Breast Implant Settling: What You Should Know

While we would love to play Fairy Godmother and make all your breast aug dreams come true with a swirl of a wand, the best results take a little time (and surgical skill!). So, understanding the journey your body will undergo after your breast augmentation is important to help you set realistic expectations during your recovery and the months leading up to your final results. This process, often referred to as “breast implant settling,” is a crucial phase of the postoperative period. 

Below, Little Rock breast augmentation expert Dr. Rhys Branman explains what you can expect during this time and shares a few tips to help the process along. 

• What “drop & fluff” means
• Why implant settling takes time
• How long does it take breast implants to settle?
• Breast appearance changes during implant settling
• How can I speed along breast implant settling?

What “drop & fluff” means

The term “drop and fluff” is the “bend and snap” of breast implant settling—it’s what helps make the most of your breasts’ appearance! “Drop and fluff” describes the process where your breast implants descend into a more natural position (the bend), and the surrounding tissue relaxes, giving the breasts a fuller and softer appearance (the snap). “Drop” refers to the natural downward movement of the implants, while “fluff” pertains to the bottom portion of the implant expanding slightly to fill out the lower breast pole, just as natural breast tissue would.

Why implant settling takes time

A higher, tighter appearance during the first few weeks after your breast augmentation is due to tight chest muscle tissues. Your pectoralis muscle naturally tightens when stretched out by the new breast implants, but over time, it will relax and allow the implant to settle into the ideal position intended by your surgeon.

See actual patients’ breast augmentation before and after photos »

How long does it take breast implants to settle?

You may notice your implants beginning to settle as early as 3 weeks after surgery; however, it’s typical for this process to take 6-12 months to settle fully into their final position. 

The timeline varies from patient to patient and depends on several factors, including: 

• Implant placement: Implants placed beneath the pectoral muscle (submuscular placement) take longer to settle than those placed above the muscle (subglandular placement) because your chest muscles need more time to relax and accommodate the implants.
• Implant size: Larger implants are heavier and may settle into a more natural position a little faster than smaller, lighter implants due to gravity.
• Individual healing process: Everyone’s body heals differently, and how quickly your body adapts to the implants will be unique.
• Pectoral muscle development: If you have more developed chest muscles, your implants may take a little longer to settle (particularly if they are placed below the muscle) because of the increased strength of these muscles. 

During your consultation and follow-up visits, Dr. Branman will discuss these aspects (and perhaps others specific to your body and surgery plan) in detail to ensure you are fully informed and confident about what to expect during the settling period.

Breast implants typically take 6-12 months to settle fully into their final position.

Breast appearance changes during implant settling

You may notice several changes in the appearance of your breasts as they are dropping and fluffing. Your breasts will gradually lower, and the exaggerated circular appearance of your breasts’ upper pole will soften to create a natural slope. You may be surprised at the size of your breasts immediately after surgery and during the first few weeks, as swelling and fluid accumulation can make them appear overly large for the implant size you chose. But the swelling will go down, and any initial firmness or tightness will soften, allowing the implants to blend seamlessly with your natural breast tissue.

It’s normal for your breasts to settle at different rates, so there’s no cause for alarm if they aren’t symmetrical for about the first 3-4 months or so. They will even out as you heal from surgery and your body gets used to the new upgrades. 

How can I speed along breast implant settling?

While the body needs time to heal and adjust naturally, there are a few steps you can take—only with Dr. Branman’s approval, of course—to support speedy breast implant settling, such as:

• Wear your surgical bra at all times (you can remove it when taking a shower) to minimize swelling and support healing tissues as your new breast size and shape form.
• Take a magnesium supplement; magnesium is a natural and gentle muscle relaxer.
• Begin breast implant massage about 36 hours after surgery. Gently massage each breast to keep the tissue around the implant softer, which helps reduce swelling and allows for the natural movement of the implant as it settles into its final position. Dr. Branman will provide personalized instructions on the appropriate massage techniques during your consultation and follow-up appointments.
• Take an Epsom salt bath once your incisions are healed (about 4 weeks) to reduce swelling and relax your muscles.

With over 30 years of experience, Little Rock cosmetic surgeon Dr. Rhys Branman combines artistry with precision to help grant your breast aug wishes while also meeting the highest safety and patient care standards. If you have more questions about breast implant settling or are dreaming of a naturally beautiful breast augmentation, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Branman to learn more. Please call the Cosmetic Surgery Center at (501) 227-0707 or contact us online today!