Is it possible that I'm already seeing coolsculpting results after 1 week?!

Question

I had coolsculpting done on my lower abdomen last week with two medium sized applicators. The pain has been absolutely minimal -- Ive even felt comfortable lying on my stomach the whole time. It's definitely swollen but the swelling gets better every day. I think my stomach already looks smaller... is that humanly possible? Then again... maybe it's just not as swollen anymore and that's why it looks smaller to me. What do you all think?

Mike Majmundar, MD · Answer

As a high volume provider of CoolSculpting, we have seen patients state they have results even before the one week mark.  In general, this is very uncommon and most results are not usually seen until the 3 week mark and many people can take 3-4 months.

Peter D. Geldner, MD · Answer

I wish that I could promise CoolSculpting results in one week. That would be really cool! I would be patient, I think that you are likely seeing the swelling resolve. But anything is possible. Enjoy your results and please follow up with your provider. I'm sure that they would be delighted with your outcome.

Paul Flashner, MD · Answer

It would be unlikely that you are seeing a result from Coolsculpting in just one week, and I agree that you are probably just noticing the relative difference from the swelling going down.  Coolsculpting works by freezing the fat to a critical temperature until the fat undergoes apoptosis (cell death) and then it is removed from the body by way of the lymphatic system.  This process takes about 3 months to be complete.  We do have many patients saying they see beginning results at 2 to 4 weeks and we use a radiofrequency device to heat and manipulate the fat to accelerate the process and tighten the skin.  But it still takes at least 2 weeks to really start to see the meaningful results that Coolsculpting produces.  So be patient and soon enough you will see your new body taking shape.  Enjoy!
Best,
Dr. Paul Flashner

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

Coolsculpting is best when performed on an area that has an excess number of fat cells. For example, women say, "When I gain weight, it goes straight to my belly." That means that you were born with more fat cells in your abdominal area. It would be great to perform coolsculpting in that area to reduce the number of fat cells there and make that are more proportional with the rest of your body. Then, if you gain weight, it will be more evenly distributed over your body. It won't just "go straight" to one area.

The fat loss is permanent after Coolsculpting. You typically lose 20-25% of the fat in the area treated, each time you treat it. I have done it to myself and my staff. It is truly effective and has no down time.The results can be seen from 1 to 3 months.

Best of Luck,

Sheila Nazarian

The fat loss is permanent after Coolsculpting.  You typically lose 20-25% of the fat in the area treated, each time you treat it.  I have done it to myself and my staff.  It is truly effective and has no down time.The results can be seen from 1 to 3 months.

Best of Luck,

Sheila Nazarian

Frank Lista, MD · Answer

There is some anecdotal patient evidence to suggest that results can be seen in 1 week. However, we typically don't hear about patients seeing results for at least 1 month. This doesn't mean you shouldn't enjoy the results you are seeing! Congrats!

Peter J. Capizzi, MD · Answer

Usually after the treatment the area treated feels firm and swollen. When the swelling subsides and contraction occurs it usually takes 2 to 4 months for the full effect.  Of course, how intense the settings were and how many treatments (at least 2cycles) also has to be taken into account.

Michael A. Zadeh, MD, FACS · Answer

Based on our experience, ideal candidates for the CoolSculpting treatment see results in as little as 3-4 weeks. We have had some exceptional responders which have started to show results in 2 weeks after the treatment (myself included). It's possible that what you are seeing 1 week after treatment is a reduction in the swelling. Although, most people do not experience significant swelling after the procedure. Make sure you follow up with your treatment provider to check out your before and after pics. Best of luck to you!

Jean M. Casello, MD · Answer

Patients have reported changes as early as 1-2 weeks from coolsculpting.  Coolsculpting works by causing inflammation and than cell death/elimination.  It takes some time for this process to happen.  It is likely that you are seeing some decrease in the swelling from the inflammation.While we usually instruct patients that it will take 2-4 months to see results, some patients do see results as early as one month.

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Typically it takes up to 2 weeks for all swelling, bruising and tenderness to resolve and up to 3 months to see final results. However, many patients have started to see some results at the 2-week mark. I recommend addressing any concerns you may have with your treating physician. Best of Luck!

Melda A. Isaac, MD · Answer

It usually takes at least two to three weeks after your CoolSculpting session before your body has eliminated enough fat cells for results to be visible. While it is possible that you could see a decrease in fat after one week, your guess that you are just noticing a difference in the amount of swelling is probably correct. Nevertheless, your healing seems to be on schedule and you will undoubtedly be pleased with your final results. Two weeks after this first session you can go ahead and book your next CoolSculpting  treatment with a board-certified dermatologist.

Is it possible that I'm already seeing coolsculpting results after 1 week?!

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