“Drop and fluff” is a term describing the natural process in which breast implants descend and soften after breast augmentation, achieving their final position and feel. Because each breast functions independently of the other, it is possible for one implant to take longer to fully settle into its intended position. Don’t panic: this is totally natural and normal, and your second implant is likely to catch up within a matter of weeks or months.
Here, Eugene plastic surgeon Dr. Kiya Movassaghi explains the drop and fluff process, plus factors that may delay or prevent implant settling.
The drop and fluff process
Initially, breast implants placed under the muscle—regardless of which type of implant you choose—sit higher on the chest due to expected tightness and swelling. Over time, they “drop” into a more natural position and “fluff” as the surrounding tissue relaxes to accommodate the implant. Your breasts will be near their final position about 6 weeks after surgery and settle into their intended position between 3-6 months post-op. For some, this full process may take up to a year.
A slower-settling breast implant should eventually catch up
It is common for breasts to drop and fluff at different rates, and in most cases, a slower-settling breast will eventually “catch up” to the other naturally. Variations in anatomy are most often the cause of this, so you likely do not need to be concerned for your health or the integrity of your implants.
However, if you are concerned about your breasts’ appearance, we invite you to reach out to our office or bring up your concerns with Dr. Movassaghi during one of your post-operative appointments. We are happy to discuss potential remedies to help the second implant settle faster.
Factors that may delay implant settling
If one of your breasts is delayed in the settling process after augmentation, there can be several factors at play. Here are some of the most common reasons for an implant to take longer to settle than is typical:
Individual anatomy
Each patient’s body is unique, and there are several aspects of your anatomy that may play a significant role in how your implants settle:
- Muscle tightness. The tightness of your pectoral muscles and how they interact with the implants can vary from one side to the other. If one muscle is tighter or more resistant to stretching, the corresponding implant may take longer to settle into its final position.
- Healing process. The body’s healing response is not always symmetrical; factors such as localized swelling, tissue response to surgery, and scar tissue formation can vary from one breast to the other and affect the position and appearance of the implants as they settle.
- Breast asymmetry. If one breast is naturally larger, lower, or differently shaped, it can affect how the implant settles in that particular breast. Conditions like tubular breasts, breasts with significant sagging, or previous implant complications may require more extensive surgical manipulation, which can alter the natural breast anatomy and cause the breast to settle at a different rate.
- Tissue variations. There can be differences in tissue density and elasticity between the two breasts and variations in the shape of the chest wall on either side, which can either lead to one implant settling faster than the other or cause one implant to remain in a higher position.
- Scar tissue. Excessive scar tissue, often caused by repeated surgeries, can cause changes in skin and tissue elasticity.
Surgical technique
When implants are placed under the muscle (submuscular placement), the muscle should be released enough to adequately accommodate the implant; the extent and location of muscle release can influence how quickly and evenly an implant drops into place.
Different implant sizes
Although less common, in cases where different sizes are intentionally used to correct asymmetry, the drop and fluff process may also appear different between the breasts. The larger implant may settle faster because it is slightly heavier, or if there’s more resistance from surrounding tissues, the larger implant may drop more slowly.
Capsular contracture
Capsular contracture occurs when the natural scar tissue capsule that forms around the implant tightens excessively. In cases where this complication develops, the breast may develop an overly round appearance rather than settling into its intended, natural-looking position and shape.
Following all aftercare protocols can help promote breast implant settling.
The degree of capsular contracture ranges from grades I-IV, and in mild cases, it might be barely noticeable; the capsule may be somewhat flexible and allow some movement. However, in more severe cases, the capsule can become rigid and may require breast implant revision to correct.
Managing expectations and next steps
It’s essential to attend all follow-up appointments to ensure you are healing as expected and any complications that may occur can be treated as swiftly as possible to prevent them from impacting your results.
“Dr. Movassaghi is hands down, the most incredibly talented, kind, patient and concise surgeon out there. He is amazing at the art of surgery, and he and his team took endless steps to help me feel comfortable throughout my journey. I am so grateful. Better experience than I could have even hoped for.”
During your recovery, we will also advise you on how to monitor your breasts at home for signs of a complication such as hardening of the breast, pain, or atypical changes in appearance—please reach out in between post-op appointments if these symptoms occur.
At our Eugene plastic surgery practice, we pay meticulous attention to factors affecting your breast augmentation results before, during, and after surgery to minimize risks for a natural-looking result you are happy with.
Learn more about Eugene breast augmentationIf you have more questions about breast augmentation recovery or would like to schedule a consultation with a breast augmentation specialist, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Kiya Movassaghi would be happy to meet with you! Dr. Movassaghi is a nationally recognized expert in breast surgery with over 20 years of experience to ensure your breast augmentation is performed safely, your recovery is smooth, and you enjoy ideal results.
Please call Movassaghi Plastic Surgery at (541) 686-8700 or contact us online to meet with Dr. Movassaghi and his outstanding medical team.
