Weight gain after brachioplasty & lift with augmentation. How long until I return to my normal weight?

Congratulations on your surgery and your recovery!  It will take some time for your body to return to your normal weight, as there is a period of edema and swelling at your surgical sites, which is a normal part of healing, as well as fluid retention and slow GI tract function that can transiently add to your weight.  With brachioplasty, the weight of your excess skin is removed; however, remember that you also underwent augmentation, which will add the additional weight of the implants used.  I counsel my patients to wait six months up to one year for their final results.  Your plastic surgeon will be able to address your concerns during your recovery and follow up period. 

So the inflammation associated with this kind of surgery can be fairly profound and leave you with weight and fluid retention for up to 3 months. It is the greatest source of disappointment in the early stages as people don't feel any different. The true result only comes from 3 - 6 months so patience is the key. Hope that helpsAdam Goodwin

Hi
It's not uncommon to retain fluid after surgery and typically after a few days the fluid should have started mobilizing and dissipating  assuming you have no confounding medical issues.
Pls make sure you see your PS to be sure this is nothing more than just a benign fluid retention which should resolve in a matter of a few weeks typically - especially as you get more active.
I hope this helps.....

Thank you for this wonderful question! I am always very careful to discuss with my patients the need to refrain from stepping on the scale following surgery due to the swelling and subsequent weight gain that takes place. Typically your swelling will start to subside over the first few weeks following surgery and will continue to improve over the next 2-3 months. I schedule all of my brachioplasty patients for a lymphatic massage at 4 weeks post-operative to help reduce swelling and learn massage techniques they are able to continue at home. I encourage you to follow up with your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon as he/she may have a post-care plan designed specifically for you that will encompass recovery and swelling reduction. I do hope you have found this information helpful and I wish you luck! 

You are correct in knowing that you have swelling and are retaining fluid following surgery.  This is the body's normal response to surgical operations such as brachioplasty, breast augmentation, and breast lift. Because of this, weighing yourself in the first few weeks after surgery is meaningless, since the extra weight is really not your actual weight.  It normally takes several weeks to two or three months for your body to shed all the fluid retained from surgical swelling.