EMSCULPT^®

The supramaximal contractions of an EMSCULPT^® treatment induce two major changes:

• They cause chemicals to be released from the muscles, and trigger fat cells to release fatty acids. The fat cells are permanently damaged after rapidly delivering energy to the contracting muscles. This induces metabolic fat cell death, called apoptosis. The body naturally clears the dying fat cells, leading to an overall reduction in fat volume, which has been documented with ultrasound, CAT scan, and MRI studies.
• Simultaneously, the supramaximal contractions cause myofibers in the muscles to increase in number and size, triggering volumetric growth. This results in larger, stronger muscles as the tissue is forced to quickly adapt to the extreme conditions. This has also been documented with ultrasound, CAT scan, and MRI studies.

Together, these changes result in a slimmer, more toned and defined abdominal area. They can also strengthen and firm the buttocks, upper arms, and legs. Despite all that is being accomplished, a single treatment session lasts only 30 minutes. The sensation has been described as similar to a high-intensity workout—while lying back and relaxing for the duration of the session.

There are several regions that can be targeted by EMSCULPT^®. The abdomen and the buttocks were the original areas treated, while the biceps, triceps, and calves can now be addressed with the recent release of arm and leg specific treatment paddles. Both women and men can achieve noticeable improvements to these areas that are difficult to target via lifestyle-based body sculpting efforts.

The ultimate results achieved with EMSCULPT^® on the abdomen are enhanced abdominal contouring by building muscle and reducing fat. The EMSCULPT^® procedure can also have the added benefit of helping to rebuild muscles on the abdominal wall that have been stretched or separated from pregnancy (diastasis recti). For safe buttocks toning and lifting, EMSCULPT^® works by triggering the nerves in the area, leading to muscle contractions. The treatment parameters used to treat the buttocks are different than those used to treat the abdomen, as fat loss is not desired for buttocks toning and lifting.

While the abdomen and buttocks were the first two FDA-approved areas for treatment with EMSCULPT^®, the arms and legs can now be treated as well. Focused contractions here can reduce the fat that creates a bulky look on the limbs, strengthen important muscles, and give the upper or lower body a more proportional and sculpted appearance.

Talk to the Cirillo Cosmetic Dermatology Spa team to learn about the latest developments in body sculpting technology and to determine which technology is best for your body.

Because EMSCULPT^® is entirely non-invasive, there is no special preparation necessary prior to a treatment session. Similarly, there is no post-procedure down time required for recovery.

Plan for multiple treatment sessions that will happen over the course of two weeks. Each patient’s customized plan will be determined after an initial consultation. Ideal results typically require four EMSCULPT^® procedures, each spaced two to three days apart.

While EMSCUPT^® is intended as a fat-reduction and muscle-building treatment for patients who meet certain clinical criteria, its effectiveness as the ideal treatment for you should be determined in a consultation at Cirillo Cosmetic Dermatology Spa. EMSCULPT^® will provide the best results when combined with a healthy lifestyle.

EMSCULPT^® provides a safe alternative for people who don’t want to undergo liposuction or abdominal surgery for fat reduction, as well as for those who would prefer not to receive fat injections, fillers, or implants to achieve rounded, firmer buttocks.

Depending on your unique contours and aesthetic goals, you may find that EMSCULPT^®, a different body contouring technology, or a combination of options will work best. EMSCULPT^® is used by both men and women and is ideal for those who are in good shape and close to their ideal body weight. For patients who have a layer of stubborn abdominal fat hiding a “six-pack,” EMSCULPT^® can be particularly effective.

People with muscle injuries are usually advised against having the treatment. Internal metal devices or electronic implants, such as pacemakers, are also contraindications to having an EMSCULPT^® treatment. The electromagnetic energy used in EMSCULPT^® can heat the metal devices and additionally interfere with electronic device operation. If you have been cleared to have an MRI, you can be treated with EMSCULPT^®. Women may want to wait until they are done having children before having EMSCULPT^® treatments.

Patients may experience mild muscle soreness after an EMSCULPT^® session, but visible redness and swelling aren’t likely. Unlike many other body contouring procedures, which can take months to reveal significant changes, EMSCULPT^® recipients can see improvement sooner after their sessions.

EMSCULPT^® patients often report feeling the results of their treatment shortly after finishing a treatment, with visible changes seen within two to four weeks. Results may appear more gradually if there is more fat and untoned muscle in the treatment area. While a single treatment will begin to reveal changes within two to four weeks, the results will continue to improve for several months after the final treatment, as muscle mass increases and fat diminishes.

Remember that while dieting is good for shrinking fat cells, these smaller fat cells still remain in place. If given the opportunity, they can easily store fat and grow again to create unwanted bulges. Fat cells that are cleared by the body after an EMSCULPT^® treatment are gone for good. A healthy lifestyle is recommended to achieve and maintain the best results.

Studies have shown that patients can expect an average fat reduction of 19 percent, and a 16 percent average increase in muscle mass from EMSCULPT^®. Patients suffering from diastasis recti—which is abdominal muscle separation typically due to pregnancy or obesity—can expect an average 11 percent reduction. These percentages are increasing as EMSCULPT^® treated patients are followed through time.

• Reduces fat and builds muscles in the abdomen; builds muscles in the buttocks, biceps, triceps, and calves.
• High-intensity focused electromagnetic technology (HIFEM^®) used during the treatment has been the subject of seven clinical trials.
• Fat cells damaged by the treatment are removed by the body’s natural metabolic processes.
• A minimum of four treatments is required.
• Used to safely tone and lift the buttocks without incisions, sutures, or injections.

Cirillo Cosmetic Dermatology Spa recognizes that every patient is different and has unique body contouring needs, which is why additional non-surgical body sculpting options are offered to use alone or in combination.

CoolSculpting^® is a temperature-based treatment that chills and kills fat cells and induces natural processes that remove them from the body.

Vanquish ME^™ is a non-contact radiofrequency (RF) energy device with a focus on disrupting a large quantity of fat cells around the abdomen and thighs. It works especially well in higher BMI (body mass index) patients.

Exilis Ultra uses radiofrequency as well as ultrasound energies to damage fat cells and to stimulate collagen production to tighten skin.

Kybella^® involves injecting a deoxycholic acid-based solution into fat cells on the neck to reduce a double chin. Other areas of the body can be treated as well but are considered off FDA label (meaning they were not officially approved for those areas).

The Cirillo Cosmetic Dermatology Spa team has extensive experience with a wide range of body types and the treatments designed to contour them. Whether you could benefit from EMSCULPT^® or another sculpting strategy, the goal is safe, natural-looking results.

Note that patients considering a surgical solution can explore liposuction, tummy tuck, butt lift, breast augmentation or reduction, and more at the Cirillo Center for Plastic Surgery, offering plastic surgery for men and women interested in a more dramatic, but still natural-looking result.