Do implants under the muscle drop?

At the same time, the implants will begin to fill in the lower area of the breast below the nipple. This is the “fluff.” The timing of this process is variable and depends on the patient. Generally speaking, implants begin to drop and fluff after a few days, approach their final position after six weeks, and settle entirely after three months.

At Park Meadows Cosmetic Surgery, we want you to know exactly what to expect after breast enhancement. It’s important to be aware that the healing process can take several months. Understanding the specifics of implant drop and fluff will help prepare you for your procedure with confidence.

What to Expect During The Drop and Fluff Process

Immediately after placement, your implants will likely sit higher and look flatter than you had anticipated. This can be a source of surprise for patients unaware of the settling process. However, it’s completely normal.

Implants are initially elevated due to post-surgical tightness in the pectoralis muscle. Tight skin can also contribute to lifted implant position. As the muscle relaxes and the surrounding tissues loosen up to accommodate the implants, gravity takes over to help them settle and fill out the tissue pocket. At this point, you’ll be able to enjoy a more aesthetic implant placement as well as improved fullness in the lower portion of the breast.

How Drop and Fluff Varies By Patient

The drop and fluff process is the same across implant fill materials and shapes. Saline and silicone implants, as well as round and teardrop implants, all go through these subtle changes in position after placement.

However, factors such as implant size and texture can affect drop and fluff timing. Larger implants weigh more and therefore tend to drop faster. Meanwhile, textured implants, which we don’t place at our practice, often drop slower and less far than their smooth counterparts. This is due to friction between the implant and surrounding tissues. Additionally, implant placement — either above or below the muscle — can determine the settling time.

Individual characteristics, such as breast size and chest muscle development, also play a role in this process. Talk to our board-certified plastic surgeons about what you can expect in your unique situation.

What If One Breast Implant Isn’t Dropping?

Breasts aren’t perfectly symmetrical. Because of this, it’s common for one implant to drop faster. Usually, the implant in the breast with more space between the nipple and the breast crease will drop first. Soon after, the other implant will follow.

Some things can be done to speed up this process. Our plastic surgeons may give you a breast band or a similar garment to wear to help guide the implants down. Massage can also help soften and relax breast tightness. Consult our team before you attempt any of these techniques, as they can be patient-specific.

During this time, keep an eye on the progress of your implants. If anything seems unusual, especially after six weeks, consult our surgeons. In rare circumstances, a hard capsule of scar tissue can form around an implant and require intervention. However, most women find that their implants settle into an attractive, beautiful position shortly after augmentation.

Contact Our Denver Breast Augmentation Surgeons

Are you interested in breast augmentation? Do you have questions about the procedure, including what to expect during recovery? Call 303-706-1100 today to schedule a complimentary cosmetic consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeons. Park Meadows Cosmetic Surgery proudly serves Lone Tree, Denver, and nearby Colorado areas.

While the name may sound a little odd, “Drop and Fluff” is an important part of breast augmentation recovery. The process occurs when skin covering the breast stretches and the muscles begin to relax. As this happens the implant will gradually shift down and outward in a movement known as the “drop. The drop is followed by the “fluff,” which involves the implant filling out the lower breast to create volume below the nipple.

The important thing to remember is this process takes time, and the results will not be immediate, so don’t worry if your breasts aren’t sitting perfectly. Be patient with your recovery and over time you will see your breasts take their natural shape.

The “drop and fluff” process

If you choose to undergo a sub-muscular breast implant, you will notice during the first few weeks of recovery that your new implants sit in a high position on your breasts. This is entirely natural and is caused by the tightening of muscles across your chest. As these muscles begin to relax, the implants will gradually settle and spread out into the surrounding tissue.

Of course, everyone is different, and the effects of the drop and fluff process can vary due to a number of reasons. These include; pre-existing pectoral tightness, firm breast tissue, and the size of the implant. However, the shape of the implant has no effect on the process, with the breasts continuing to take on a teardrop shape regardless of what implant is used. Other factors to be mindful of are the weight and coating of the implant. Unfortunately, breasts are not immune to the effects of gravity and a heavier implant will drop more than a light one, while a more textured implant may grip to the tissue and drop less than a smoother one. To help the process along, your surgeon may recommend you massage the implants or use a breast band to aid recovery.

As you can see, there are a range of factors that affect the drop and fluff, but understanding the process and the outcomes is an essential part of your preparation. Breast augmentation is a big commitment and it’s important you know how your implants will change and what you need watch for.

After the first few days your implants should begin to drop, and after about six weeks they should almost be in their final position, which they will gradually reach after three months. You should be able to tell when the “fluffing” is done as you can feel the implants above the inframammary crease, this means it has fallen into its pocket.

Many patients notice one breast has dropped into the correct position, while the other remains high and tight – this is no reason for concern. Breasts are almost never symmetrical, therefore the breast with more space allows the implant to drop faster, and the other breast will gradually follow suit. However, in rare cases where the breasts don’t drop at the normal rate, more serious issues could be occurring. If after six weeks the lower part of your breasts feels empty, consult your doctor. Possible reasons for breasts not to drop could be capsular contracture, or the muscle was not released correctly and is unable to make the pocket for the implant.

Breast augmentation recovery timeline

While every patient is different, recovery will usually take around three months, during that time, it’s important to be aware of what to expect.

Week one

You will notice the muscles in and around your breasts feel tight and sore. This is completely normal and is a sign your body is healing itself. During this time it is essential that you get ample rest. We advise dedicating the first two days after your surgery to recovery and arranging for someone to assist you over the next few days as even the smallest exertion could disrupt the healing process.

In these first few days, you may also notice a number of side-effects including bruising, swelling, nipple sensitivity, and general discomfort. To alleviate this, your doctor will provide you with medication.

You may also be required to wear a post-op surgical bra. The bra acts as a compression garment and will lower your risk of complications and certain side-effects, as well as speeding up your recovery. Your surgeon will advise you when to start and stop using this.

Week two and three

By this stage, most of the pain, swelling, and bruising will have subsided, and you should feel ready to go back to work, but your surgeon will be able to assess your recovery to make sure. While you may be feeling more mobile, it is important that you do not do any heavy lifting. Your body is healing, and your muscles need time to form pockets around the implants. If these instructions are not followed correctly, damage could be done to the surrounding tissue, requiring corrective surgery in the future.

After about three weeks most side-effects should have subsided, but you may still experience some swelling and soreness. You will also begin to feel more energetic. This is a great sign; it means you can return to your daily routine and start light exercise, such as walking. However physical exertions should still be avoided.

Week four and five

At this point, the swelling should have subsided, giving you a good idea of what the final results will be. While your body is still healing, the majority of physical changes will be complete and most of the skin, muscles, and tissues will have recovered. Remember if you do wish to resume more demanding tasks, ask your surgeon first.

Week six to month three

Over this period the final shape of your breasts will form, and by the end of month three, the implants should be fully settled. It’s a long process, but the results are worth it so be patient with your body and let it heal.

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