Abstract: A method includes incorporating an optical fiber into a buffer tube, wherein the buffer tube has a first length. The buffer tube contains the optical fiber and a filler compound to create a buffer tube assembly. The buffer tube assembly is heated to an elevated temperature for a period of time, wherein the first length of the buffer tube decreases to a second length, such that extra optical fiber length is created relative to the second length. The buffer tube assembly is cooled to stabilize the second length and to retain the excess fiber length in the buffer tube.