How long does it take for the implants to drop and fluff completely?

All patients should ignore how things look in the beginning as it takes time to see the final results. As a general guide, at 6 weeks post-op most of the swelling has settled and you can really start to appreciate how things are going to look. Of course, I advise all my patients that it typically takes 3-6 months for the breasts to fully settle into position and soften. Some people use the term “drop and fluff” to describe this stage which basically refers to the implants settling and the breast tissue softening. However, at the 4 month stage you really should be getting to your "final result". Basically it sounds like your implants are still riding up a little too high. If this is the case then you may require further surgery to adjust the implant pockets.Ideally you should see your surgeon and he/she will advise as to what if anything can be done. However, typically they would probably suggest waiting until 6 months post-op before undergoing any possible revision surgery.

Breast augmentation is the most common aesthetic surgery in the U.S as the vast majority of patients are extremely happy with their results. 
Deciding on an implant size is the most difficult part of the breast augmentation process.   It is important to spend time with your Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon discussing the perfect breast implant size for your breast augmentation surgery. 

Patients typically go through a cycle of emotions in regards to the implant size after their breast augmentation.  Immediately after the surgery your breasts and muscle (as the implant are most commonly placed under the muscle) will be swollen.  The implants will also be higher on your chest.  As time goes on the swelling will decrease, and the implants will drop in to place. 

Patients typically feel very large immediately after surgery, then miss the fullness when the swelling resides and then finally love them when everything settles. 

It takes a couple months for the patients to achieve their final results.  Over this time the swelling will decrease and the implants will settle.  As the swelling decreases the breasts take a more natural shape.  They also soften as the swelling decreases after their breast augmentation.

The majority of patients are extremely happy with their breast augmentation results; however, it takes time for your breast reach their final size and shape. Consult with your Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to help guide you through your breast augmentation process.  

Usually it takes about 6 weeks for breast implants to “drop and fluff”. It can take a little longer with IDEAL implants, sometimes up to 8 weeks. The implants will continue to soften and settle beyond this, typically it takes a full year to truly see the final results.

The complete process of the breast cavity relaxing and allowing the implants to assume their final position may take up to  6 months.  This process, sometimes called "drop and fluff", will not address the distance between your breasts.  Discuss possible revision with your plastic surgeon and good luck

Thanks for your question...Its hard to say without seeing you in person and your before photos. Some patients can take up to 6 months for implants to settle. You may benefit from massage however please speak to your surgeon before doing so. You can learn more on our social media (Instagram and Snapchat): @realdrsix.

Regards,

Drop and fluff refers to breast implants settling down in the pocket under the muscle and filling out the breast tissue at the level of the breast fold. The average amount of time for implants to drop and fluff is 6-8 weeks. However, there are a lot of factors that can make this process take longer. Larger implants will take longer to drop down. Patients who are muscular with lots of upper body strength will hold the implants up tighter and longer. Patients who exercise their chest with weights will take longer to drop. Also patients who do a lot of activity with their arms will take longer to drop. This happens because the chest muscle is attached to the arm at the armpit. Lots of repetitive motion of the arms such as sweeping, etc. constantly flexes the chest muscle making the implants stay higher.