Stage 7 of 8

Month 3: Drop and Fluff

Three months marks a significant point in your journey. Your implants have been settling and softening, and you're starting to see your true results emerge.

Understanding Drop and Fluff

By now, you'll have heard the term "drop and fluff" many times. This describes the natural process your implants go through as they settle into their final position.

The "Drop"

In the first weeks after surgery, implants sit high on the chest because:

  • Swelling pushes them upward.
  • Chest muscles (if submuscular placement) are tight and hold them high.
  • The tissue pocket hasn't fully relaxed.

Over 2-3 months, gravity and muscle relaxation allow the implants to descend into a more natural position. By month 3, most of the "drop" has occurred.

The "Fluff"

As implants settle, they also become softer and fuller-looking:

  • The tissue around the implant relaxes and moulds to its shape.
  • Swelling fully resolves, revealing true proportions.
  • The lower pole (bottom of the breast) fills out.
  • Natural breast tissue drapes more naturally over the implant.

At 3 Months

Most patients are very happy with their results by 3 months. The breasts look natural, feel softer, and have settled into a flattering position. Final refinements continue through month 6.

What to Expect at 3 Months

Appearance

  • Natural shape: Breasts should look and move more naturally.
  • Better symmetry: If one side was dropping faster, they should now be more even.
  • Cleavage: The space between breasts will have settled.
  • Fullness: Upper and lower breast fullness balances out.

Feel

  • Softer: Implants feel much more natural than the early weeks.
  • Mobile: Some natural movement is normal and desirable.
  • Less tightness: The band-like sensation should be gone.
  • Improved sensation: Feeling continues to return, though full sensation may take longer.

Scars

  • Scars may still be pink or slightly raised.
  • Continue scar massage and silicone treatment.
  • Protect from sun exposure.
  • Scars will continue to fade over 12-18 months.

Activity and Lifestyle

Exercise

By 3 months, you can typically resume all exercise including:

  • Upper body weights: Chest press, push-ups, and chest exercises can now be reintroduced gradually.
  • High-impact exercise: Running, HIIT, jumping are all fine.
  • Contact sports: Can resume with appropriate chest protection if needed.
  • Swimming: All swimming activities are fine.

Chest Exercises

When resuming chest exercises, start with lighter weights than you used pre-surgery. Your chest muscles have been through a lot - rebuild gradually to avoid strain.

Bras and Clothing

  • Underwired bras: Safe to wear now if comfortable.
  • Bra shopping: Now is a good time to be properly fitted for new bras.
  • All clothing styles: No restrictions - wear what makes you feel confident.

Comparing to Your Goals

This is a good time to reflect on your journey:

  • Look back at your pre-surgery photos to appreciate the change.
  • Consider whether the size and shape match your expectations.
  • Most patients find their results meet or exceed their hopes.
  • If you have concerns, discuss them at your follow-up appointment.

When to Be Concerned

While complications are rare, contact the clinic if you notice:

  • Significant asymmetry that hasn't improved
  • Hard, painful areas (could indicate capsular contracture)
  • Changes in implant position or shape
  • Any signs of infection (very rare at this stage)
  • Ongoing numbness or pain that concerns you