It’s natural for patients to be excited to see their results after breast augmentation (mammoplasty). But you’ll need to have patience to see the final outcome, as several things need to happen first. Before you see the results, you’ll need to wait for a process called “dropping and fluffing.”
If you’re not sure what this means, read on to learn more about this process and what to expect after augmentation mammoplasty surgery. We will go through a rough timeline of what happens after breast surgery and recovery to help you plan and prepare.
For more information about breast augmentation mammoplasty, a consult with Dr Rubinstein can be a great help! Book your appointment to discuss your needs and expectations.
What does “drop and fluff” refer to?
The post-surgery phase doesn’t end with recovery; your breasts will also need time to relax and settle into their new position. Right after an augmentation mammoplasty surgery (getting breast implants), the breasts will probably appear swollen and high up on the chest. The term “dropping and fluffing” refers to the process of the breasts lowering and settling into a more desired position with time.
Over the days, weeks, and months after surgery, the breasts must gradually adjust to their new size and shape. It’s common for women to be concerned that their breasts are sitting too high on the chest and don’t appear as the patient expected. However, part of having realistic expectations is to understand that this is normal and, with a bit of time and patience, the breasts should settle naturally.
When does the “drop” happen?
During and after recovery from breast augmentation mammoplasty, a couple of things will likely happen. First is the “drop” of the breasts – meaning, they should lower into a more appropriate position.
When you first get the procedure, the implants will probably stretch the muscles, skin, and surrounding breast tissue. The tightness of the skin and muscle can press onto the implant, which pushes the breasts higher on the chest. Over time, as your body adjusts, the breasts should start to relax and stretch to accommodate the implant. This process typically takes around six months or up to a year for some women.
When does breast “fluff” happen?
This refers to the phase after the breasts have lowered, when the lower poles of the breasts settle. This happens when the breast tissue and skin become accustomed to the presence of the breast implant. The tissue around the implant gradually expands, and the lower parts of the breasts “fill out.”
At this point, the breasts may start to appear more relaxed and soft. The lower breasts should take a more rounded feel and appearance, as opposed to being more firm and rigid.
Timeline after breast augmentation mammoplasty
For the first few days, and even weeks, you should not expect to see the final results of your surgery. Your body will need lots of time to heal, recover, and resolve the swelling and bruising.
- After one to two weeks, your swelling should have subsided a bit. However, there might still be some swelling, and the breasts may be in a high position on the chest.
- Three months after surgery, most of the post-surgery side effects should have faded, and your breasts will probably be close to their final appearance. The breasts may have softened, and scars may have faded somewhat. But still, this might not be the final result.
- Six months after surgery, the breast should be almost or completely settled, and patients can start to see the final outcomes of the surgery.
Bear in mind that this is only a rough timeline that may apply to many patients. Your particular timeline, results, and recovery will be personal to your experience. This is why you should always speak to a knowledgeable plastic surgeon about your expectations and what to expect realistically.
Also, your timeline can depend on factors particular to your procedure, such as your skin elasticity and the size of your breast implants. Inserting large implants beneath skin that has minimal laxity will create more tightness, as opposed to smaller implants. In other words, the bigger the change in breast volume, the more your breast tissue must stretch to accommodate. Dr Rubinstein can assess these factors in your consultation.
Consulting with Dr Rubinstein for breast augmentation mammoplasty in Melbourne
Dr Craig Rubinstein is focused on quality and personalised support for every patient through each stage of surgery. His knowledge is based on decades of surgical experience, tailoring personalised augmentation mammoplasty procedures. So, if you have questions about what happens after surgery, the recovery process, or how long it takes to see results, Dr Rubinstein is here to inform and guide you. A consultation with our team here in Melbourne is a good place to start if you are looking to begin your breast surgery journey.
Further Reading about Augmentation Mammoplasty with Dr Rubinstein:
- Read Dr Rubinstein’s Augmentation Mammoplasty Page
- Read Dr Rubinstein’s blog about Breast Surgery Recovery Tips
- Read Dr Rubinstein’s blog about Motiva Breast Implants vs. Other Implants
- Read Dr Rubinstein’s blog about Breast Augmentation Size Chart – Implant Sizes and Cup Sizes
- Read Dr Rubinstein’s blog about How Much Does Breast Augmentation Cost in Melbourne?
- Read Dr Rubinstein’s blog about Small Scars After Breast Augmentation Surgery
Medical References about Breast Augmentation Surgery