What is Emsculpt?

Emsculpt is an FDA-cleared, non-invasive body-sculpting procedure that builds muscle and burns fat. It delivers high-intensity focused electromagnetic energy (HIFEM) pulses into the muscle tissue, creating supramaximal muscle contractions that activate more muscle fibers than what you can achieve through exercise alone.

This nonsurgical treatment can tighten, tone, and strengthen the large muscle groups of the abdomen and buttocks as well as of smaller body areas, including the upper arms, thighs, and calves. The result is increased muscle definition and reduced circumference.

What is Emsculpt Neo?

Emsculpt Neo is a next-generation, FDA-cleared device that combines enhanced HIFEM technology (delivering up to 20% more electromagnetic pulses than the original) with radiofrequency (RF) energy in the form of heat, to burn fat more effectively.

"If you have greater than one inch of fat or have a higher BMI, you may prefer the Emsculpt Neo, as more fat reduction may be seen with this due to the additional radiofrequency component," says Dr. Sanjay Grover, a plastic surgeon in Newport Beach, California.

Emsculpt Neo can treat all the same areas as the original device, and it recently gained FDA clearance for lipolysis (fat reduction) of the thighs. Treatment of the butt, arms, and calves is typically done without heat, to avoid volume loss from fat reduction.

In September of 2022, Emsculpt Neo will also offer a new applicator called the Edge. It’s designed to tone the oblique muscles on each side of the abdomen, to improve posture and core strength while reducing back pain.

According to Dr. Grover, four 30-minute sessions over two weeks are recommended with the original Emsculpt device, whereas the recommended treatment plan for Emsculpt Neo is one 30-minute session each week for four weeks.

Both devices can also reduce diastasis recti, a condition where your abdominal muscles separate (usually during pregnancy) and create a belly pooch. In fact, these are the only nonsurgical treatments shown to be effective in treating abdominal separation. While doctors on RealSelf still recommend a tummy tuck for people with significant separation, they say Emsculpt can be a good option for avoiding surgery.

What are the pros and cons?

Pros

These nonsurgical treatments require no anesthesia and come with no downtime afterward.

Both treatments come with the dual advantage of toning muscles and reducing fat. They're a good option for people who want a more sculpted, defined physique and stronger muscles.

They're suitable for all skin types and tones, with no reported side effects other than some temporary muscle soreness (like you'd feel after an intensive workout).

Emsculpt Neo offers even better muscle building and fat reduction results; it has also been clinically shown to reduce fat more effectively than fat freezing treatments like CoolSculpting.

Just four treatments can yield visible results, and a majority of RealSelf members who've had the treatment say it's “Worth It.” Many report seeing an impressive increase in muscle tone, and some also say they felt a boost in strength that helped them achieve more during their workouts.

Cons

People with more than an inch of pinchable fat may not see as much of a change from the first-generation device. The fat can act as a barrier between the magnetic coil and the muscles, reducing the strength of the muscle contractions during treatment. Those with a higher BMI should seek out a provider with the more powerful Emsculpt Neo device.

Like other muscle building and fat reduction treatments, they're not intended for weight loss.

These aren't one-and-done treatments: your treatment plan will likely include multiple sessions in quick succession—four within a two-week period—for optimal results, followed by maintenance treatments.

You won't see optimal results until about three months after your last treatment. That's how long it takes for the new muscle fibers to develop and excess fat cells to break down.

How much does Emsculpt cost?

Average Cost:$1500

Range:$750 - $6,000

You can expect to pay $750 to $1,000 for a single Emsculpt treatment. For optimal results, providers recommend an initial series of four weekly Emsculpt sessions.

You'll also need to budget for maintenance treatments every six months, to keep up your results.

You can finance your treatment with CareCredit.