How Does EMsculpt Work And Is It Safe?

Looking for a way to enhance your workouts and tone your muscles without the sweat? EMsculpt might be the answer! This non-invasive treatment is gaining popularity for reducing fat and toning muscles.

Imagine doing 20,000 sit-ups or squats in just 30 minutes. This is the equivalent of muscle contractions EMsculpt can deliver.

At Sculpt and Skin by Amber Jasper, we get it. Sometimes, diet and exercise alone just don't cut it. That's where EMsculpt comes in. It targets fat loss and muscle enhancement, giving you the body you've always wanted. 

Why EMsculpt Stands Out in Body Contouring 

EM Sculpt is a non-invasive body contouring treatment that simultaneously burns fat and builds muscle using high-intensity focused electromagnetic energy. Each session lasts just 30 minutes, allowing patients to relax comfortably. 

Unlike other body shaping methods like CoolSculpting, SculpSure, Zerona, and others, which mainly target fat and skin, EM Sculpt sets itself apart by enhancing muscle tone. This means you can achieve fat reduction and muscle toning in a single treatment.

What is EMsculpt?

What is the technology behind EMsculpt?

EM sculpt burns fat and builds muscle, enhancing your body's sculpted look. The "E" and "M" in EM sculpt stand for electromagnetic, which is the energy it uses to make your muscles contract.

The technology in EMsculpt is called high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) energy. This type of energy creates strong muscle contractions that are more intense than what you can achieve with regular exercises.

When your muscles contract this intensely, called supramaximal contractions, they undergo a process that rebuilds their structure. 

How EMsculpt induces supramaximal muscle contractions?

High-intensity focused electromagnetic energy affects skeletal muscles instead of smooth muscles.

When applied to the abdomen, this energy causes the rectus abdominis, transverse abdominis, and obliques to contract together. 

These supramaximal contractions lead to supramaximal lipolysis, where the body responds to high energy demands by breaking down fat cells. 

This process releases free fatty acids, which build up near the contracting muscles and cause dysfunction in surrounding fat cells or adipocytes. Lipolysis occurs mostly near the contracting muscles.

An EM sculpt machine can produce impulses without relying on brain signals. They do so much at such a rapid rate that the muscles don't have a chance to relax fully. Normally, the maximum amount of tension a muscle can develop and maintain voluntarily is called maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), which typically lasts only briefly. 

In normal muscle contraction, your brain sends signals to activate muscle fibres. However, only 30 to 50% of them are activated at any given time. This means that even when you think you're contracting a muscle fully, only a fraction of its fibres are actually firing.

The dual effect of EMsculpt: fat reduction and muscle enhancement

In essence, EMsculpt's fat-reducing effects stem from the supramaximal contractions it triggers, heightening the energy needed in the targeted area. This heightened demand triggers the breakdown of fat cells (lipolysis) to meet this need. Clinical trials have demonstrated that EMsculpt can reduce belly fat by 19% and increase muscle mass by 16%.

Moreover, the intense contractions induced by EMsculpt stimulate muscle growth, a process known as hypertrophy. This results from the muscle tissue adapting to the extreme conditions created by the supramaximal contractions, which enlarges muscle fiber size and overall muscle mass.

How Does Our Body Respond to the Treatment and the Process of EMsculpt?

Post-Treatment Process

After an EMsculpt session, it's normal to feel some muscle fatigue and mild soreness, similar to what you might feel after a tough workout. The soreness comes from the overworked muscles, which triggers an inflammatory response as the body starts repairing and strengthening the muscles.

The body starts to repair right after the treatment. You'll see visible improvements in muscle tone and fat reduction about two to four weeks after your last session. These improvements will continue to get better over the next few weeks. Plus, your body keeps getting rid of fat cells in the treated area even after the treatment.

Recovery and Maintenance

EMsculpt is a non-invasive procedure requiring no downtime, so you can immediately return to your daily routine. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water and maintain a healthy lifestyle to help your body recover. This includes eating well and staying active to get the best results. If you're committed to staying healthy and getting a few maintenance treatments, the results of EMsculpt can last a long time.

Long-Term Effects

Your muscles can stay toned and sculpted for at least six months or even longer after getting EMsculpt treatment. 

The eliminated fat cells are gone for good. But you must commit to a healthy diet and exercise routine to ensure those results stick around. Otherwise, new fat might start creeping back in.

Remember that these results aren't permanent and can start to fade if you don't keep up with a healthy lifestyle. That's why it's often recommended to have follow-up sessions every 4 to 6 months. This helps maintain that toned and lifted look in your targeted areas.

Safety Profile of EMsculpt

The EMsculpt is FDA-approved to strengthen, firm, and tone the abdomen and buttocks. It's also safe to use on the arms and calves, which makes it the only non-invasive treatment approved for these areas too! 

Plus, studies on HIFEM show that it can safely and effectively enhance the look of your buttocks without surgery.

Common Side Effects and Contraindications

While EMsculpt is generally safe and cleared by the FDA, it's important to know its common side effects and contraindications. However, the common side effects usually last a day or two. 

Common Side Effects

  • Muscle soreness

  • Redness and swelling

  • Occasional bruising

  • Temporary numbness or tingling

  • Lactic acid accumulation

  • Skin sensitivity

Contraindications

  • Pregnancy and nursing

  • Certain medical conditions like tumours, hemorrhagic conditions, epilepsy, or recent surgeries

  • Women close to or on their menstruation may experience increased cramping or cause it to come sooner.  

