It feels a bit weird to say EMSculpt Neo is trending. Should intensive and expensive in-clinic procedures, the kind you have to sign several forms before undergoing, really be subject to the same seasonal whims as nail polish colors and skirt lengths?
No, they probably shouldn't. So let's just say EMSculpt Neo has got a lot of people talking right now. If not people you personally know, then certainly beauty industry people, with aestheticians and beauty editors alike calling it the best tweakment for body contouring since Coolsculpting.
"EMSculpt neo is now the industry benchmark for reduction in fat layer, muscle growth, and strengthening," says leading cosmetic doctor, Dr Tracey Mountford (opens in new tab). And If that didn't get your attention, how about the fact that a 30-minute session is said to replicate the effects of doing 24,000 squats or sit-ups? Or that Kim Kardashian is a confirmed fan and J-Lo a rumored one? Whether that's a compelling sell depends on your taste in celebrity, but there's no denying this treatment is intriguing – here's what you need to know.
Your complete guide to EMSculpt Neo
What does EMSculpt Neo do?
EM Sculpt Neo is a body contouring treatment that works on two levels. It uses electromagnetic energy to build muscle and radio frequency to break down fat. It's designed for specific areas – usually, the stomach or buttocks, although thighs and arms can be treated too – and has impressive claims. Namely, that it replicates the effect of 24,000 situps or squats, and four sessions can result in a 30% fat reduction and 25% muscle mass increase in the area. Which sounds like a lazy girl's fantasy come true, although the typical session cost of $700/£650 brings us crashing back to reality. Needless to say, this will not be for everyone.
How does it work? By attaching paddles to the treatment area for 30 minutes, once a week, four weeks in a row. Said paddles send HIFEM (high intensity focused electromagnetic technology) into the muscles. This causes them to contract at a rate no HIIT class could achieve, leaving muscle fibers ready to rebuild stronger than before. Meanwhile radiofrequency warms the muscles up for their supersonic workout, and alsotriggers the destruction of fat cells in the target area.
It's worth saying that EM Sculpt (hold the Neo) has been around since 2018, as a standalone HIFEM muscle-building treatment without the radiofrequency. It's been steadily gathering buzz and peer-reviewed scientific publications since then (40 and counting) So surely, chucking a bit of fat-loss into the mix just sweetens the deal? It's this combination of science and slightly too-good-to-be-true allure that lead me to try it for myself.
Our beauty editor's EMSculpt Neo review
Have you seen those ab-crunching belt ads on late-night TV? Invariably modeled on a ripped twentysomething with more gym hours clocked up than sleeping and eating ones put together? How I scoff at those. And yet... another part of my brain thinks, what if you really can buy cheesegrater abs in just three easy and affordable payments?
That's how I felt when I heard about EMSculpt Neo. Surely this cannot work. And yet... what if it does? The best outcomes tend to be on the abs and glutes, the latter of which I'd describe as one of my better physical attributes, gone a little downhill. Put bluntly, my bum is a decent size but could use a lift. And from the sounds of it, EM Sculpt Neo is the treatment that could take me there.
So I booked in at The Cosmetic Skin Clinic (opens in new tab), which is the point in my EMSculpt Neo review where I bore on about how important it is, with any treatment, to do your research, pick a reputable venue, and book in with an expert you trust. This particular clinic is multi-award-winning and Doctor-founded, and my aesthetic medical practitioners, Rachel and Magda boast decades of experience with body contouring procedures between them. Wherever you go, be choosy.
After ensuring I didn't have a coil fitted (the HIFEM can move metal) I lay on my front and two giant paddles were attached for an intensity test. This went from little clenches to powerful jolts and a pummelly massage to break down lactic acid and stop you feeling sore afterward. I was told I could handle the highest level, which I absolutely could. It's not painful, just weird and quite funny, my bum bopping away independently while I rewatched episodes of Love is Blind. 30 minutes later, off the paddles went, and so did I. It passed in a flash and, aside from a tiny bit of next-day muscle ache (not 24,00 squats-worth, mind) there is zero downtime. So far, so matching up to its fast, pain-free promises. But what about the results?
Does EMSculpt Neo actually work?
It does, as long as you have the right expectations. No non-invasive procedure is going to radically transform your body into an unrecognizably different one and honestly, that shouldn't be the aim going into these things. EMSculpt Neo improves on what you've got in a way that you'll notice, but you won't walk into rooms and people will gasp at the difference. That's actually a good thing to me, but something to consider before booking in.
Personally, I can tell you that EM Sculpt Neo worked for me. At my post-treatment review, the before and after pictures showed a tangible change (that I'll have to describe because sharing thong-clad pictures with the internet is the stuff of nightmares) From side-on there is a distinct lift, roundness, and, as Rachel points out, a small posture improvement due to strengthening muscles, which is quite a common fringe-benefit apparently. Another pleasant surprise was the functional benefit – I can get through the hideous squat jump section of my weekly boxing class without slithering to the floor, shaky-legged. That's real progress, and motivation to maintain my perked-up behind.
