How long will it take for my breast to drop and fluff?

I had breast augmentation 6 weeks ago and they seem to have settled but i'm unsure. I'm feel like they are too small. I have tried on bras and I measure into a 32DD as well as 34 C sister size (I was a 32a prior). How long will it take for my breast to drop and fluff? I also have a gap in between which makes it difficult to achieve cleavage.

Answers from doctors (17)


Y Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

Published on Jul 18, 2019

Congratulations! At first, it may appear that your breasts sit higher on your chest than you expected, and they may appear smaller than what you desired.

It takes several months after surgery for the implants to drop and fill out. Most patients will notice this in about 3 months.

I would recommend talking to the plastic surgeon who did your surgery because everyone's rate of healing and time to "drop and fluff" is different.

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Answered by Y Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

Congratulations! At first, it may appear that your breasts sit higher on your chest than you expected, and they may appear smaller than what you desired.

It takes several months after surgery for the implants to drop and fill out. Most patients will notice this in about 3 months.

I would recommend talking to the plastic surgeon who did your surgery because everyone's rate of healing and time to "drop and fluff" is different.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor David J. Levens, MD

Published on Apr 03, 2019

"Dropping and fluffing" is a non-medical term that has been popularized online, and it refers to the natural process of your implants gradually stretching the overlying pectoralis muscle (if "under the muscle") and /or the soft tissues of your breast and skin over the first weeks/months after surgery as your body accommodates the implant.

Many factors affect the process such as your own tissues elasticity and stretch characteristics (age, pregnancies, weight fluctuation), the pocket dissection/techniques by the surgeon, and the size and weight of the implants.

The "dropping and fluffing" simply results in gravity moving the implants downward, outward, and forward (more "projecting"). This process generally takes a few months.

While is it inevitable and generally makes your implants appear more natural, it can lead to some disappointment as they may appear slightly smaller or less fake.

Your cleavage gap is a function of your pre-op characteristics and can only be slightly lessened with careful expansion of your breast diameter at surgery, depending on the surgical technique and implant dimensions.

Answered by David J. Levens, MD (View Profile)

"Dropping and fluffing" is a non-medical term that has been popularized online, and it refers to the natural process of your implants gradually stretching the overlying pectoralis muscle (if "under the muscle") and /or the soft tissues of your breast and skin over the first weeks/months after surgery as your body accommodates the implant.

Many factors affect the process such as your own tissues elasticity and stretch characteristics (age, pregnancies, weight fluctuation), the pocket dissection/techniques by the surgeon, and the size and weight of the implants.

The "dropping and fluffing" simply results in gravity moving the implants downward, outward, and forward (more "projecting"). This process generally takes a few months.

While is it inevitable and generally makes your implants appear more natural, it can lead to some disappointment as they may appear slightly smaller or less fake.

Your cleavage gap is a function of your pre-op characteristics and can only be slightly lessened with careful expansion of your breast diameter at surgery, depending on the surgical technique and implant dimensions.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


"Dropping/fluffing" typically occurs within the first 4-6 weeks post-op. However, I discourage patients from passing any early judgments as a final result can take 3-6 months to develop.

With regards to the question of cleavage, it is important to remember that implants (placed submuscular) cannot create cleavage. They are centered on your native breasts by design. If your breasts are wide-set, your implants will be wide-set.

As always, discuss your concerns with a board-certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Answered by The Institute of Aesthetic Surgery (View Profile)

"Dropping/fluffing" typically occurs within the first 4-6 weeks post-op. However, I discourage patients from passing any early judgments as a final result can take 3-6 months to develop.

With regards to the question of cleavage, it is important to remember that implants (placed submuscular) cannot create cleavage. They are centered on your native breasts by design. If your breasts are wide-set, your implants will be wide-set.

As always, discuss your concerns with a board-certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Stephen Greenberg, MD

Published on Dec 06, 2018

It can take about 6-8 months for everything to settle and soften. As the implants and breast soften, it will be easier to obtain cleavage.

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Answered by Stephen Greenberg, MD

It can take about 6-8 months for everything to settle and soften. As the implants and breast soften, it will be easier to obtain cleavage.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Barry J. Kaplan, D.O.

