Is It Normal for Breast Implants to be High After Surgery?

Short answer: Yes—this is completely normal. Implants often sit high on the chest right after surgery and “drop and fluff” into place over the following weeks and months.

You’re home from surgery, finally resting…

…and then you catch a glimpse in the mirror.

“Wait—why are my implants so high?! This doesn’t look right.”

Take a deep breath. This is one of the most common moments women experience right after breast augmentation or an implant exchange. And the good news? It’s part of the process—not a problem.

Let’s explain what’s happening (and why it’s actually a good sign).

Will my implants sit high after surgery?

Yes. This is completely expected.

In the first few days (or even weeks) after your breast surgery, your implants may look:

• Too high
• Too round or firm
• A little swollen, tight, or uneven

This is because your body is still healing, your tissues are adjusting, and the implants haven’t settled into their final position yet.

This stage is sometimes called the “implant honeymoon period”—where your body is still figuring things out, and everything looks temporarily off.

What is “drop and fluff”?

“Drop and fluff” is the term used to describe what happens as your implants settle and your body adapts:

• Drop: The implants gradually shift downward as swelling subsides and muscles relax.
• Fluff: The surrounding tissues soften and fill out, giving the breasts a more natural, rounded appearance.

This process typically starts around week 3 or 4, and full results may take up to 3–6 months, depending on your body, implant placement, and healing pace.

As the American Society of Plastic Surgeons explains, tightness and swelling early on are completely normal and resolve as the implants settle.

What if one implant sits higher than the other?

That’s totally normal, too.

Healing isn’t always symmetrical. One side may:

• Drop more quickly
• Feel softer sooner
• Look more natural ahead of the other

It’s not a red flag—it’s just how your unique body heals. Patience is key here.

When should I worry?

While high implants are normal at first, you should reach out to your provider if you notice:

🚩 Severe or increasing pain
🚩 Redness, heat, or signs of infection
🚩 Sudden, uneven swelling
🚩 One breast looking dramatically different after the first few weeks
🚩 No changes at all after 3–4 months

When in doubt, check in. Most concerns turn out to be part of the normal healing journey—but peace of mind is priceless.

What can I do to help them settle?

Your provider may recommend:

• Wearing a compression band or strap to gently guide the implants into position
• Avoiding underwire bras during early healing (they can interfere with the settling process)
• Sleeping on your back to prevent unnecessary pressure
• Gentle massage or movement—only if your surgeon approves it
• Coming to all your follow-up appointments, even if things look “fine”

🔑 The most important thing you can do? Follow your surgeon’s instructions exactly.

Every body is different—and what works for your friend or what you read online may not be right for you. Your provider knows how your body is healing, and their guidance is tailored to give you the safest, most beautiful outcome possible.

So yes, they sit high—but they won’t stay that way.

Right now, your implants may look too high, too round, or too firm.
And in a few weeks? They’ll look like you imagined.

They’ll soften. They’ll settle. They’ll “fluff.”
And one morning, you’ll catch a glimpse in the mirror and think:

“This. This is what I was hoping for.”

By Lauren Mitchell‍

‍Women’s Wellness Writer | Passionate about body confidence, real self-love, and helping women feel in control of their choices. Medically reviewed by an experienced cosmetic surgeon.