When do Implants Drop and Fluff

What is the drop and fluff process?

Dropping and fluffing refers to the process of implants settling in the breast post-surgery and will vary from person to person. Following any breast surgery that involves the placement of an implant, such as a Breast Enlargement or an Augmented Mastopexy, there will be a degree of tightness and swelling in the chest. When an implant is inserted into the breast, the skin and breast tissue stretch to accommodate the new implant.

Take a look at these drop and fluff progression photos from one of our patients.

Initially the implants can sit quite high on the chest wall and the breasts can appear swollen and slightly pointy. This is normal following a boob job procedure, so don't be alarmed.

Over time as the implant settles and the breast tissue begins to heal, the breast takes shape and the lower fullness of the breast increases, this is the drop and fluff process.

By 6 weeks post-op the breasts should have dropped and fluffed, creating a full rounded shape. Every breast is different, for example, some are more naturally pointy and some have a wider gap in between the cleavage. A breast enlargement, is essentially an enlargement of the breasts you already have.

It is important to point out that dropping and fluffing isn’t something that happens overnight. While the initial change may be very recognisable, you are likely to see smaller changes on a day-to-day basis. Your breasts can continue to change for up to 1 year post-op.

When do implants drop and fluff?

Just like any other medical procedure, your body has to heal from the surgery. The drop and fluff process happens as your breasts are healing and settling from your cosmetic surgery procedure. 

Dropping and fluffing should happen to every patient who has breast implants; everyone heals at different rates and it's important to remember that your breasts are sisters, not twins, and that one breast can heal quicker than the other.

Some patients might experience the drop and fluff quite early on, whereas it might take past the 6 weeks mark for other patients to fully settle. 

Try not to compare yourself to others, every body is unique, and therefore every healing journey is slightly different! 

 Is dropping and fluffing more likely with overs or unders?

Breast implants can be placed over the muscle and behind the breast tissue, this technique is referred to as subglandular placement. This placement is often recommended to patients who already have a good amount of natural breast tissue present to cover the implant and provide a smooth contour. This technique is often less painful and has a shorter recovery time than others, therefore the drop and fluff process usually occurs in the first few weeks of recovery, however, it is important to remember that everyone heals at their own rate. 

Partial implant placement, often referred to as subfascial placement is when the implant is placed between the connective tissue and the muscle. This method helps to reduce the chances of rippling and prevents the appearance of a prominent profile. 

Breast implants can be placed under the muscle, this technique is referred to as submuscular placement and is recommended to patients who don't have much natural breast tissue. This technique is a popular choice as it helps to reduce the chances of rippling and capsular contracture, however, this placement can be more painful during recovery and take longer to heal. Therefore, patients who have implants under the muscle or partials, are more likely to experience a slower drop and fluff process. Surgeons may ask their patients to wear a breast band to assist with implant placement throughout healing.

The drop and fluff timeline

While the drop and fluff timeline is different for every patient, this is typically what you can expect during your implant healing journey

• Weeks 1-3: Your breasts may appear cone-like with enlarged or puffy nipples. You may experience a lack of nipple sensitivity or hypersensitivity.  Your implants will sit high on the chest wall and your skin may feel tight and shiny.

• Weeks 4-5: Your implants will begin to settle as they drop and fluff. Each breast can drop and fluff and heal at different rates. 

• Week 6+: The initial upper fullness of your breasts will decrease and lower fullness of the breasts will take shape. 

• Up to 1 Year: Generally, implants have settled into their new natural shape. 

What happens if my implants don’t drop and fluff?

For some patients, implants can take longer to settle. Don’t worry if this happens, everybody heals at a different rate.

It’s totally normal if your breasts don't drop and fluff at the same time as other patients or people you know who have had breast enlargement surgery. It’s important to remember that breast implants can take up to a year to fully settle and heal. But, if you do have any concerns about the way your breasts look post-op, don’t hesitate to contact your MYA clinical team.

Can I speed up the drop and fluff process?

Dropping and fluffing is the body’s natural response to breast implants and the rate at which it happens varies from person to person. While you can’t necessarily speed up the drop and fluff process, there are things you can do to help assist healing after your operation.

You will be given post-operative instructions to follow after your breast augmentation, but common guidelines include: 

• Patients must attend all scheduled post-operative aftercare appointments

• Patients must wear their Macom4MYA post-op bra day and night, during the initial recovery period (6-8 weeks)

• Patients should sleep propped upright following the procedure to help minimise swelling and assist the implants in taking place (this will be discussed with your MYA clinical team)

• Avoid strenuous activity and exercise for 6-8 weeks

Our top tips: Try not to compare yourself with other patients during your recovery process. As long as your nurse and surgeon are happy with your progress, you have no reason to worry!

Ask an expert

MYA surgeon Mr Mileto explains how the drop and fluff process can vary between patients. 

MYA patient experience

MYAGirl Aston, shares her experience of the drop and fluff process following breast enlargement surgery.