I keep reading that after breast implant removal, the breasts "fluff" up in time. What does this mean?

Question

I keep reading that after breast implant removal that the breasts "fluff" up in time. What does this mean??

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. When breast implants are removed, the overlying breast skin/tissue tends to contract ( "bounce back") to some degree.  This degree of contraction will vary from one patient to another depending on the patient's skin/tissue characteristics.  For example, the amount of breast skin redundancy and/or elasticity play important roles.  These changes that occur, often leading to an improvement of breast appearance in general, may be referred to as "fluffing";  keep in mind that this is a non medical term and not universally utilized.Generally speaking what breasts look like after explantation depends on several factors such as: the quality of skin elasticity (the better the elasticity the better the skin will bounce back), the size of the implants used (the larger the implant the more trouble you may have with redundant skin), and the amount of breast tissue present at this time (which may have changed since the time of your breast augmentation).Life experience since your breast augmentation procedure, such as pregnancy or weight gain weight loss, will potentially influence the factors discussed above. If you take these factors into consideration and apply them to your specific circumstances you may get a good idea of what to expect after the implants are removed. Patience is definitely indicated after removal of breast implants; it will take many months for the skin to “bounce back” and for you to see the final appearance of the breasts.Consulting with well experienced board-certified plastic surgeons in person may be helpful. The attached link (lots of before and after photographs examples) may be helpful to you as well.Best wishes.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

After surgical removal of implants the breasts may appear somewhat misshapen due to the loss of volume and swelling from surgery.  This takes several weeks to finally settle.  During this time it's important to closely follow your surgeon's instructions.  The "fluffing" refers to the shape becoming more stable as healing continues and swelling resolves.

Alan M. Engler, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

The term "drop and fluff" is a non-scientific term (ie, it is not the result of controlled, scientific studies) that describes a process often observed after breast implants are inserted.  Initially, the implants often sit a little high on the chest but than, as the muscle relaxes, the implants drop and develop better projection (since they are no longer compressed to the same degree by muscle that is relatively tight).  This lowering of the implants and increase in projection is sometimes called "drop and fluff."It is somewhat wishful to expect that the same thing will happen when implants are removed.  In this case (ie implant removal) the term, if anything, refers to the relaxation of the tissues that occurs during the first few weeks or months post-op.  The chest may be wrapped fairly tightly for a week or so; as this compression relaxes the tissues may fluff out a bit.But, ultimately, the most significant qualities of an explant are the loss of volume (from removing the implants) and, if anything, the dropping of remaining tissue, as it is no longer "held up" by the implants.You should of course go over all of this with your own board-certified plastic surgeon, who can examine you in person.I hope that this helps and good luck,Dr. Alan EnglerMember of #RealSelf500

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

The term "fluff" is used to describe the breast regaining its shape after implant removal.  Your result will be based on the size of your implants as well as the natural aging process.  Wear a good sports bra / compression bra as you heal to encourage a nice result.

I keep reading that after breast implant removal, the breasts "fluff" up in time. What does this mean?

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