11 months post-op. How long can it take to drop and fluff? (Photo)

Hi & thanks for your question!
It usually takes between 3 & 6 months for the implants to drop and settle. Reach out to your surgeon with any questions or concerns. Best wishes!

The process of dropping can take some time. I tell patients 6 months. The process continues for years after and the breast will evolve over your lifetime. At one year, I would consider a revision for asymmetry. In you case, you want to ask yourself, "do I want more surgery to fix this." If the answer is yes, then talk to your doctor. The problem with revision surgery is that it is less predictable and you can end up worse than you started.

Judging by your preoperative photos, you did have some asymmetry before surgery. Almost every patient that I have seen has some asymmetry. Some more that others, but it does appear that your left breast is smaller and higher than the right side. On your after photos it does appear the left fold is now lower than the right side. This may happen when the fold is adjusted on the higher side. Once the fold is manipulated it is never as strong as it once was and it appears that may be the case here.

This can be fixed but I would weigh the pros and cons of any revision surgery. The resulting revision could always be worse i.e: infection, capsular contracture...

Hope that helps.

Dear Intuitive950981,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs. After 11 months you have settled and I would not expect many changes moving forward. Nothing replaces an in-person examination but it appears that there is some volume difference between the two breasts (there was to start with from what can be seen in your "before" picture) and asymmetrically sized implants would help improve upon this difference. Additionally it appears you have some possible implant malposition on the left side (right side of pictures) based on elongated nipple to crease distance, position of incision on breast mound and with your arms raised an inferior and lateral position to the implant. All of this would require an additional surgery to correct, so speak with your surgeon.

It takes on average 1 year for the breasts to settle, stretch, and soften. At this point, the breasts are close to their final appearance. I do not see your before photos, so it is difficult to comment on the asymmetry. I would continue to massage your breasts and see your surgeon to discuss your concerns.

The concept of “drop and fluff” typically refers to the settling and shaping of breast implants. Most of the settling occurs in the first few months, but it can continue for up to a year or more, with the final results becoming more apparent. Keep in mind that the timeline can vary depending on individual factors and the surgical technique used. It’s important to follow your surgeon’s recommendation and attend follow-up appointments to monitor your progress.

At eleven months post op you are seeing your final results. I encourage you to view your pre operative photos with your surgeon. It is likely that you had some asymmetry to your fold position which is very common. If the same implant was placed on each side the amount of asymmetry prior to surgery will remain the same. However, sometimes it is more noticeable to patients because the breasts are now larger and they are examining them more closely since they recently had surgery.

Your breast implants have already dropped quite considerably, which is why you have a nice round shape along the lower pole of your breast. the reason that one breast looks like it is sitting lower than the other is that you may have had that asymmetry prior to surgery. Please consult a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and go through your before and after photos to make that determination.

You have "dropped and fluffed." Your lower implant is bottoming out some because of the weight and thinnest of your tissue. Do wear a good supporting bra, even an underwire. Please discuss this with your surgeon. Do not go bigger for your tissue will not support a heavier implant.