Breasts feel tight and flat after breast lift. Will they project more once settled, relaxed and not so compacted? (Photo)

It's far too early to evaluate your results.  Time is a plastic surgeon's friend, and it's a plastic surgery patient's friend.  Be patient, and don't worry just yet. It's too early.

It is a bit early to expect to see something like the appearance you can expect in 3 months.  With your arms elevated in the photos, the view is not a standard one because the raised arms also raise the breasts, and tend to de-emphasize the lower pole fullness. I see nothing that would bother me in the photos. Patience. All the best. 

Baseline your photographs you look perfectly appropriate for 17 days.During the breast lift skin is removed and the breast is tightened and compacted.  Typically the breast shape changes dramatically over the next 3-4 months as the transplanted fat and breast tissue settles into the breast pocket and creates more lower pole fullness beneath and below the nipple areola.  Please follow closely with your plastic surgeon.