What to expect from dropping and fluffing? 2 weeks post op I got 295cc under the muscle. (photos)

Question

I'm 2 weeks post op. and feel as if I'm getting smaller. I got 295cc under the muscle, and although I've been told it's too early to consider I've been wanting to go in for a revision. I'm a petite person, 4'11 and 100 pounds I was told this implant would give me the look I desired however I don't feel this is the case. No one can tell I've had a breast augmentation. I have heard of dropping and fluffing, I'm hoping this will change the way I feel. Should I expect my breasts to get bigger?

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photograph, and I am sorry that your current result has caused you concern. After placement of implants, the appearance of the breasts will change dramatically over the next 6+ months as the implants drop, and the overlying tissue stretches to accommodate the extra volume.("Dropping and Fluffing"). In your case the swelling from surgery is flattening your implants and holding them high on your chest.  Though they will not get bigger, the volume within the implant will redistribute towards the lower portion of your breast achieving a more natural appearance, and filling your bra cup more.   I know waiting is difficult, but judge your results at 4-6 months after surgery as most of your breast changes should have occurred by then. Hope this helps.

David L. Kaufman, MD FACS · Answer

It’s quite normal for breasts to look and feel strange in the days and weeks following augmentation surgery. “Drop and fluff” is a term used to describe the way new implants drop, settle and soften as the pectoral muscle relaxes around them, a process that can take several months. Therefore, you won't see your final results until about six months after your surgery. In the meantime, try to be patient and let your plastic surgeon know if you have any concerns.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.You are very early post op, so there may be swelling that is starting to subside. Your implants are also still sitting high, it can take up to 3 months for them to settle where breasts naturally should be.I recommend to wait at least 3 months before deciding what your next steps will be. Please speak to your plastic surgeon if you are concerned.Regards,

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your surgery.  Judging by the photos you have sent us, it appears that you are on your way to having a very nice result.It is way too early for you to want a revision.  Your results are not apparent to you, but to most plastic surgeons who know what things should look like at this time during the recovery, you look very good.  You will need to give it 4-6 months before you can really assess your results at that time.The breasts will not necessarily get larger during this time, but the volume will re-distribute and you will get more full in the lower part of the breasts and get more protrusion/projection.  The breasts will also generally round up more. Hope that helps.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,You are still riding high; allowing the implants to drop is crucial before you can make an assessment. Regardless, it would be way to early to re-operate. You need to wait 4 to 6 months minimum. Best of luck!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear catfacee,dropping of implants is part of the healing process and this occurs after the tissues surrounding the implants slowly relax, allowing the implants to settle into their final position. It can take about four to six months for the implant to drop down to their final position.I understand that you are worried about your implants are not dropping as expected. However, you are still in the early phase of the recovery period. Please do allow some time for the healing process to occur. If after six months, you are not satisfied with the appearance of your breast, you can visit your plastic surgeon and discuss your concerns.Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Robert Cohen, MD · Answer

Some questions / concerns about size after augmentation surgery Is a common phenomenon, but most patients end up very happy with their final appearance.  Certainly, two weeks after surgery is much too early to judge your results!  The tissues covering the implant including the pectoralis muscle are still tight and compressing your implants.  Over the next few months, the implants will settle and the tissue will expand, giving you fuller and more natural (less humpy) appearing breasts.  For a petite person like yourself, a 300cc range implant is very appropriate. I imagine you will like your breasts more each week that goes by, so do your best to be patient and allow your tissues and the implants to evolve into the final result.  Best of luck!

Andre Levesque, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.
I am sorry you are disappointed with your augmentation though it is quite early.  Your early results appear quite reasonable and proportional to your frame.  If your desire is to be larger I would encourage patience and expressing your desires with your surgeon.  Replacing implants for larger implants is straightforward enough but come with increased chances for poor long term outcomes due to stretching of breast tissues.
I would not expect your breasts to increase in size with the so called drop and fluff but there will be a softening of the breast and more balance to the lower portion of the breast as the implant settles in the pocket along the inframmary fold.  You feeling that your breasts are smaller is quite common as post operative swelling resolves.
Best Dr. L

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

It can take 3-6 months for you to see your final results.  Your breasts will not become bigger, but the appearance will change as the swelling resolves and the implants drop into the pocket.  At this time your implants are held high.  That will change and the implant will fill out more of the bottom part of the breast.  I encourage you to speak to your surgeon about your concerns.

Mel T. Ortega, MD · Answer

should expect the skin to soften and the implant to settle at about three months after surgery.
         breast exercises are helpful in allowing the implant to settle into a more supple envelope. I think about 3 months of breast exercises are sufficient. The only contraindication to breast exercises is when textured anatomical implants are used.

What to expect from dropping and fluffing? 2 weeks post op I got 295cc under the muscle. (photos)

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