This is a highly relative question and there are many factors that will influence the answer based on how many hours per day you wear your corset and if you are also planning on combining your waist training with diet and exercise.
Best way for me to answer this question is to share with you my personal experience and results.
That said, when I recently recommenced my waist training and properly seasoned my corset, I noticed that my tummy felt more smooth and flat after just a week of regular wear. What is important to remember is that I only remove my corset when I go to bed, for my work outs and obviously when I shower. So, it is very possible that after only a week's time, if I were to stop wearing my corset completely, my waist may very well relax back to its natural state over a period of time.
Also, I incorporate my waist training with an overall effort to improve and contribute to a healthy lifestyle, which for me includes daily work outs and a diet high in protein and fiber and low to no refined carbohydrates.
Talking about working out, we've said it before but I'll say it again: anything more than a brisk walk in your corset should be discussed with a licensed trainer. But on the plus side, exercise doesn't need to be anything extreme. Lots of trainers suggest the "3 or 30" technique, which is to either try and fit in a 3 mile walk or 30 minutes of more intense exercise.
I would say that these additional measures (diet and exercise) are definitely the heroes in my effort to trim my waist and waist training is more like an added bonus in the process.
Happy lacing!