How long does it take EMSculpt Neo to work?
You will need to invest some time to get the best out of EMSculpt Neo. As well as being available for your four weekly appointments (some people have six) the final results can take another 3-4 weeks to show after that. I had treatments throughout June and July, then booked in for my follow-up review in early September. Making it work relies on being consistent, and consistently available through the whole course of treatment, so avoid starting EMSculpt if you have a holiday imminent or can't commit.
As you'd expect, the muscle-building results need nurturing, either via a healthy lifestyle, or you can book maintenance appointments if that's more your speed. Much like other fat loss treatments such as Coolsculping, the radiofrequency fat cell reduction should be permanent, providing you don'tdrastically change your lifestyle in the meantime.
Is EMSculpt Neo better than CoolSculpting?
One isn't necessarily 'better' than the other, but I found EMSculpt Neo better than Coolsculping for comfort. It takes less time, although you'll need more sessions, has no downtime, and felt less intimidating than Coolsculpting, which does carry the risk of very rare but nonetheless spooky side effects. If you are relatively active and/or toned and simply want to build strength, improve muscle tone, and smooth your shape then EMSculpt Neo might be a better pick.
In what ways does Coolsculpting work better than EMSculpt? If you don't want to build muscle particularly, Coolsculpting is, in my opinion, a superior fat reduction technique. It's a better shout for areas such as under the chin or lower back where you aren't looking to tone, per-say. Again it is targeted and not a total transformation, but can result in an effective smoothing and re-shaping of very specific areas.
It goes without saying that detailed research and thorough consultations are your friends with both treatments. After which, you may decide that neither is right for you and you'd be better off saving your money for a rainy day or a nice holiday –that's a great option too.
For further information or to find your nearest clinic, visit emsculptneo.com (opens in new tab)
EMSculpt Neo at The Cosmetic Skin Clinic costs from £3000, which includes four treatments one week apart and two maintenance treatments.
FAQs
Does Emsculpt neo actually work? ›
Does Emsculpt Neo Really Work? As a result of this combination of techniques, EmSculpt Neo can increase muscle mass by a whopping 25% rather than the 16% achieved through conventional EmSculpt. RF energy causes up to 30% fat burning during each treatment, enhancing the effects of EmSculpt NEO.
How many inches can you lose with Emsculpt Neo? ›Since Emsculpt NEO® does not damage anything except fat cells, you recover quickly and can return for another treatment. You will see up to 30% fat loss in the treated areas and 25% more muscle. People treated in the abdominal area can see two to three inches lost from the waist and tighter abdominal muscles.
How long does it take to see results from neo Emsculpt? ›Patients typically start to see their new EMSCULPT results about two weeks after their last treatment. It is generally recommended that patients get at least 2 – 3 treatments a week for about 2 – 4 weeks for optimal results.
Are Emsculpt results real? ›Emsculpt before and after images depict real patient outcomes. Muscle building and toning, as well as fat reduction are clearly demonstrated in these Emsculpt results. Of course, results may vary, as is true with any body-contouring treatment.
Is one session of Emsculpt worth it? ›Answer: 4 Sessions Recommended
For Emsculpt to deliver results that include as much as 18% of fat reduction and a 16% increase in muscle mass, a minimum of four sessions over a two week period is recommended.
EMSCULPT is a highly effective, non-invasive means of toning muscle and reducing fat in stubborn areas, like the abdomen. Additionally, EMSCULPT may result in some skin tightening in the treated area.
Why am I gaining weight after Emsculpt? ›Bulges return. Due to poor diet, periods of stress, pregnancy, and even hormonal fluctuations, among other reasons, you can gain weight after EMSCULPT. When this occurs, you may start noticing that those unsightly bulges you once had — like the dreaded muffin top — start to return.
What happens to fat after Emsculpt? ›The muscles release a chemical signaling local fat cells to break down in order to sustain the rapid contractions with adequate energy. This process of lipolysis, or fat cell destruction, metabolizes local fat cells. The fat cells are eventually broken down completely and expelled by your body as waste.
How many pounds can you lose with Emsculpt? ›What we can tell you is that, on average, people lose 1.5 inches from their waist. Extrapolating the generalization that “every inch you can pinch is five pounds of fat,” it is reasonable to assume that if you targeted your abdomen, you could expect 7.5 pounds of fat lost and a small amount of muscle gained.
Who Cannot use Emsculpt? ›You cannot have EMSCULPT if the following conditions are present: Pregnancy or breast feeding. Cardiac pacemaker, defibrillator, implanted neurostimulator, drug pump or electronic implanted device. Metal rods, pins, plates, metal IUD or orthopedic implants/joints.
