No, it’s not a laundromat service or the latest workout craze. The silly-sounding “drop and fluff” period following breast augmentation surgery is something every woman will experience after undergoing breast enhancement and is absolutely nothing to worry about. Here is what you need to know about this very important and very real part of the healing process.
Quite simply, the dual phased “drop and fluff” period is the time immediately following breast augmentation surgery, regardless of the type of implant, size, shape, and placement. Following surgery, the breast implants will sit “high and tight” on the chest, be very swollen, and appear to look small and flattened, often lending to instant buyer’s remorse. Relax. It’s important to keep in mind that this is very normal and completely temporary before the implants inevitably succumb to gravity and time, settling perfectly into their respective pockets and “filling out” quite nicely. Once the “drop and fluff” phase lapses, the result is a very natural-looking and feeling aesthetic. Here’s a brief timeline of what to expect during this crucial, post-op “drop and fluff” period.
During the “Drop”
Following surgery, subsequent swelling will subside in about 1-2 weeks, yet it will take a few months before your new breast implants will fully settle into place and feel more like a part of you. There is rarely any “instant gratification” when it comes to cosmetic surgery and breast augmentation is no exception. Once the surrounding tissues begin to heal and relax and the skin stretches to accommodate the newly placed implants, the implants will drop downwards and outwards. This is the end of the “drop” phase.
Feeling the “Fluff”
Over the next couple of weeks or months, the implants will begin to further soften and relax, as the lower portion of the implant will begin to project and assume a more natural-looking, “teardrop’ shape, irrespective of whether you decided on the “gummy bear” shaped implant prior to surgery. The implants will continue to settle in the capsule that the body inherently produced as a response to firmly support and secure the new implants. It’s during this welcoming “fluff” phase that you should continue to massage your implants to further assist them into their breast pockets. The term was derived from the practice of “fluffing a pillow,” as the feathers or foam inside a pillow expand and, well, “fluff” when you pat, shape, and smooth them.
The entire “drop and fluff” period takes approximately 3-6 months, with the final result locked into place once the implants fully settle into their respective pockets and the internal sutures and capsule created by the body to form around the implant for support are finalized. This is when a woman begins to finally feel excited about her brand-new beauty investment. It’s also why it’s advised to not make any impulsive bra buys before the “drop and fluff” phase has passed. The size and shape of your new implants will transform dramatically from the first days following surgery to when the final result is revealed months later. You should feel more at ease with each passing week as the healing and fluffing continue. It should also be noted that it is during the “drop and fluff” phase that the implants will begin to appear larger, softer, and more malleable.
Final Tips for Enduring the “Drop and Fluff” Phenomenon
As with any cosmetic procedure, it is important to practice patience and keep an open mind. While the decision to undergo any type of cosmetic surgery induces a mix of excitement and anxiety, it is imperative to keep educated and, ahem, abreast, of what to expect before, during, and after your surgery. Your best bet is to consult your doctor regarding the best recovery steps to take to ensure the most desired outcome. But, don’t panic! And, don’t make any pricy lingerie purchases before everything falls into place. You should also wait at least one year before determining if a revision surgery is indeed necessary, but most likely you’ll be over the moon with your new look.
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Contact our office for more information about how to treat gynecomastia. Dr. Jaime Schwartz, a board-certified plastic surgeon, will talk to you about your needs and help you achieve your aesthetic goals.
