It goes without saying that the most exciting aspect of breast augmentation is revealing the results. However, there’s a process of recovery after breast augmentation surgery that must happen before the final outcome, and knowing what to expect during this time can help you to understand how your implants will eventually settle into place.
Riding High
Immediately following your breast augmentation, you’ll notice that your breast implants sit fairly high on the chest.
This is normal and does not indicate the implants’ final position. During the initial stage of healing, the pectoral muscle is tightened as a result of the surgery, and exerts pressure on the implant which causes it to appear higher on the chest. Over the next several weeks, your muscle will begin to relax and the implants will begin to settle into their final position.
Drop and Fluff
The term used to describe when implants settle into the breast pocket is often referred to as “dropping and fluffing”. When the pectoral muscle relaxes, the breast implants will drop into a more natural, final position on the chest. As this happens, the implants will also spread out to fill the lower portion of the breast, revealing a more voluminous final result. This is what’s known as “fluffing”.
Settling Time Can Vary
Your breast implant placement will play a role in how long it takes to settle into place. The type of implant you choose will also impact the drop and fluff process, with anatomical breast implants often requiring less time to settle into place. One thing to keep in mind is that your breast implants may settle at different rates, so a little temporary breast asymmetry may be part of the healing process. The breast implants typically settle into their final position within 3 to 6 months.
Author: Dr. Joseph Castellano
Dr. Joseph Castellano is a native Floridian who grew up in the Tampa Bay area. After medical school and residency, Dr. Castellano returned home and has opened a practice in Tampa, Florida focusing on breast augmentation, abdominoplasty, liposuction, facelift, and eyelid rejuvenation. He is a member of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, American College of Surgeons, and American Medical Association
