.

I encourage you to visit our online gallery of before & after photos to see the beautiful, natural-looking breast augmentation results our Phoenix and Scottsdale patients enjoy. If you’re interested in learning more about breast augmentation, request a consultation or call (480) 423-1973 to get personalized answers to all your questions.

Published: 4/4/14, Updated: 9/30/2020

How Long After Breast Augmentation Surgery Will Breast Implants Settle?

Breast augmentation involves the placement of implants to add volume and shape to your breasts. But after surgery, it can take time for the implants to settle into position. Though the timeline varies among patients, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Phillip Dauwe estimates a period of six weeks to three months post-procedure.

At Phillip Dauwe, M.D. Plastic Surgery, we want you to know that the settling process (sometimes called «drop and fluff») is completely normal. If you have questions about this popular plastic surgery in Dallas, TX, or want to schedule a consultation, call now. We can provide comprehensive information and resources regarding all aspects of breast augmentation recovery.

Where are breast implants placed?

Breast implants are medical-grade devices placed in a surgically made pocket, either under the pectoral muscle (subpectoral), in front of the muscle but behind the breast tissue (subglandular), or in front of the muscle and under the connective tissue lining of the muscle (subfascial). The location of the implant depends on your body type, the size and shape of your breasts, and general aesthetic goals. Dr. Dauwe can explain the best approach during a consultation.

What is «drop and fluff?»

Breast augmentation recovery takes several weeks or longer, depending on a few factors. Swelling is an expected part of the process, so set aside time for rest and relaxation. Dr. Dauwe provides medications and a detailed set of post-operative instructions to ensure safe, successful results.

You should also experience what is known as «drop and fluff» during recovery. «Drop» refers to a slight downward shift of the implant caused by gravity, while «fluff» describes a gradual softening of the tissues around the implant. This is necessary for a fuller appearance in the lower half of the breast. Both of these processes help to improve your final results.

When to expect results after «drop and fluff»

You can expect to see your initial breast augmentation results shortly after plastic surgery in Dallas, TX, but it may take six weeks to three months for the implants to settle. Dr. Dauwe will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and ensure you are satisfied with your outcomes.

Breast asymmetry is common, and your breasts may appear uneven for a short period. Rest assured that implants settle at different rates, and any asymmetry should resolve itself. Women with smaller or lighter-weight implants may experience slower settling times than those with heavier devices.

Optimizing recovery after breast augmentation

There’s no way to speed up the process of «drop and fluff.» However, we recommend following all post-operative instructions to see the best results possible from breast augmentation, including:

• Wear a post-surgical bra: A special compression bra will provide comfort and support during recovery.
• Take it easy: Avoid lifting or moving anything heavy for several weeks to prevent complications and unnecessary strain.
• Protect the incision sites: Gently clean and dress the incision sites as recommended to help them heal properly.

Uncover the benefits of breast implants

There’s no need to be concerned if your breast implants haven’t settled right away. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Phillip Dauwe understands the importance of patient education and will provide the guidance needed to ensure a successful breast augmentation recovery.

Learn more about this cutting-edge plastic surgery in Dallas, TX by calling for a consultation. Phillip Dauwe, M.D. Plastic Surgery has helped countless women enhance their breast size and shape, and you can trust our team to do the same for you.