Back to Blog

Q&A: The 8 Things You Should Know About Emsculpt

What is Emsculpt?

Emsculpt is a new device in body-contouring. It is the first FDA-cleared energy device approved to burn fat and build muscle mass. Emsculpt contracts muscles beyond what is possible through voluntary effort, yielding better muscle tone and enhanced fat reduction. The process works by directing highly focused electromagnetic energy to the area, forcing the muscles to contract to 100% and holding it there for up to six seconds. The average person, no matter how strong, can only contract their muscles to their 30-35% capacity for a fraction of a second. In response to these contractions, the muscle reconstructs itself, and fat cells in the area are eliminated.

What is Emsculpt recovery like?

Emsculpt is non-invasive and requires no recovery time. The treatment is a great option for many patients because they don’t have to prep for treatment or follow any kind of post-care plan. Some patients experience mild soreness, but nothing as intense as what you would feel from a traditional workout.

Are there any risks?

Emsculpt has been clinically tested for safety and efficacy through seven independent US-based clinical studies. In fact, on average, the following results were achieved in clinical studies on healthy patients:
• 19% reduction of fat
• 4 cm (~1.5 inches) loss in waistline circumference
• 16% increase in muscle mass
• 11% reduction in abdominal muscle separation (called diastasis recti)
• 5x increase in fat metabolism (apoptotic index increased from 19% to 92% after treatment)
• 80% patients with visible lifting effect of buttocks
• 96% patient satisfaction

There are a few contraindications that our team will go through with you during a consultation. The main risk is metal implants in body near the treatment site.

How is Emsculpt different from CoolSculpting?

Results from these 2 treatments are pretty different, and hard to compare. CoolSculpting it used to target stubborn fat, where Emsculpt is used to build and tone muscle. Patients looking for a more toned look (and who are already fairly lean) are great Emsculpt candidates. If patients want to reduce “pinchable” rolls of fat then they will likely be a better candidate for CoolSculpting. Most patients fall somewhere in between these two extremes, and that’s where the consultation process helps to determine which treatment the better option.

Does Emsculpt hurt?

No! Emsculpt does not cause pain or discomfort. Patients usually say they feel a “pulling” sensation. Our aestheticians have total control of the treatment intensity, so patients are always treated at a level that is comfortable to them.

What’s an Emsculpt treatment like?

At the first appointment, patients will have photos of the treatment area taken so that we are able to benchmark progress. We have treatment rooms equipped with a TV and healthy snacks to make the experience more comfortable. The first step is securing the applicator to the treatment area, then the process begins! Each treatment takes 20-40 minutes depending on the area.

When will I see results?

You will begin to feel results immediately after treatment. These will be small changes, like posture improvements of decreased fatigue during exercise. Most patients are noticing visible results around three months post-treatment, and maintain results with a maintenance plan. Clinical studies have shown that results can continue to improve for up to six months.

How long will Emsculpt results last?

If you work out once and never go back to the gym, those muscle atrophy, and the same is true for muscle mass gained by Emsculpt. You can expect to keep your results for six months to a year, but it is recommended that you keep these results up with a healthy lifestyle of diet and exercise. We also have special maintenance pricing after you finish your package so you can come in to maintain results.