  • Patients with significant fat stores may not be ideal candidates for EMsculpt. HIFEM energy may not penetrate deeply enough to achieve significant muscle contraction, resulting in less noticeable results

How to Lessen the Side Effects of EMsculpt?

To reduce the abovementioned side effects of EMsculpt, consider the following tips:

Before Your Treatment

  • Hydration: Make sure you're well-hydrated before your session. Drinking plenty of water can help manage muscle soreness and aid recovery.

  • Discuss Medications: Inform your provider about any medications or supplements you take, as some may increase the risk of bruising.

Immediately After Your Treatment

  • Cold Compress: Applying a cold compress to the treated area can reduce swelling and redness. Follow your practitioner's advice to avoid affecting the treatment's effectiveness.

  • Gentle Massage: Lightly massaging the treated area can improve blood flow and reduce soreness or stiffness.

Post-Treatment Care

  • Stay Hydrated: Drink water to flush out lactic acid and reduce muscle soreness.

  • Light Activity: Engage in gentle activities to keep the muscles moving and reduce stiffness. Avoid intense exercise if it feels uncomfortable.

  • Warm Baths: A warm bath can soothe sore muscles and reduce discomfort. Adding Epsom salts may further aid muscle relaxation.

  • Over-the-counter Pain Relief: Consider using acetaminophen for soreness. Avoid NSAIDs like ibuprofen, as they might interfere with the muscle adaptation process.

  • Proper Nutrition: Eat a balanced diet of proteins, vitamins, and minerals to support muscle repair and recovery.

  • Follow-Up Sessions: Stick to your treatment schedule to help your body adapt to the procedure and reduce side effects over time.

Addressing Safety Concerns

  • EMsculpt employs low-frequency, high-intensity electromagnetic energy. This is safe, unlike high-frequency electromagnetic sources from X-rays, which can potentially damage DNA. The energy levels used in EMsculpt are much lower than those considered safe for MRI scans, ensuring patient safety.

  • While there is still limited long-term safety data available for EMSculpt, it has been used in Europe for the longest time. So far, there aren't any reported safety issues. Ongoing research will further evaluate its long-term effects.

  • A German study looked into the safety and effectiveness of HIFEM procedures with an EMsculpt device on the abdomen and/or buttocks. They studied 14 patients and found no major issues or complications related to the treatment. Patients reported 100% satisfaction with the results after only eight weeks of treatment.

  • EMsculpt can work wonders for many people. This includes new moms looking to bounce back from diastasis recti (abdominal muscle separation) and athletes recovering from injury. But before jumping in, consult a qualified medical professional to see if EMSculpt fits you.

  • Unlike cosmetic surgeries like tummy tucks or liposuction, EMSculpt is non-invasive. That means no anesthesia, no incisions, and no long recovery times. This lowers the risk of complications like infection or fat embolism.

Frequently Asked Questions About EMSculpt

What is EMsculpt NEO?

EMsculpt NEO uses high-intensity electromagnetic energy (HIFEM) and radiofrequency to give your muscles a workout and melt away fat. The HIFEM energy makes your muscles contract, just like when you're doing crunches or squats.

At the same time, the radiofrequency energy heats the fat under your skin. This helps your body get rid of it and encourages collagen production. It can target different areas of your body, like your abs, arms, legs, and butt, to get the results you want.

What is the difference between EMsculpt and EMsculpt NEO?

When comparing EMsculpt and EMsculpt NEO, note a few differences. EMsculpt NEO increases muscle mass by a higher percentage (25%) than EMsculpt (16%). This means that if your goal is to build muscle, EMsculpt NEO might be more effective.

Second, EMsculpt NEO is more effective in losing fat, especially for patients who have more fat to remove. While EMsculpt helps achieve 19% fat loss, EMsculpt NEO can generate a 35% fat reduction after three treatments.

One of the reasons for these differences is that EMsculpt NEO combines fat-melting radiofrequency (RF) energy with high-intensity electromagnetic (HIFEM) energy. This upgraded technology offers different benefits compared to the classic EMsculpt procedure.

Lastly, EMsculpt NEO treatments tend to cost more on average than EMsculpt treatments. This is something to consider when deciding which option is best for you.

Who should consider EMsculpt?

EMsculpt is best for individuals who already engage in regular workouts but could use an additional boost. Additionally, it is a viable alternative for those with busy schedules struggling to fit in regular workout sessions.

How does EMsculpt compare to an intensive workout?

EMsculpt serves as a valuable addition to intensive workouts. EMsculpt sessions only take 30 minutes and do not demand physical exertion. So, it's easy to fit into a busy day without needing gym attire, showers, or recovery periods.

In contrast, intensive workouts require 45 to 90 minutes to burn calories and reduce fat, improving cardiovascular health, bone density, flexibility, and mental well-being.

Can EMsculpt help with weight loss?

EMsculpt isn't for losing lots of weight. Instead, it focuses on reducing fat in the treatment area and toning muscles. EMsculpt is particularly effective for individuals who are already physically fit but have isolated areas of excess fat.

The ideal candidate for EMsculpt is typically within 20 pounds of their target body weight. It does not replace a healthy diet and regular exercise but rather a supportive treatment.

Conclusion

Say goodbye to stubborn fat deposits and hello to a toned, sculpted body! With minimal side effects and noticeable results, EMsculpt offers a safe and effective alternative to surgical procedures.

Ready to give it a try? Book your first EMsculpt session today! You can also reach us at 0484 530 859.

 

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