Does Emsculpt Really Work: Before & After, Clinical Results [2024]

You may hear of the EmSculpt as an exclusive device on the market that helps to build up muscle and reduces far simultaneously. 

However, like other methods, it is not a magical cure-all treatment that suits everyone. It has its own pros and cons. 

For this article, we dive into the research of the scientific efficiency of the EmSculpt and gather some impressive results after the treatment on different areas including abs, buttocks, thigh, arms, and calves. After reading through all sections, you will be 100% sure whether the EmSculpt is worthy or not.

How does EmSculpt work?

EmSculpt is a totally non-invasive, non-downtime, and safe body contouring procedure. It build-up the muscle mass while burning the fat down. As a result, you get a toned body and get rid of stubborn fat.

The EmSculpt treatment is based on the high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) stimulation of the motor neurons that innervates muscles. While the impulse is sent to them they cause supramaximal muscle contractions. 

Supramaximum contractions have a high intensity and tension. They cause strengthening and growth of the muscles in the treated area.

In addition to muscle mass increase, the EMSculpt also causes the reduction of fat cells nearby. When the stimulation starts, fat cells change their metabolism to produce more free fatty acids (FFA) to supply energy to the muscles. As the contractions are intensive, fat cells over-accumulate FFA, which causes their death.

In late 2020 the EmSculpt Neo hit the market. It combines a classical EmSculpt and radiofrequency (RF) into a single, non-invasive treatment. The main feature of EmSculpt Neo is increased fat reduction.

Radiofrequency waves selectively heat up fat cells to 42-45°C and cause their death. According to research within 24 hours after the treatment, the death level in fat cells increased by 91.7%.

• Tesla magnet

While looking at the ads of EmSculpt, you might see this formulation. Afraid to disappoint you, but that does not mean that the machine includes the magnet from the Tesla car. Tesla is a unit to measure magnetic induction in physics. 

EmSculpt vs EmSculpt Neo: which one is for you?

You should come to the procedure with realistic expectations. Individuals with high BMI  BMI stands for body mass index, a numerical measurement of body fat. It is calculated as BMI = weight (kg)/ height^2 (meters) can have less effect, as the fat prevents muscle contraction.

Emsculpt before and after 

Abs

There are other fat-burning methods in the abdomen, for example, CoolSculpting, CryoSkin, or Smart Lipo. However, only EmSculpt builds up muscles. 

During the EmSculpt treatment, your abs will work equally to 20 000 crunches. Such a stressful workout helps to build solid abs with more muscle fibers. 

Thighs

EmSculpt strengthens the adductor muscles that make the legs look toned and slim. While achieving a “thigh gap” in the gym is hard and exhausting, the EmSculpt can help you to get it. 

Buttocks

If you dream about a perky and lifted butt, the EmSculpt treatment can give you this result. It is an ideal treatment to lift the sagging or plane butt.

Arms

Relief arms without flubbing are a must if you want to look great in tops or dresses with open shoulders.

Calves

EmSculpt helps you build calves like you are a marathon runner.

Customer Experience

If you’re considering a cosmetic procedure like EmSculpt, it’s important to do your research and gather as much information as possible. While the treatment may sound promising, it’s natural to have doubts and concerns before investing time and money into it.

One way to gain insight into the effectiveness and safety of EmSculpt is to read customer reviews. These can provide valuable firsthand opinions of the treatment experience and results, as well as can help you make an informed decision about whether it’s right for you. So, let’s start!

“I had heard about EmSculpt from a friend who had used it to reduce her tummy fat and strengthen her core muscles. I decided to give it a try myself, and I’m so glad I did! The treatment was painless, and I felt a gentle, pulsating sensation as my muscles contracted and relaxed. After just a few sessions, I noticed a visible reduction in my waistline and a significant improvement in the strength of my abs. Highly recommend!”

— Avianna, LA

“I was a bit skeptical about using EmSculpt to reduce belly fat and tone my abs, but I decided to give it a try after reading several positive reviews. Initially, the treatment caused some discomfort, and I experienced mild sensations of unease as my muscles underwent contractions and relaxations. However, the results were worth it! 

