For the most part, the adage "if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is," always applies. But even so... and despite the fact that I actually love working out and enjoy eating healthy foods, Emsculpt posts kept catching my eye as I scrolled through Instagram. Could it be the exception to that old adage? Could it possibly be "too good" and "true?"
In case your feed hasn't been inundated with enticing Emsculpt posts (the way mine has), here's a primer: Emsculpt is an FDA-approved, non-invasive, electromagnetic procedure that claims to eliminate fat cells and tighten muscles with zero down time. You're in and out of the doctor's office in less than an hour. Many of the posts I've seen feature glowing postpartum women showing off their bodies, which look no different than their pre-baby bodies. (Who wouldn't be intrigued?)
A very frequent Emsculpt advocate is fitness influencer Lauren Ashley, who just happens to be married to a plastic surgeon specializing in minimally invasive body sculpting and skin tightening, Dr. Ryan Neinstein. Ashley looked stunning pre, during and post pregnancy, so naturally I wanted to know more. Like many women I've seen on social media (seriously, check out the "Emsculpt stories" on Dr. Neinstein's page), she credits the treatment with helping her get rid of stubborn fat.
But there are many important questions to consider. For starters, does Emsculpt actually do what is says it does? Does it work for everyone? And, of course, we all want to know how much it costs...
Image courtesy of Dr. Ryan Neinstein
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
