CoolSculpting: back is very swollen w/bruises, but my arms don't have any bruising, are only numb to touch. Did it work?

Thank you for your question. Not all treatment areas will bruise. The swelling should subside in 1-2 weeks. Results will take about 9-12 weeks to show. If you don't see any noticeable results, you may require a second treatment. If you are concerned, speak to your chosen provider. Regards

You do not need bruising and swelling for the results however the more swelling and inflammation you have typically does correspond for more improvement.  Best, DR. Ener

It is possible to have bruising after CoolSculpt.  The area around your bra is usually more susceptible to that happening.  It is not necessary to have bruising to have a great result.  You should start to see reduction in about 2-4 months.  Usually having a second treatment will allow you the best results.  The numbing will start to subside in the next few weeks.  Hang in there!

Thank you for your question. Having bruising or swelling is not an indication that the treatment has worked. All bruising and swelling can take up to 2 weeks to resolve. Please remember it can take up to 3 months to see final results. If you have any other concerns please follow up with your treating physician. Best of Luck!

CoolSculpting bruises have nothing to do with the results you will obtain. They are related to the amount of suction used, your particular susceptibility to bruising, whether you take aspirin, vitamin E, Fish oil, etc which increase the likelihood of bruising. Also certain areas like the flank and abdomen seem to bruise more frequently than others. Best wishes, Maurice Vick MD 

There is not a predictable post CoolSculpting seriesof events but the usual include some bruising(I call them CoolSculpt hickies), swelling and some tenderness which lasts for about 8-10 days.  You want to loosen that belt a notch and really don't want someone to tickle or touch in a treated area.   CoolSculpting does not affect nerves, so my suspicion of the numbness in your arms is that the pulling of the fat into the treatment cup probably tugged on nerves location in the armpit area and caused them to 'go to sleep'.  These will return to normal.   Lack of bruising or swelling does not indicate an inadequate treatment as long as there was a good pull of tissue into the treatment cup.  

Bruising and some swelling can happen on any area of Coolsculpting, which is more from the suction used during treatment. This does not mean you will not have any results. Different areas can react differently depending on which applicator is used and how it is positioned on the body, as well as what amount of suction was used. These issues will resolve on their own, typically around 10 days after treatment. Results start to show as early as 2 weeks and will continue to improve up to 3 months.

For Coolsculpting to be effective it doesn't have to be uncomfortable or have pain or bruising.  The arms work differently than other parts of the body.  Please consult an expert. Best, Dr. Green

Bruising is not an indication of whether the coolsculpt treatment worked. The swelling can last a couple weeks and then by about 1 month you will start to see the results with Max results in 3 months. Different areas respond differently to the treatement; swelling is very common on the abdomen and less common on the thighs, arms and chin. 

 It takes 1-3 months for you to see your optimal results. Bruising,swelling, and results vary from patient to patient. Just because there is no bruising doesn't mean the treatment didn't work. If this is your first treatment, you may notice you feel better in your clothes or  the area that was treated has less fat to grab. Depending  on your expectations and the amount of fat you may need more than one session of CoolSculpting. These are all questions and concerns that you should discuss with your provider.