After just a few sessions, I noticed a significant reduction in my belly fat and a visible change in the tone and definition of my abs. I’m very satisfied with my experience with EmSculpt and would recommend it to anyone looking for a safe and effective way to lose fat and build muscle.”

— Kolton, WI

“I’ve always been an active person, but as I’ve gotten older, I’ve noticed that it’s harder to build muscle and maintain my fitness level. That’s why I decided to try EmSculpt, and I have to say it’s been a game-changer. Within a few sessions, I observed a remarkable enhancement in muscle tone, particularly in my legs. Although the treatment was quite intense, the clinic’s staff was incredibly supportive in assisting me to alleviate any discomfort.”

— Jaden, AZ

“Given my busy schedule, finding the time to consistently hit the gym has always been a challenge. However, that’s when I stumbled upon EmSculpt, which promised to tone and build muscle without the need for endless gym sessions. After a few workouts, I was thrilled to notice a marked improvement in my muscle tone, particularly in my abs and arms. 

What sets EmSculpt apart from other treatments is that it doesn’t cause any pain or require downtime, making it an unparalleled solution for achieving desired results.”

— Reign, CO

Effectiveness of EmSculpt based on clinical studies

The effectiveness of the EmSculpt was checked with multiple clinical studies and methods. Although the final results depend on the shape, form, and weight, the method shows proven results. 

The study includes 22 males and females with an average BMI of 23.5 kg/m2 who underwent 8 sessions of abdominal treatment with the EmSculpt device. The data were collected before the treatment and after one month from the end of the procedure. The average subcutaneous fat reduction was 17.5%, while the thickness of the muscles increased by 14.8%. Patients lost 3.9±3.1cm of their waist circumference. No adverse effects were observed during the research period. 

This result correlates with a multicenter study that reported an 18.6% reduction in fat and 15.4% in muscle growth. Patients showed an average waist circumference reduction of 3.8 cm. 

The EmSculpt effect on the buttocks was evaluated in the research that involved 75 patients. 85% of patients admitted significant improvement in buttock appearance.

EmSculpt Neo also has already proved its efficiency. 

72 patients with an average BMI of 25.5 and 45 years were divided into two groups. Each group received 30 minutes EmSculpt Neo treatment. The active group got 100% intensity of radiofrequency energy, while the sham group received only 5% of the maximum intensity of radiofrequency and magnetic treatment. The recordings were collected at the baseline, 1-month, 3-months, and 6-months follow-ups.

The most significant results were observed 3 months after the treatment while a 6-month follow-up confirmed the maintenance of the significant results. The reduction in fat thickness reached 28.3% and the muscle thickness increased by 24.2%. 93.9% of patients in the active group reported satisfaction with treatment results and assess the procedure as “slightly discomfort”. The sham group did not show any significant changes on any follow-ups in all categories. 

What does the treatment feel like?

The treatment is completely painless. Most patients said that it feels like a “pulling” sensation like during an intensive workout. Most describe it as “slightly discomfort”, especially during prolonged contractions.

The average treatment for abs, buttocks, and thighs lasts around 30 minutes, while arms and calves are treated for 20 minutes. 

The standard treatment package includes four sessions. It is enough to get the best possible results, and additional treatments would not give any further improvements. 

Before the treatment, you should remove all metallic and jewelry objects from the treating area. The operator places the applicator on the selected area and fixes it with the belt. Then the treatment starts.

The procedure consists of three main phases. 

• Phase 1 – Unfused tetanus

It heats up the muscles and allows them to relax between a series of contractions

• Phase 2 – Fused tetanus

It is a long and intensive contraction of the whole group of muscles that lasts several seconds. 

• Phase 3 – Twitches

This phase breaks down the lactic acid that has been released from the muscles. It also prepares them for the next round of contractions.

After the treatment, you might feel soreness in the treated like after an intensive workout. 

