Dropping and fluffing is a common term used when someone receives breast enlargement surgery.
It is an important term to understand if you’re about to embark on this type of surgery.
With breast augmentation being the most popular cosmetic surgery for women to undergo in the UK it’s important that the drop and fluff process is explained.
In this post, we will provide you with a guide so you have a better awareness of what to expect after breast enlargement surgery.
What is the Dropping and Fluffing Process?

If you have breast enlargement surgery then you will want to see the results as soon as possible.
But the results immediately after surgery may leave you feeling underwhelmed.
That’s because your new breasts might not seem the natural shape they should be and they might sit quite high on your chest.
It’s important to remember that this is completely normal.
There will be some soreness and swelling after receiving surgery which causes the implants to appear out of shape.
Once the swelling subsides your implants will start to drop and relax into a more natural position, giving you your desired shape. This is known as the drop and fluff process.
Does Dropping and Fluffing Hurt?
Initially, right after surgery, there will be swelling and tightness around the breast area. As you begin to heal the swelling will subside and your skin will become looser.
This is when the implants will start to drop and fluff into a more natural position.
What Does the Fluffing Stage Feel Like?

As your implants drop you will notice that your breasts will start to look more like their natural shape.
The fluffing stage of the process will allow your implants to settle into a natural position in your breast which will leave it feeling looser compared to post-surgery.
What is the Timeline for the Drop and Fluff Process?
The drop and fluff timeline can vary from patient to patient. Typically if a patient is quite young and has never had children then the drop and fluff process may take longer due to the elasticity of their skin.
Not only can the timeline vary for each patient but it can vary for each breast also. A patient may find that their breasts drop and fluff at different speeds, again this is completely normal.
Below is a rough timeline of the stages your breast go through during the drop and fluff process:
- 1-3 Weeks – Breasts will feel tight and may sit quite high around your chest. You’ll also experience a lack of nipple sensitivity with breasts looking more square and unnatural.
- 4-5 Weeks – Your breasts should be starting to drop and fluff with swelling and soreness subsiding significantly.
- 6+ Weeks – Breasts should be looking more natural with implants starting to settle into the lower part of the breast.
- 1 Year and beyond – Implants should be fully settled into the breasts and look natural.
Can You Speed Up the Drop and Fluff Process?

The drop and fluff process is a natural response from your body after receiving breast enlargement surgery.
As a result, there isn’t much that can be done to speed up the process but there are methods which can help patients during the process.
These include:
- Avoiding strenuous exercise for 6-8 weeks.
- Attend aftercare appointments as per agreed with your surgeon.
- Wear a post-op bra day and night.
- Sleep in an upright position to help prop breasts and assist with the swelling and healing process.
What Happens If Your Implants Don’t Drop and Fluff?
As discussed, the drop and fluff process happens at different rates for individual patients.
Factors such as age, pregnancy status, weight and type of implants can all play their role in the speed of this process.
If your implants have not dropped and fluffed in the space of 6-8 weeks then don’t panic. In most cases, implants should drop and fluff fully in 3-6 months.
This should leave you with natural-looking breasts that last for at least 10 years provided there are no complications.
If you still haven’t gone through the drop and fluff process after 6 months and you’re getting concerned, then don’t hesitate to contact your surgeon or cosmetic clinic.
They can assess your situation and give the best course of action.
New Birkdale Clinic – Breast Enlargement Specialists
At New Birkdale, we have performed countless breast enlargement surgeries for our patients so we understand this process better than most.
If you’re thinking about having breast enlargement surgery then we would be happy to assist you.
Our ultra-modern facilities here at the clinic allow us to complete such procedures with the utmost care and efficiency.
And of course, our recovery and aftercare team will assist you throughout the drop and fluff process post-operation.
Contact us today and find out about breast enlargement prices and more.