Drop and Fluff: The Recovery Timeline of Your Breast Augmentation

For those who are just beginning their breast augmentation research process, the term “drop and fluff” may seem a tad strange. In the context of breast augmentation, “drop and fluff” refers to the recovery process following a breast augmentation surgery.

Often times (and understandably so), many breast augmentation surgery patients are anxious to remove the bandages and for the swelling to subside following their procedure, only to see that their breasts are not the exact match of the image they had in mind before going in for their operation. They may ask why their breasts appear small and high on their chest. In these scenarios, there is no need to panic as this is completely normal and to be expected. The process is not over just yet!

Your breast implants will initially sit higher and appear smaller immediately after surgery because they have not yet had the time they need to drop and settle. Breast augmentation surgery is not an immediate makeover but rather a journey before your final results can show for themselves.

What Does “Drop and Fluff” Mean?

The “drop” portion of the term “drop and fluff” means just what it implies– your breast implants will fall into a lower position with time.

Dropping will occur whether you opt to receive saline or silicone implants in a round or teardrop shape. Initially, your breast tissue will compress the implants and keep them flat and high on your chest but as your breast tissue better conforms to the size and shape of your implants, gravity will take hold and they will begin to expand and descend lower on your chest.

Once your breast tissue relaxes, your implants will begin settling into their proper place on your chest and take on a better shape. They will expand and “fluff” into the fuller breasts that you were seeking when you initially started your journey.

Is It Possible To Speed Up The Process?

The answer to this is dependant on a variety of factors. Though massage and medication may help speed up the drop and fluff process, other factors such as implant placement (under or over the muscle), texture, shape, and type will play a larger role.

For instance, round-shaped implants will usually take longer to settle into their final position, as well as implants placed under the muscle. Patients who are athletic and have developed muscles in this area are also expected to experience a longer drop and fluff process because the muscle is less pliable.

The Drop and Fluff Timeline

During your breast augmentation recovery, most patients can expect the following timeline:

Week One

It is crucial to follow the instructions provided to you by your surgeon when you are recovering. It is very likely that you will be advised to rest for the first two days after your operation.

You can expect a feeling of soreness and tightness in and around the muscles of your breasts. This is normal as the body is beginning to heal the tissue. It is ideal if you can arrange for someone to assist you in the first few days of recovery as you may have difficulty performing small tasks that can disturb the healing process.

During the first couple of days, you can also expect to experience a few side effects including general discomfort, pain, swelling, bruising, and nipple sensitivity. The effects of swelling can be offset with the use of ice packs.

Your surgeon will provide you with instructions that pertain to the use of over-the-counter painkillers or prescribe higher strength medication (if necessary). You may also be instructed to wear a post-op surgical bra in the form of an elastic compression garment for several weeks after your surgery.

Weeks 2 to 3

After the first week, you can expect that most of the bruising and pain to disappear, and swelling will also start to dissipate. In this stage of the recovery process, many patients are able to return to work and their normal activities as long as they do not involve physical exertion, though it is a good idea to consult with your surgeon beforehand.

For the first 3 weeks after surgery, it is important that patients avoid physical activity and heavy lifting. This will allow pockets to form around the implants and will prevent pulling the edge of the muscle. The disobedience of these instructions may lead to problems in the future that can potentially require revision procedures, which is obviously not ideal.

Around the second to third week of recovery, most of your side effects should be gone but you may still be swollen or sore. Your energy levels should increase and you should also be able to return to most of your daily regimen.

During this time, it is generally recommended that you take light walks as it allows for circulation, but still avoid any activity that requires physical exertion especially those that involve the chest muscles.

Week 4 to 5

During week 4 to 5 of recovery, the swelling will usually subside and you should begin to have a better idea of how your final results will appear.

At this point, your breasts are still adjusting to the implants as they continue to heal. Most of the skin, fatty tissue, and muscle will have recovered. Before resuming any physically demanding tasks, we recommend speaking to your surgeon.

Week 6 to 12

Between Weeks 6 to 12 out of surgery, the tissue surrounding the implants will have healed and swelling should have also subsided. The final shape of your breasts will take form and your scars will begin to fade.

By the third month (12 weeks out), the implants should be fully settled. While you are waiting, it is important to be patient! Everybody is different and your body will take the appropriate amount of time it needs to properly adjust to this change. Don’t jump to conclusions about your final results until the initial first months have passed.

Optimal Results

Once your recovery is complete, your breasts should appear natural as the implants settle into their proper position that project a firm, youthful, and large breast contour. Your incisions will fade to pink and then become closer to your normal skin tone.

If you are interested in learning more about the drop and fluff timeline or wish to learn more about breast augmentation in general, contact McLean Clinic to book your private one on one consultation in the privacy of our Mississauga office today!