How much will my breast size change after augmentation surgery?

Question

I hear a lot about how after getting breast augmentation, that it takes time for the implants to "Drop and Fluff", and after that, they appear larger (especially when done under the muscle). At the same time I know there is some swelling which can cause some additional size in the beginning. My question then, is how can I expect my breast size to change from Day 1 after the surgery to say 3-6 Months later?

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

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. It is very common for one side to settle faster than the other.
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. 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. From the physiological standpoint, it takes many months ( and even up to one year) to see the final results of surgery. factors such as swelling, tissue contraction, skin redraping, implant shifting etc. come into play.  As breast implants "settle", they tend to round out the lower breast poles and the nipple/areola complexes shift upwards ("drop and fluff").
From the psychological standpoint, patients undergo an “adaptation period" during which time they get used to the changes that the surgical procedure has brought about. Severe emotional swings can also occur after any type of surgical procedure.Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with.

Jeffrey J. Roth, MD, FACS · Answer

Breast implants tend to start dropping into place after 3 to 4 weeks. They usually will get to their final position in 6 to 12 months. One will usually drop faster than the other, and the shape may go through changes.  Please follow your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon's post op instructions. For example; we like message, but some surgeons will have you wait, or do it in a specific manner. Please let them know your thoughts and concerns. Jeffrey J. Roth, M.D., F.A.C.S.Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLas Vegas Plastic Surgery

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Two things happen and seem paradoxical. As as the swelling  goes down there will be some shrinkage but at the same time as the muscle relaxes your breast projection grows. In general the breast shape and size proportionality improves..Breast implants initially after surgery when placed in a submuscular position often give superior fullness that corrects itself with time, the "fluff and drop" phenomena. In reality the pectoralis major muscle takes a while to adjust its size to accommodate the implant as well as occasional muscle spasm which keeps the implant projection higher than its final resting shape. Additional variables include:laxity of skin, size difference during prior pregnancies, position of implant,size of muscle, and size of implant.As the muscle relaxes the projection of the implant often increases and the breast shape improves. Massage and use of a superior placed elastic strap can often make this process go faster.

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question. During the post-operative period the breast are swollen, and the breast implants appear in a much higher position. Over time they descend and fills out the lower half of the breast. It may take several months for this to happen and can be encouraged with breast massage and compression. After the swelling goes down the breasts will appear smaller.  However, as the implants settle, it may appear that the breast enlarges as the lower aspect of the breast fills out (at the expense of the upper portion of the breast).

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Swelling and tightness are common after surgery which allows the breasts to appear larger than the final result. The majority of the swelling will resolve over the first 3 weeks and continue to resolve until approx 6 weeks. Best,

How much will my breast size change after augmentation surgery?

Answers (7)

Answer: Breast size with settling

Answer: Breast size with settling

Answer: Breast change after surgery.

Answer: Breast change after surgery.

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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How much will my breast size change after augmentation surgery?

Answers (7)

Answer: Breast size with settling

Answer: Breast size with settling

Answer: Breast change after surgery.

Answer: Breast change after surgery.

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.