Swelling varies between patient to patient. We typically don’t get swelling as a feedback with the CoolAdvantage applicators.
Most patient are numb in the area for several weeks. CoolSculpting results can take anywhere between 3-4 months.
Even if you do experience swelling, it probably won’t be enough for anyone to notice. (Robert G. Aycock, MD, FACS, Bay Area Plastic Surgeon)
To be honest, the exact duration of swelling is unpredictable.
In general, the newer handpiece produce less swelling. Some people experience swelling for a week while others say they felt swollen for a month.
Earliest results were seen in 3 weeks but that doesn’t seem typical.
We see more people report results after 3 months or so. Justin Harper, M. D. (Justin Harper, MD, Columbus Physician)
Inner thighs
Swelling can be variable with Coolsculpting. Generally swelling lasts 2 or 3 days. Inner thighs are less likely to swell than an Abdomen.
Results may take between 6-12 weeks to show, and sometimes inner thighs may need a repeat treatment. (Elisabeth Dancey, BM, BCAM, London Physician)
Most swelling subsides within the first couple weeks, being that you will be almost a month away from your event you should be ok! (Janet Allenby, DO, Delray Beach Dermatologic Surgeon)
Swelling does not always develop after a CoolSculpting treatment, but if it does, I find it generally only lasts for a matter of days and it is usually fairly mild. (Michael I. Echavez, MD, San Francisco Facial Plastic Surgeon)
Swelling after Coolsculpting
In my experience, most patients do not experience a great deal of swelling, however it can be a side effect of treatment. It is typically minimal and short in duration. (Alan N. Larsen, MD, Atlanta Plastic Surgeon)
Swelling usually subsides in 1-2 weeks if it occurs at all. Talk to your CS specialist about whether using cold compresses, a compression garment, and supplements like Arnica or Bromelain can expedite the resolution–also effective for any bruising.
The newer applicators have less suction, pain and shorter treatment times–generally I am seeing less swelling & bruising with them. (Vaishali B. Doolabh, MD, FACS, Jacksonville Plastic Surgeon)
Swelling after CoolSculpting
Mild bruising, swelling, redness, cramping and pain may occur in the treated area even although it is not that common, if it occurs it should not last more than 1-2 weeks. (Rafael Gottenger, MD, Miami Plastic Surgeon)
Swelling after coolsculpting
In my experience with Coolsculpting patients will experience mild swelling lasting around the 1 week mark. The swelling is very minimal. (Mahmood Kara, MD, Toronto Plastic Surgeon)
Up to a month
some people get no swelling with Coolsculpting but some people may have swelling and numbness that can last up to a month. We are getting significantly less swelling with the new flat panel CoolSculpting. Good luck with your treatment!. (Hung William Song, MD, Oakland Physician)
Swelling should be gone, but results may not show up yet
The good news is, all swelling, if you experience any in the first place, should dissipate far before your 3 weeks post treatment mark. When swelling does occur, it usually lasts, at most, a week. Even better news: the thigh area is less likely to swell than the abdomen.
The bad news is, 3.5 weeks may not be long enough to see your CoolSculpting results. If you are getting CoolSculpting for this event specifically, you may be disappointed.
While some patients may start to see a difference within 4 weeks, full CoolSculpting results take 2-3 months to fully appear. (Hadley Claire King, MD, New York Dermatologist)
There are 2 types of applicators that determine the outcome of swelling. You want to go to a “Coolsculpting Certified Practice” that uses the newest applicators, they are more effective, more comfortable and you get much less swelling”. That being said, you might have a week or 2 of slight swelling. (Robert F. Gray, MD, FACS, Bay Area Facial Plastic Surgeon)
Swelling and pain
Most people do not experience swelling or pain with coolsculpting . Those who do tend to post their displeasure all over the internet.
When you have a positive experience that is expected where as a negative one people like to express their displeasure over the internet. (Yelp thrives on this type of negativity) . (Drew Varano, MD, Washington DC Physician)
No swelling after CoolSculpting
Many patients experience very little pain or swelling following a CoolSculpting treatment, particularly with the new version of the applicators. Lack of side effects has no bearing on final results. You should expect to see fat reduction over the next 3-4 months. (Kent V. Hasen, MD, Naples Plastic Surgeon)
There is no co-relation of pain or swelling with the outcome so you not having any symptoms should not bother you. (Ramandeep Sidhu, MD, Issaquah Vascular Surgeon)
Each patient responds differently. It is not concerning that you do not have any swelling or pain. (Sanjiv Kayastha, MD, Albany Plastic Surgeon)
In my experience with CoolSculpting, most patients do not develop pain or significant swelling after a treatment. Having pain or swelling is not related to the effectiveness of the procedure. (Michael I. Echavez, MD, San Francisco Facial Plastic Surgeon)