Do silicone gel implants drop and fluff after they settle? (photo)

Question

I had sientra 425cc textured shaped silicone implants done under the muscle 11 days ago. I am wondering if they are going to drop and fluff or stay the same? I'm hoping when they settle moe they will appear larger....

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.

Austin Hayes, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your surgery! Implants take a full 3 to 6 months to drop and fluff fully. You have shaped textured implants that Velcro to your tissues, so they will settle less than a smooth round implant. I would continue to be patient with the selling process and would expect that your implants will settle fully over the the next three months.

David Tauber, MD · Answer

After breast augmentation, the
breasts swell from the trauma of surgery and the tissues become
edematous. As the swelling subsides and the tissues begin to stretch from
the weight of implants, the breasts begin to settle and take on a more natural
breast shape. This is the "drop and fluff". Over the next few months,
as the edema finally escapes and the soft tissues relax, the final shape becomes
evident. This process is often asymmetric as the breasts
relax and settle at their own rates. It will usually take 3 to 6 months to see
a final result. Close follow-up with the surgeon is essential.

Jeffrey J. Roth, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the photos.  Only 11 days out, it is very hard to say anything about the final outcome.  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 drop faster than the other, also 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 also let them know your thoughts and concerns.

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Drop and fluff refers to post-operative period in which the breasts begin to 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.  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)

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Your implants will drop and fluff, a process that takes about three or four months. You'll see a gradual redistribution of volume, so that the bottom or your breasts round out for a more natural appearance.

Asif Pirani, MD, FRCS(C) · Answer

Your swelling will improve and this will alter the appearance of your breasts.  Textured shaped implants aren't supposed to change very much.  Your soft tissues will change and stretch over the next few months.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Congratulations on having undergone the breast augmentation procedure.  No one will be able to predict exactly what cup size you will wear or whether the breast will look slightly smaller or slightly larger in the longer term. Variables involved include the presence of swelling currently and the disputed phenomenon called “dropping and fluffing” that occurs after several weeks. In my practice, I have seen this phenomenon occur; the breasts appear larger as the implants "settle". It may be helpful to you to know that many patients, shortly after breast augmentation surgery is performed, feel their breasts are “too small” or “too big”, only to be very pleased with the longer-term outcome of the procedure performed. At this point, I would suggest continued patience and continued follow-up with your plastic surgeon.  Stay emotionally even keeled during the process of physical and psychological “adaptation” to the new body image that occurs for any patient undergoing body contouring surgery.Best wishes; hopefully you will be very pleased with the longer-term outcome of the procedure performed.

Richard Chaffoo, MD, FACS, FICS · Answer

Thanks for your question. "Fluffing" is a non-medical term,
but I think you may be describing what happens to implants as they settle into
their final positions and soften. It's not uncommon for your implants to still
feel high, swollen, and firm on your chest at 11 days after surgery. The
settling process can take several months, so patience is key! As your implants
settle, they may begin to appear larger and take on a more natural-looking
shape. If you're unsatisfied with their size after a few months have passed,
see your surgeon.

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD · Answer

Since the shaped implants are less likely to be deformed early on by the pectoral muscle, their appearance after surgery is closer to final outcome than is around implant that is not form stable. . I would not expect a lot of change.All the best.

Do silicone gel implants drop and fluff after they settle? (photo)

Answers (11)

More Breast Augmentation Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (11)

More Breast Augmentation Questions

What's the biggest size that you can start up with for breast implants?

What can I cover my incisions with to swim in the ocean at 3 weeks post op BA?

Breast augmentation scheduled for next wk. I take zolpidem 5mg (ambein) at night to help me sleep. Is this okay?

Implants over the muscle in thin frame with slightly saggy but deflated breasts?

Feeling a bit top heavy?

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

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS