425cc, 5.5 weeks PO. Boobs look tiny. How much can they drop and fluff? (Photo)

Dear 0neL0v3,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
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Usually, implants drop into their pockets within 6 months. During this process, breast tissue heals, softens and adapts to the implants. While, the breasts do not become larger after healing, they may appear so due to the swelling around the breast area subsiding. Also the breasts are likely to have a better projection after the swelling goes and they are healed. So try to be patient and know that you will like your new breasts more as they heal.

Hope this helps,Ali Rıza Öreroğlu, MD FEBOPRASEuropean and Turkish Board Certified Aesthetic, Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeonIstanbul, Turkey

Congratulations on having undergone the breast augmentation procedure. Keep in mind that no one will replace your own plastic surgeon when it comes to accurate assessment, advice, and meaningful reassurance.


Generally speaking, breast implants will "drop" into the pocket that was created during surgery. The rate of breast implant "settling" may depend on factors such as size of breast implant pocket dissected, tightness of the overlying skin/muscle layers, and size of breast implant utilized. Normally, it takes about 3-6 months (for some patients longer) to see the final result.  Similarly, it takes a few months for the breasts to "soften" in most cases.  Most of my patients tell me that their breast implants feel "part of them" somewhere between 3 to 6 months after surgery was performed.


Many of my patients report that as the swelling around the breast implants (for example, in the sternal area) decreases, they feel that their breasts appear more projecting. Patients often report that they are happier with the cleavage area once these changes occur also. Also, in my opinion, the "drop and fluff” phenomenon does hold some validity; as breast implants “settle”, many patients feel that their breasts actually look larger. 


 There is definitely a physiologic and "psychological" (body image)  adaptation process that occurs, at differing rates for every patient, for patients who undergo any type of aesthetic surgery, including breast  augmentation surgery.  I would suggest continued patience and continued close follow-up with your plastic surgeon.
Best wishes for an outcome that you will be pleased with long-term.