Getting Toned with EmSculpt

I’m sure you guys remember my series with CoolSculpting – you can read part 1 and part 2. While I loved my results from those treatments, my ears perked up when my friends at Dallas Center for Dermatology mentioned a new FDA-approved method of toning muscle. While CoolSculpting helps with fat loss over a period of time, Emsculpt is designed to deliver more immediate results that develop over a few weeks rather than a few months.

How does it work?

Emsculpt uses HIFEM® (High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic) technology to induce supramaximal muscle contractions not achievable through voluntary contractions – aka doing a ton of crunches and sit ups still doesn’t reach this level of muscle contraction. By the end of a 30 minute session it’s equivalent to completing roughly 20,000 crunches. Yes – 20,000! Can you imagine the time it would take to do that on your own?

Emsculpt is approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) for the “improvement of abdominal tone, strengthening of the abdominal muscles, development of firmer abdomen, [and] strengthening, toning, firming of the buttocks.”

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Is it invasive?

Similar to CoolSculpting, Emsculpt is non-invasive and requires zero down-time, no needles, no lasers, and no anesthesia. Unlike CoolSculpting, there is no freezing involved hence no numb tissue. You may have heard of a variety of non-surgical fat reduction methods including CoolSculpting, cryo therapies, and fat-melting therapies like Sculpsure. The difference between these therapies and Emsculpt is that Emsculpt aids in fat loss while also toning muscle – aka it’s a noninvasive butt lift or tummy tuck. As always, consult with your care provider to make sure this is right for you. Emsculpt is not approved for those that are pregnant or nursing, or those that have a pacemaker.

Does it hurt?

I have completed 4 sessions (the minimum requirement for optimal results) and have yet to even feel sore the next day. Throughout the 30 minute treatment, the device pauses to deliver a tapping sensation (it feels like someone is repeatedly thumping your buttocks or abdomen) to release the built up lactic acid. Lactic acid build up is what causes you to feel so sore after a workout. I was honestly very nervous to see how sore I would be the next day and was pleasantly surprised to find I wasn’t sore at all! I was pretty sore after my first CoolSculpting experience but this didn’t even cause me to blink an eye. Pretty cool eh?

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Does it last?

The one thing I want to make clear as with any procedure is that it’s not meant to replace exercise or a healthy diet. It’s meant to help you reach a goal that you just weren’t reaching with your regular diet and exercise routine. Sure there are days I have a donut or two and a large Grimaldi’s pizza (yum!) but I still go to the gym roughly 4 days a week and follow a healthy diet. I go to the gym not only to help me keep in shape but for the mental aspect as well (endorphins). Your results are meant to last as long as you’re keeping up with the lifestyle you’re already living. The procedure is no excuse to start pigging out every single day – otherwise we need to have a chat about other aspects of health like the risks for heart disease, high blood pressure, etc.

What areas are treatable?

Currently Emsculpt is meant to treat the abdomen and buttocks (I have done both) but rumor has it that in the next year a treat will be available for the inner and outer thighs! I wasn’t a candidate to CoolSculpt my thighs (I am most insecure about my abs and thighs) so I’m very curious to see if that comes along! The graphic below demonstrates the building of muscle DURING the treatment while diminishing the layer of fat and leaving the skin unaffected.

My Results

Keep in mind I treated most of these areas with CoolSculpting and then did Emsculpt months later. I have to say, the combination of therapies is amazing in regards to the result I personally was hoping for. If you’re first looking for fat loss, I would look into CoolSculpting before venturing into Emsculpt – otherwise you won’t see the resulting muscle definition that’s occurring underneath pockets of fat. I’m not saying the results aren’t possible without CoolSculpting – but I am saying the results are much more vivid now that my pockets of fat aren’t there like before. I did four Emsculpt sessions between Feb 7th through Feb 18th and took these results photos (a little late) in May. Results typically develop by 4 weeks out, but are ideally visible within 8-12 weeks. I’ll also admit my gym time was nowhere near my normal these past couple of months. Between school, this blog, and my dad’s health – I wasn’t motivated or able whatsoever to go. My diet was also not as healthy due mostly to stress … so all of that said, my results not only maintained my initial shape but they lifted my buttocks and toned my abs – YAS! Now that summer has arrived, I’m eager to get back to the gym more regularly and continue toning what Emsculpt started!

Abdomen

Buttocks