What is Emsculpt?
"Emsculpt is being used in our practice as a boost to a healthy lifestyle," says Dr. Neinstein. "I believe any device or procedure should be an adjunct and not a replacement for good nutrition and exercise. For those looking to jumpstart their fitness journey or enhance their current training, Emsculpt is a great regular addition."
Celebrity dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon, Dr. Dennis Gross, who does not offer the treatment in his practice, agrees, saying that patients who are already fit with minimal excess fat see the best results. "You should think of it as a body contouring treatment instead of a workout alternative."
Image via @drneinstein
What are the downsides of Emsculpt?
The fact that results favor those who are already fit isn't the only issue some might have, however. The major downside to Emsculpt is that, just like with diet and exercise, results aren't permanent, they require regular upkeep. "For the best results, it's recommended that you receive four treatments in two weeks and you will need to return for additional treatments," says Dr. Gross. The only way for the resulting changes in muscle size and strength to be permanent is to maintain them with exercise and a healthy diet. Nonetheless, there's no denying that Emsculpt can get you to your physical goals faster.
Image courtesy of Dr. Ryan Neinstein
How does Emsculpt actually work?
"Emsculpt works by stimulating your muscles, causing them to contract rapidly," says Dr. Gross. "It builds muscle tissue like you would at the gym, but at a much faster rate — and with much less effort needed from the patient. It burns fat and tones the targeted muscles." William Atkinson, the CEO of wellness center Let Loose, puts it in concrete terms by explaining that you're basically getting the equivalent of 20,000 crunches or 20,000 squats, depending on what area you're targeting, in a single 30-minute session.
While seeing your muscles "pop" from having your body undergo the equivalent of 20,000 crunches will, as mentioned, no doubt favor those already on the thinner side, muscle strength will improve for everyone. "Lean people can achieve a six pack and a lifted booty, while those with higher body fat will gain muscle tone, but will not get that ripped look," says Dr. Neinstein who adds that patients who recently had abdominal liposuction love the treatment. "In my liposuction procedure, I bring the skin close to the muscle and with the addition of Emsculpt, the muscles will begin to appear."
Image via @drneinstein
Why get Emsculpt?
Post-pregnancy is common reason for Emsculpt treatment. "Emsculpt is the first device that helps close the diastasis recti, or the widening of muscles loosened from pregnancy," says Dr. Neinstein. "It can be started just a few weeks after pregnancy and can be done while breastfeeding. It quickly gives moms a jumpstart to regain their core strength."
Image courtesy of Dr. Ryan Neinstein
What does an Emsculpt session entail?
"It's a 30 minute session in your clothes," explains Dr. Neinstein. "It's a unique sensation of muscle contraction which can feel intense at times, but not painful." At his practice, four sessions of 30 minutes go for $3,000, which is consistent with two other practices consulted for this story. Suffice to say it's not a cheap treatment, which coupled with the fact that the results aren't permanent may lead some to question whether it's worth their disposable income. In line with the pricing, Atkinson highlighted that doing Emsculpt for a special occasion is extremely popular.
Image courtesy of Dr. Ryan Neinstein
