EMSCULPT Non-Invasive Fat Removal & Muscle Toning
Build Muscle & Burn Fat Non-surgically in the San Diego Area
Art of Skin MD is among the FIRST dermatology practices in California to provide EMSCULPT to tone tummies and lift the buttocks. Dr. Melanie Palm is one of a few elite physicians nationwide to unveil this non-invasive, non-surgical, no pain approach to eliminate unwanted fat and build muscle. Dr. Palm serves as a clinical investigator, advisory board member, speaker and consultant for BTL, the company that makes EMSCULPT.
What is EMSCULPT?
EMSCULPT is a completely new device that is in a body-contouring class of its own. It’s the first FDA-cleared energy device approved to burn fat and build muscle mass. It’s a no-downtime, pain-free, non-surgical way to define the abs and lift the buttocks.
EMSCULPT contracts muscles beyond what is possible through physical training, yielding better muscle tone and enhanced fat metabolism. These results are backed by 7 clinical studies, showing fat loss as well as defined and sculpted muscles to the abdomen and buttocks following a series of 4 treatments.
How Does EMSCULPT Work?
HIFEM – High Intensity, Focused Electro Magnetic energy, meaning EMSCULPT produces magnetic energy that creates “supramaximal” muscle contraction. It uses a series of different patterns of muscle contractions during treatment to stimulate muscle work beyond what you can get through a personal trainer with strength training alone.
A single EMSCULPT treatment is the equivalent of doing approximately 20,000 sit ups or squats. This muscle contraction leads to building of new muscle mass (increased tone and muscle definition) as well as enhanced fat metabolism through lipolysis, or destruction of fat cells. EMSCULPT burns fat and tones muscle in the abdominal and buttocks region without pain, downtime or sweating it out at the gym.
What Results are Typical Following EMSCULPT?
BTL, the manufacturer of EMSCULPT, conducted 7 studies with over 200 patients on the abdomen and buttocks. The studies show how effective EMSCULPT is at burning fat and increasing muscle mass. They measured fat and muscle with imaging (CT scans and MRI studies), comparing photos before and after treatment, and measuring changes in waistline measurements.
On average, the following 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)
- 5 x increase in fat metabolism (apoptotic index increased from 19% to 92% after treatment)
- 80% patients with visible lifting effect of buttocks
- 96% patient satisfaction
How Many EMSCULPT Treatments are Needed?
Clinical studies with EMSCULPT for the abdomen and buttocks treated patients for 30 minutes, twice a week for 2 weeks, a total of 4 treatments. Typically, one treatment every 3-6 months for maintenance is required to maintain results,
Who is a Good Candidate for EMSCULPT?
Adults in good shape who desire more definition of their abs or lifting of the buttocks are ideal candidates for EMSCULPT.
EMSCULPT is well-suited for those who workout but just can’t seem to get a six-pack or a perky derriere. Good candidates are already physically active and adhere to a healthy diet and lifestyle.
What Areas of the Body Can be Treated with EMSCULPT?
EMSCULPT is FDA-cleared for the abdomen and buttocks. However, other areas of the body may benefit from increased muscle tone and fat metabolism.
Areas well-suited for treatment may include:
- Abdomen
- Buttocks
- Triceps (upper arms)
- Thighs
EMSCULPT Treatment FAQ
EMSCULPT is not painful, it simply feels like a series of strong muscle contractions. Thinner patients may feel EMSCULPT more, and decreased energies may be used during treatment. Many patients tend to instinctively smile or laugh during the first few minutes, then the body adapts to the rhythm of muscle contractions and it’s easily tolerated.
According to clinical studies, patients had an average of a 20% reduction in fat and a 1.5 inch average loss in waistline measurements following a series of 4 EMSCULPT treatments.
In clinical studies, patients gained 16% muscle mass after a series of 4 treatments with EMSCULPT.
No preparation is required prior to EMSCULPT treatment. As your muscles in the treatment area will be strongly contracting, prepare as you would prior to a rigorous strength training session at the gym. Empty your bladder and avoid a full meal immediately prior to treatment
An EMSCULPT treatment session lasts 30 minutes. Clinical studies on EMSCULPT were done as a series of 4 treatments total – twice weekly treatments for 2 weeks.
The area of treatment may be mildly sore, similar to a strength training workout. This may persist for a day following treatment.
No, the majority of patients immediately resume normal activities following treatment.
Some patients notice increased muscle tone of the abs one day following treatment. The roughly 16% increase in muscle mass and 20% reduction in fat were measured 2 months after the 4th treatment.
Yes, clinical studies demonstrate an 11% reduction in diastasis recti following 4 treatments with EMSCULPT. Diastasis recti is a medical term describing separation of the abdominal muscles. In extreme cases, it can cause a midline hernia (ventral hernia) or bulging of abdominal tissues. This most commonly occurs during pregnancy, as the belly increases in size to accommodate a growing baby. The increasing size of the womb stretches the abdominal muscles, leading to diastasis recti. EMSCULPT offers the first non-surgical means of improving diastasis recti.
Patients with significant fat stores may not be ideal candidates for EMSCULPT. The HIFEM (High Intensity Focused Electro Magnetic) energy used to power EMSCULPT penetrates to about 7 cm. Those with thicker fat stores may not get as significant of muscle contraction, resulting in less results following treatment.