Published on Jul 25, 2016

First, there is no such thing as "fluff"--breasts do not fluff. Second, the time to settle and normalize depends on your history of weight gain/loss, nursing, and genetics. That said, this can take 6-52 weeks. Lastly, the space between your breasts is not changed by under the muscle placement, only over the muscle--and that should almost never be done.

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Answered by Barry J. Kaplan, D.O.

First, there is no such thing as "fluff"--breasts do not fluff. Second, the time to settle and normalize depends on your history of weight gain/loss, nursing, and genetics. That said, this can take 6-52 weeks. Lastly, the space between your breasts is not changed by under the muscle placement, only over the muscle--and that should almost never be done.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Kenneth L. Stein M.D. FACS

Published on Apr 28, 2016

Would healing takes time, and you will change again at a two-month interval. Things will settle out after several months. Your actual bra size will change also.

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Answered by Kenneth L. Stein M.D. FACS

Would healing takes time, and you will change again at a two-month interval. Things will settle out after several months. Your actual bra size will change also.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Mark E. Mason, MD, FACS

Published on Apr 19, 2016

Generally, breasts have dropped and swelling has subsided by 6 weeks. Sometimes it can take as long as 3 months. I would recommend going in for a follow-up with your surgeon for reassurance.

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Answered by Mark E. Mason, MD, FACS

Generally, breasts have dropped and swelling has subsided by 6 weeks. Sometimes it can take as long as 3 months. I would recommend going in for a follow-up with your surgeon for reassurance.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Edward Domanskis M.D.

Published on Apr 15, 2016

The breast implants "fall" primarily if they are placed under the muscle over about a two to three month period. I still am recommending our unique imaging system as far as size is concerned!

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Answered by Edward Domanskis M.D.

The breast implants "fall" primarily if they are placed under the muscle over about a two to three month period. I still am recommending our unique imaging system as far as size is concerned!

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Tracey H. Stokes M.D., F.A.C.S.

Published on Jul 19, 2015

You are not alone. The majority of patients say they wish they went bigger. A lot of the initial post-op swelling is gone by 6 weeks so If you feel like they are too small now, you will likely consider an exchange to larger implants in the future. It takes implants 3-6 months to settle. If the implants are under the muscle they may be separated by the width of your sternum (breast bone). In any case enjoy the increase in size you have got for now and wait at least 6-12 months before considering revision to a larger size. Always use a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.

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Answered by Tracey H. Stokes M.D., F.A.C.S.

You are not alone. The majority of patients say they wish they went bigger. A lot of the initial post-op swelling is gone by 6 weeks so If you feel like they are too small now, you will likely consider an exchange to larger implants in the future. It takes implants 3-6 months to settle. If the implants are under the muscle they may be separated by the width of your sternum (breast bone). In any case enjoy the increase in size you have got for now and wait at least 6-12 months before considering revision to a larger size. Always use a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


You already answered your own question: wait. It is impossible to know whether you will be pleased. It takes about six months for you to know. Just tell yourself to forget about it until then.

Answered by Steven Teitelbaum, M.D.. F.A.C.S (View Profile)

You already answered your own question: wait. It is impossible to know whether you will be pleased. It takes about six months for you to know. Just tell yourself to forget about it until then.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Gerald Minniti, M.D., F.A.C.S

Published on Jul 15, 2015

It's been only 6 weeks so be patient. Drop and fluff, as well as narrowing gap take months. Sorry you feel too small. At least based on bra size, you've mad a big jump, possibly the furthest you could go. Remember, there are limitations to breast augmentation.

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Answered by Gerald Minniti, M.D., F.A.C.S

It's been only 6 weeks so be patient. Drop and fluff, as well as narrowing gap take months. Sorry you feel too small. At least based on bra size, you've mad a big jump, possibly the furthest you could go. Remember, there are limitations to breast augmentation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Paul Wigoda M.D.

Published on Jul 14, 2015

It usually takes 4 to 6 months for implants to settle and they will actually soften over the first year. However, while the position of the implant will change (lower) over time, the overall volume of the breast by six weeks is about what its going to be. The lower breast may still fill out slightly more while the upper pole volume will decrease. If you feel they are too small now, you will likely feel the same way after they drop a bit more.

