2 weeks later the results are starting to show- but one side is bigger. Will my 2 sides eventually even out?

Question

I had CoolSculpting done on my flanks 2 weeks ago. The procedure was extremely uncomfortable and afterward, I was in so much pain I was on the verge of having the office call an ambulance. I really thought I was dying. While I'm still very bruised, the swelling has subsided however, one side of my body is clearly smaller and shaped different than the other side. Will my 2 sides eventually even out, or is this an indication that I'm now going to be uneven?

Monica Boen, MD · Answer

I appreciate your question and I am sorry your treatment was so uncomfortable. CoolSculpting works by delivering targeted cooling to the treatment area, which crystallizes fat cells without disrupting the outer skin or internal structures. In some cases, this can mean one side of the treatment area might respond faster than the other side. I would guess this unevenness will even out in during the recovery process

Richard Gangnes, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Each person is different and will experience their own individual results from CoolSculpting. You may be able to start seeing changes as soon as 3 weeks after your procedure and may continue to see changes for months afterward. Being excited and/or anxious about seeing your final results is understandable, but it’s important to try to stay patient as your appearance changes. You should expect to be able to see the full results of your CoolSculpting procedure after about 6 months.

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

You will not see your final result for several more weeks, it is not unusual to see one side respond faster than the other. You may decide to have an additional treatment. Good luck.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. You may have some swelling for 3 to 6 months after Coolsculpting. Most patients require a second treatment 2 to 3 months after the first to see better outcomes. For best results with Coolsculpting, a combination approach is needed. I recommend adding radiofrequency treatments like Vanquish, truSculpt iD, Venus Legacy, and Exilis Ultra for skin tightening and Z wave/Cellutone for skin smoothing.If you still have specific problem areas that do not respond to non-invasive treatments, a VASER Hi-Definition Liposuction procedure with ThermiRF, Renuvion (J-Plasma), and InMode BodyTite may be needed to give more fat removal, contouring, skin tightening, and definition. I suggest getting a formal evaluation with a hi-definition physique expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Kent V. Hasen, MD · Answer

It's great you are already appreciating results from your CoolSculpting treatment.  It takes up to 4 months to see final results, so continue to allow time before judging your results.  I would suggest a follow up with your provider at 3 months to review before and after photos and determine if an additional treatment would be beneficial.

2 weeks later the results are starting to show- but one side is bigger. Will my 2 sides eventually even out?

Answers (5)