The term “implant drop” or “settling” describes the natural process following breast augmentation surgery where the implants descend into a more aesthetically pleasing, natural position. Immediately after the procedure, implants often appear high and firm due to post-surgical factors. The goal of this settling, often called “drop and fluff,” is to achieve a softer, rounder contour. Patients frequently seek methods, including prescribed muscle relaxers, to expedite this process.
The Natural Process of Implant Settling
The initial high position of a new implant is largely due to the body’s reaction to the surgery itself. The surrounding tissues are tight and stretched, while swelling further contributes to the elevated appearance. This effect is especially noticeable with submuscular placement, where the chest muscle is stretched and irritated by the implant, causing it to tense up and hold the implant higher against the chest wall.
Over time, the muscle and tissue must relax and adapt to create a proper pocket. The settling process is gradual, typically beginning a few weeks after surgery as swelling subsides. Most patients observe significant “drop and fluff” between six weeks and six months post-operation, though final settling can continue for up to a full year.
How Muscle Relaxers Work After Surgery
Muscle relaxers are commonly prescribed in the immediate post-operative period following submuscular breast augmentation. Their primary medical purpose is to manage pain and alleviate muscle spasms. Stretching the pectoral muscle during implant insertion often causes cramping and tightness.
Muscle relaxers work by acting on the central nervous system to reduce skeletal muscle tension, minimizing this intense discomfort. By easing the spasm, they reduce the pressure-type pain characteristic of submuscular placement. They are incorporated into a pain management regimen alongside other medications, primarily for patient comfort and preventing involuntary muscle contraction.
Medical Consensus on Relaxers and Implant Position
The belief that muscle relaxers directly expedite implant drop is not a universally accepted medical protocol. While these medications reduce pectoral muscle tension, the final descent relies on factors beyond muscle relaxation alone. Settling is a phenomenon of soft tissue expansion, where the skin and breast tissue stretch to accommodate the implant. Gravity, the resolution of surgical swelling, and the formation of a soft capsule around the implant are the primary drivers of the “drop and fluff” process.
Some surgeons prescribe relaxers for a longer period hoping to aid descent, but this is often based on individual preference rather than strong clinical evidence. Other practitioners feel that reducing muscle spasm helps prevent initial implant displacement, indirectly supporting a better final result. However, the muscle relaxant’s role is generally considered solely for patient comfort. Over-reliance on medication to force positional change is discouraged due to potential side effects like drowsiness or dependence.
Established Methods to Encourage Implant Drop
The most consistent and proven methods to encourage implant settling are non-pharmacological, focusing on physical manipulation and external support. One frequently recommended technique is post-operative massage, which involves gently pushing the implant downward. These exercises help stretch the tissues and the muscle pocket, encouraging the implant to migrate to its intended position.
Another established technique involves the use of a compression garment, specifically a stabilizer band. This elastic strap is worn across the top of the chest, applying continuous pressure to the upper pole of the breasts. The band physically guides the implant downward and helps to flatten the initial upper fullness. Adherence to the surgeon’s post-operative instructions, including wearing the surgical bra and avoiding strenuous upper-body activity, is also paramount. These guidelines ensure the healing environment is optimal for natural tissue relaxation and proper pocket formation and are considered the most effective way to influence the implant’s final settled position.