Pregnant and nursing females should not undergo treatment with EMSCULPT.
Women who are close to menstruation may find that it comes sooner or cramping is increased/intensified with EMSCULPT treatments, therefore we recommend not undergoing treatment during this time of the month.
Possible contraindications to treatment include the following:
- Metal or electronic implants in the treatment area
- Cardiac pacemakers
- Implanted defibrillators
- Implanted neurostimulators
- Drug pumps
- Malignant tumor
- Hemorrhagic conditions
- Epilepsy
- Recent surgical procedures
No, but it is the closest analogy to HIFEM (High Intensity Focused Electro Magnetic) energy used to power EMSCULPT. TENS, (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) devices, produce small amounts of battery-powered electrical energy to stimulate muscle contraction. TENS devices are used to treat pain disorders.
EMSCULPT, on the other hand, is an extremely powerful device measured in Tesla, a measurement of magnetic induction often used to describe MRI imaging. EMSCULPT is capable of producing supraphysiologic contraction of muscles and is exponentially more powerful than a TENS device.
Yes, focused electromagnetic energy from EMSCULPT is considered safe. As mentioned previously, mild soreness similar to that after a muscle workout is twice-weekly and expected side effect from EMSCULPT treatment.
EMSCULPT is a non-surgical approach to high-definition abs and butt lifting. It has no downtime or pain, but requires a series of treatments and periodic maintenance.
Liposuction (liposculpture) is the gold standard of fat removal. At Art of Skin MD, liposculpture is a minimally-invasive surgical procedure performed under local numbing called tumescent anesthesia. It’s intended for areas of unwanted fat that are not responsive to diet and exercise. Liposculpture is capable of removing large volumes of fat in a single treatment but involves some degree of downtime.
Cryolipolysis,often termed “CoolSculpting” by Zeltiq, is a method of non-invasive fat removal that freezes fat, causing fat cell death and elimination. Like Vanquish, CoolSculpting is non-invasive and can reduce unwanted fat. However, cryolipolysis is a form of spot treatment for fat reduction. Larger areas such as the abdomen often require multiple applications, with each session lasting 1 hour. The fat is frozen during treatment, and must be massaged, as it feels like a frozen stick of butter immediately after treatment.
In a small minority of cases, cryolipolysis can cause significant discomfort following treatment, rarely requiring pain medication after treatment. Additionally, cryolipolysis is somewhat technique-dependent. Multiple applicators to treat a large area such as the abdomen must be stacked and overlapped to avoid irregularities following treatment.
Vanquish uses heat to lead to the permanent removal of unwanted fat. It’s intended for individuals who struggle with stubborn areas of fat deposition, resistant to dietary and exercise measures. It’s excellent at “de-bulking” or non-invasively reducing the abdomen and flanks simultaneously. It’s not a substitute for liposuction, which allows a greater volume of fat removal. However, for some patients who are not candidates for CoolSculpting, or who do not wish to undergo surgery, Vanquish may be a good treatment option.
Yes, EMSCULPT can be combined with non-invasive fat removal procedures like CoolSculpting and Vanquish to enhance fat reduction. For the buttocks, Sculptra, fat transfer or Ultherapy may be combined with EMSCULPT to shape and lift the derriere.
Fat cells destroyed by increased fat metabolism with EMSCULPT is permanent. However, weight gain causes remaining fat cells to grow, leading to possible loss of effect.
Muscle mass is not permanent, but likely lasts 6 months or longer. Periodic EMSCULPT treatments can maintain the muscle tone achieved from an initial series of EMSCULPT treatments.
A healthy lifestyle, including diet and exercise maintenance, is encouraged following your series of EMSCULPT treatments. An increase in weight will allow fat stores to accumulate. This may occur disproportionately in areas untreated by EMSCULPT.
How Much Does EMSCULPT Cost?
EMSCULPT is sold as a package of four treatments. Periodic maintenance with a single treatment every 3-6 months is encouraged. A single treatment of EMSCULPT ranges nationally from $750-$1500 per treatment.
Are there other technologies that work in a similar manner to EMSCULPT?
EMSCULPT is the first FDA-cleared device used to build muscle and burn fat. Its manufacturer, BTL Industries, conducted a multitude of clinical studies to show safety and effectiveness of EMSCULPT including tissue biopsies, ultrasound, MRI, and CT imaging studies to demonstrate muscle growth (muscle hypertrophy), increased muscle fibers (muscle hyperplasia), and decreased fat following EMSCULPT treatment. BTL Industries holds numerous patents to the HIFEM technology and its ability to effect muscle. Several competing technologies are set to debut in the U.S. including CoolTone (by Allergan) and TruSculpt Flex (by Cutera). There are limited clinical studies performed on these devices and therefore the safety and effectiveness of these devices to EMSCULPT are difficult to compare.
Why Choose Art of Skin MD for EMSCULPT Treatment in San Diego?
Dr. Palm is among the first physicians nationally to offer EMSCULPT to her patients. She serves as a national lecturer for EMSCULPT and has the knowledge and expertise to deliver appropriate and meaningful results from EMSCULPT.
If you are looking for an EMSCULPT expert in the San Diego area for non-invasive, non-surgical fat removal and muscle toning, call Dr. Melanie Palm at 858.792.SKIN (7546) to schedule your appointment.
