Drop and Fluff
What comes to mind when you hear the term, “drop and fluff”? If pillows are what you imagine, you are not alone. But the phrase actually refers to a very important process that occurs after breast augmentation. Here, Dr. Donald Hause, a respected and highly sought-after breast enhancement surgeon in Sacramento, explains what every patient needs to know about “drop and fluff” after breast augmentation.
“Drop and Fluff” in Breast Augmentation
Immediately after breast augmentation, it is normal for the breast implants to sit higher on the chest wall than expected and to appear bigger and more voluptuous than they actually are. It is also normal for the implants to feel very tight as the skin and chest muscles are still adjusting to having foreign objects in place. Over time, the breast tissue and muscles will stretch and adjust, allowing the implants to “drop” and settle into their final position.
Once the implants have dropped into their pocket, they will no longer be restricted by tight skin or muscles and can fill out the pockets or “fluff.” The implants will mostly fill out the lower breast tissue below the nipple and take on a more natural-looking, “tear drop” shape.
The total duration of the “drop and fluff” process varies from woman to woman but typically takes between one and three months to complete.
What To Do As Your Implants “Drop and Fluff”
The truth is, there is not much that can be done to speed up the “drop and fluff” process. How long it takes your implants to settle into their natural position and shape largely depends on the material, shape, texture, and placement location (i.e., over or under the chest muscle) of the implants. For instance, implants placed under the chest muscle typically take longer to drop and settle than those placed over the chest muscle.
There are a few guidelines that you will need to follow during your recovery that will help your implants drop and settle properly. You must wear your compression bra and avoid wearing an underwire bra for however long Dr. Hause directs you to do so. Regular massaging of the breasts also helps relax the muscles and soften the breast tissue.
To learn more about breast augmentation, please schedule a consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Hause by contacting Sacramento Aesthetic Surgery today.