Pros & Cons of the treatment 

Pros

•  Non-invasive procedure, so it requires no anesthesia and no downtime afterward.
• A unique machine that builds muscles and reduces fat simultaneously. 
• You achieve the best results in four 30 minutes sessions in two weeks (or in a month with EmSculp Neo)
• No side effects, except muscle soreness like after a workout
• Suitable for all skin types and colors

Cons

• Costly: one session is from $750 to $1000
• It is not a weight-loss procedure
• Not suitable for those with BMIBMI stands for body mass index, a numerical measurement of body fat. It is calculated as BMI = weight (kg)/ height^2 (meters) > 30 (for EmSculpt Neo with BMI > 35)
• To maintain the best results you need a touch-up treatment every six months

Contradictions of the treatment

EmSculp has a limited list of contradictions compared to other non-invasive body-contouring treatments. The list includes:

❗ Metallic and electronic implants close to the treatment area 

❗ Pregnancy

❗ Breastfeeding

❗ Heart disorders

❗ Unhealed wounds in the treatment area

Some medical conditions might prevent you from using the electromagnetic field for treatment. Before making an appointment, you should consult with a specialist about your state and chronic disease to ensure the safety of the treatment.   

Why EmSculpt is better than Electric Muscle Stimulation (EMS)?

While reading through the previous sections you might think that the EmSculp works completely similar to the well-known Electric Muscle Stimulation (EMS) devices. However, it is not. Here are some reasons:

➡️ The principle of working

The EMS device delivers electrical impulses to the body and causes muscle contraction. The EmSculpt uses high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) stimulation to induce contraction.

➡️ The muscle-building

EmSculpt treatment requires only two weeks to complete and gets at least a 14% increase in muscle mass. With the EMS device, you need 40-50 treatments to notice little changes in muscle strength. The stimulation from EMS is not enough to induce muscle hypertrophy itself. Moreover, no research claims a significant improvement in muscle appearance on strength. 

➡️ Fat reduction

EmSculpt has proven efficiency in fat reduction, however, it is still not a weight-loss procedure. There is little research that supports that the EMS devices can burn fat. Usually, it should be coupled with intensive exercises to reduce fat. 

How to get better and constant results?

With EmSculpt it is easy to enhance the workout results and come closer to your perfect form. Bury in mind, that these results are not constant. However, by following the next few rules, you will maintain fantastic results for years. 

🏃 Do sports

Keep your body sporty and tight. If you have never done the sport before the treatment it is time to start. The muscle mass tends to decrease if unused, so you need to tone it frequently. 

As the EmSculpt makes your muscle stronger and brings your regular workout to a new level. Many people start to notice that exercises they did before the treatment are easier to perform afterward. For example, you might stand on the plank longer, and make more sit-ups or crunches.

📌 Tip!

After the EmSculpt you should rest a target muscle group for a day or two. Avoid intensive exercising on it and stick to running or yoga.    

🥑 A healthy diet.

Diet is another vital part of maintaining a good shape. If your diet is full of carbs and fat, you are likely to have a fat pad returned after EmSculpt. 

You might notice that you have a tendency to binge eat or emotional eating. Think about at what causes it and how you can change these eating habits. For example, if you miss breakfast or lunch and then overeat eat at night, try to take lunch with you to the work. If eating is your way to deal with stress, appoint a session with a psychologist to work over it. 

⏰ Maintaining procedures

According to the research, the 6 months’ results after the treatment slightly decreased compared to those in 3 months period. It is recommended to consult with your specialist about how frequent touch-ups you need to maintain results.

Summary

EmSculpt is a scientific-approved way to build up muscle and reduce fat for both men and women. You can achieve up to 17.5% and 28.3% in fat thickness reduction with EmSculp and EmSculp Neo respectfully. EmSculpt treatment results in a 14.8% increase in muscle thickness, while EmSculp Neo shows a 24.2% improvement. 

To get impressive results you need to be a good candidate for the treatment. Your BMI should not exceed 30 for EmSculpt or 35 for EmSculpt Neo. However, the less fat you have, the better the results will be because fat prevents stimulation of muscle contraction. 

To maintain the results from the treatment, you need to stick to sport and a healthy diet. 

FAQ