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Answered by Paul Wigoda M.D.

It usually takes 4 to 6 months for implants to settle and they will actually soften over the first year. However, while the position of the implant will change (lower) over time, the overall volume of the breast by six weeks is about what its going to be. The lower breast may still fill out slightly more while the upper pole volume will decrease. If you feel they are too small now, you will likely feel the same way after they drop a bit more.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Stephen M. Davis, MD, FACS

Published on Jul 14, 2015

As a general rule the breast with implants will take 6 months to reach their final shape and position. Follow your plastic surgeons post-op instructions carefully and completely. Good Luck

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Answered by Stephen M. Davis, MD, FACS

As a general rule the breast with implants will take 6 months to reach their final shape and position. Follow your plastic surgeons post-op instructions carefully and completely. Good Luck

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Remus Repta M.D.

Published on Jul 14, 2015

Great question. Most of what it means for implants to "drop" or to "fluff" is relaxation of the tissues and stretching of the skin to allow the volume of the implant to occupy the pocket that was designed. In some cases, if the pocket was not created ideally, the "dropping" part takes longer and sometimes "freezes" in a location that is still too high since the breast implant capsule forms. The amount of time to accomplish this varies from individual to individual since tissues, pockets, and implants may be different. One to two or three months is usually the time range that most of this process occurs in. The gap between your breasts may be a pocket issue but also may be a component of how wide the implant is.

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Answered by Remus Repta M.D.

Great question. Most of what it means for implants to "drop" or to "fluff" is relaxation of the tissues and stretching of the skin to allow the volume of the implant to occupy the pocket that was designed. In some cases, if the pocket was not created ideally, the "dropping" part takes longer and sometimes "freezes" in a location that is still too high since the breast implant capsule forms. The amount of time to accomplish this varies from individual to individual since tissues, pockets, and implants may be different. One to two or three months is usually the time range that most of this process occurs in. The gap between your breasts may be a pocket issue but also may be a component of how wide the implant is.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Tom Pousti, M.D.

Published on Jul 14, 2015

Thank you for your question.
In general, it can take months for the patient to see the final results of breast augmentation surgery. At 6 weeks post op, you are still early in the recovery process and most likely, the breasts will continue to change as they heal and settle. I recommend giving yourself minimally 3-5 months before deciding to proceed with more surgery.
Best wishes for a result that you will be pleased with.

Answered by Tom Pousti, M.D. (View Profile)

Thank you for your question.
In general, it can take months for the patient to see the final results of breast augmentation surgery. At 6 weeks post op, you are still early in the recovery process and most likely, the breasts will continue to change as they heal and settle. I recommend giving yourself minimally 3-5 months before deciding to proceed with more surgery.
Best wishes for a result that you will be pleased with.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Andrew Trussler MD, FACS

Published on Jul 14, 2015

Breast implants when placed under the muscle may take about 3 months to drop and this can relate to breast implant size. Changes will still occur up until the one year period.

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Answered by Andrew Trussler MD, FACS

Breast implants when placed under the muscle may take about 3 months to drop and this can relate to breast implant size. Changes will still occur up until the one year period.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


John J. O'Brien, Jr. M.D.

Published on Jul 14, 2015

Hello, and thank you for your question. As a general rule we allow our patients to go ahead and get fit for bras at approximately 4-6 weeks following their procedure.it may take as long as 3-4 months for the implants to fully drop and settle following your procedure. I do not believe your breast will get larger. In regards to the gap between your breasts this may be due to placement and/or positioning of your chest wall muscles. I would recommend you followup and discuss this with her treating surgeon. Best of luck with your recovery.

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Answered by John J. O'Brien, Jr. M.D.

Hello, and thank you for your question. As a general rule we allow our patients to go ahead and get fit for bras at approximately 4-6 weeks following their procedure.it may take as long as 3-4 months for the implants to fully drop and settle following your procedure. I do not believe your breast will get larger. In regards to the gap between your breasts this may be due to placement and/or positioning of your chest wall muscles. I would recommend you followup and discuss this with her treating surgeon. Best of luck with your recovery.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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