It’s no secret that our Houston plastic surgery patients are increasingly seeking minimally-invasive methods for sculpting their physiques; after all, CoolSculpting® has been one of our most requested treatments for years! This year, we’re excited to add yet another non-surgical option to our body contouring offerings: Emsculpt. If your New Year’s resolution is to slim down and shape up, find out how Emsculpt can help in today’s blog.
What is Emsculpt?
Emsculpt® is a non-surgical body contouring technology that tightens muscles and burns fat using high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) energy. (The name Emsculpt actually stands for electromagnetic sculpting.) It is the first non-surgical aesthetic device capable of burning fat while building and toning muscle, all without downtime, needles, or extreme temperatures. Furthermore, Emsculpt’s contractions are designed to flush out any toxins and lactic acid that may build up during treatments, making it exceptionally comfortable.
Does Emsculpt work?
At our Houston plastic surgery center, we see our share of cosmetic treatments come and go—which is why we like to wait before endorsing any new technology or product. But, in the nearly 4 years since Emsculpt became commercially available, we’ve been studying the device in-depth and can say with full confidence that Emsculpt lives up to its hype.
Consider the following clinical trial results:
- Muscle gain: On average, patients experienced an abdominal muscle gain of nearly 16% after undergoing 4 Emsculpt treatments.
- Fat loss: On average, patients were able to reduce their waistline circumference by 3 centimeters or more after 5 once-a-week Emsculpt treatments.
- Overall improvement: About 91% of patients reported an improvement in their abdominal appearance after 4 Emsculpt treatments, and 92% said they were satisfied with their results after 3 months.
But how does Emsculpt work?
By delivering HIFEM energy, Emsculpt induces what are called supramaximal contractions—contractions that are bigger than what a person is capable of accomplishing with exercise—to an approved area of the body. Essentially, a single 30-minute Emsculpt treatment on the abdomen or buttocks is the equivalent of doing about 20,000 sit-ups or squats. As can be expected, these supramaximal contractions result in extreme muscle tightening, as well as fat loss, since the muscles need calories to contract.
A single 30-minute Emsculpt treatment is the equivalent of doing about 20,000 sit-ups or squats.
Can Emsculpt help me lose weight?
Emsculpt is not a treatment for weight loss; instead, it is intended for individuals who are in generally good shape but want to increase the definition in their abdomen and/or bottom (think: an etched six-pack and tight, lifted rear). Emsculpt can also help target fat in a specific area, helping you lose a stubborn belly pooch or tackle love handles.
Remember: muscle weighs more than fat, so although you’ll likely lose some fat in your treatment area, this weight loss may be counterbalanced by healthy gains in muscle mass.
If you have a BMI greater than 29, you likely won’t be able to reap the full benefits of Emsculpt treatment, as your body fat will obscure your results. As an alternative, liposuction can help you slim down specific areas; if you lack adequate skin elasticity for liposuction, then a body lifting procedure may be appropriate.
Emsculpt vs CoolSculpting: Which is right for me?
If you’re researching non-invasive body contouring technologies, you’re probably wondering how Emsculpt differs from CoolSculpting. In short, CoolSculpting is specifically designed to spot-reduce stubborn fat bulges, while Emsculpt can help burn fat by building and strengthening muscles.
- Treatment method: CoolSculpting eliminates unwanted fat bulges with its patented fat-freezing (cryolipolysis) technology. Emsculpt uses electromagnetic energy to stimulate involuntary muscle contractions.
- Treatment areas: CoolSculpting is FDA-approved to treat fat on the abdomen, thighs, back, hips, flanks, banana rolls, upper arms, and under the chin. Emsculpt is FDA-cleared for strengthening muscles in the abdomen, buttocks, biceps, and triceps, with indications for the thighs and calves coming soon. Both treatments are approved for both women and men.
Our takeaway: CoolSculpting and Emsculpt treatments can often be combined to reduce fat and tone muscle. We often treat heavier-set patients with CoolSculpting first to reduce excess fat, then use Emsculpt to build + tone muscle and further reduce fat in the treated area. However, for patients who are leaner, Emsculpt treatments alone may provide desired results. If you’re not sure which treatment is right for you, don’t worry—together, we can create an individualized treatment plan to help you achieve your ideal results during a personal consultation.
If you want to tighten your abs or lift your booty while also reducing extra fat, Emsculpt is a better option than CoolSculpting.
How many Emsculpt treatments will I need?
Though many patients notice visible results from Emsculpt after just a single treatment, we recommend a total of 4 Emsculpt sessions spaced a week apart for optimal muscle toning and fat loss.
When will I see my Emsculpt results?
You should allow up to 3 months after your fourth Emsculpt session to see your full results.
How much is Emsculpt in Houston?
Emsculpt is approximately $1,000 per treatment at our Houston plastic surgery office. We offer financing options to make paying for your Emsculpt treatment convenient and easy. Also, be sure to check our Specials page regularly for discounts and promotions on non-surgical treatments.
Try Emsculpt today at Basu Aesthetics + Plastic Surgery
Looking for non-surgical body contouring in the Houston area? All Emsculpt treatments are performed by one of our licensed aestheticians who have extensive experience performing non-surgical body contouring treatments. Take the first step towards a new you this year—schedule your Emsculpt consultation online or call (713) 799-2278 today!
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