Who should not do Emsculpt? ›
Individuals with metal or electronics, like a pacemaker, implanted anywhere in their body, or patients with a history of muscle issues such as complicated hernias, are not suitable to receive Emsculpt altogether. "Treatments are safe but the device is a medically serious one," Dr.
How many sessions do you need for Emsculpt Neo? ›We generally recommend 6 sessions spaced one week apart for best results. Patients have the option of doing more or less but most people do 6 sessions.
What does Emsculpt neo cost? ›Emsculpt NEO, Emsculpt's protégé, works even better at burning fat and building muscle. The average cost ranges from $500 to $1,500 per session, with an average of $750. Again, you may need four treatments to achieve your ideal results.
Is Emsculpt expensive? ›Average Cost of EmSculpt® Treatments
According to patient reviews from RealSelf.com, the average cost of an EmSculpt® treatment regimen is around $3,125. This price tag can drastically range from provider to provider and depending on whether abdomen, buttocks, thighs, arms, or a combination are treated.
How Many Sessions of EMSculpt do I Need? For ideal results patients should have six 30-minute sessions over the course of 3 weeks spaced every 2-3 days, then two sessions 6-8 weeks later.
Does Emsculpt tighten loose skin? ›EMSCULPT is a fat-reducing, noninvasive procedure to help tighten skin and build muscle mass in your thighs and other areas, and can result in a slimmer, more toned appearance. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr.
How long do Emsculpt results last? ›While the fat loss from EMSCULPT can be permanent, the muscle effects typically last around six months or longer. It is recommended that patients get a series of 4 – 8 initial treatments, scheduled 2 – 3 days apart.
Where does Emsculpt neo work best? ›EMSCULPT NEO® treats areas like the abdomen, buttocks, love handles, thighs, and arms to reduce fat and tighten muscle at the same time. The result acts like an intense workout for the target muscles, and at the same time, its energy disrupts fat cells so the body removes them from the area.
Which is better Emsculpt or CoolSculpting? ›If you want to spot-reduce fat, CoolSculpting is your best bet. If you are lean and want to see better muscle definition in your abs, arms, or buttocks, Emsculpt may be a great option for you.
How much does the Emsculpt machine cost? ›It's Costs Starts Approximately at $5,000 and ends at the Highest Price $139,995. The Average Price for BTL EmSculpt - $78,283 Based on 24 Listings of This Product.
Is Emsculpt FDA approved? ›
Emsculpt is a treatment that is FDA approved to tone & strengthen the abdominal muscles, as well as tone & lift the buttocks. It works by applying high-intensity focused electromagnetic energy to trigger supramaximal contractions, which cannot be achieved in voluntary muscle movement.
Where does fat go after Emsculpt Neo? ›Emsculpt NEO radio-frequency technology targets fat cells beneath the skin and heating them to the temperature of apoptosis. This triggers fat cell death, reducing fat deposits by up to 30%. The fat cells are permanently destroyed and are naturally metabolized by the liver.
What should I eat after Emsculpting? ›Plan to consume between 20 – 30 grams of protein immediately after your Emsculpting session. Protein will help your muscles not only get more tone and enlarged, but also will reduce soreness.
How many Emsculpt sessions do you need to see results? ›How many EMSCULPT sessions do you need? On average, patients can expect to require a total of 4 – 8 EMSCULPT sessions spaced out about 2 – 3 days apart to achieve their desired outcome.
Can Emsculpt damage organs? ›There are no long term studies on the effects of HIFEM technology on the bodies organs. Lab tests, MRI and Ultrasound studies have shown no adverse effects from this treatment.
Does Emsculpt get rid of lower belly fat? ›Can Emsculpt Get Rid of Belly Fat? Emsculpt is a great solution for reducing belly fat. The non-invasive body contouring procedure utilizes highly focused electric magnetic energy to stimulate supramaximal contractions in the targeted muscle group.
Can Emsculpt make your stomach bigger? ›In one study of whether and how much Emsculpt works, 22 subjects experienced an average increase of 15% in the thickness of their abdominal muscles two months after Emsculpt treatment.
How do I get the best results from Emsculpt Neo? ›You should plan for four treatments, spaced a week apart, for the Neo, says Dr. Shafer, but for the classic Emsculpt, a minimum of four sessions scheduled two to three days apart is ideal.
Does Emsculpt permanently get rid of fat? ›Emsculpt burns fat and builds muscle. Once the fat cells are destroyed, they are gone for good. However, remaining fat cells can become larger if you gain weight. You'll want to maintain a healthy diet and good exercise habits.
Does Emsculpt neo get rid of visceral fat? ›EMSCULPT NEO is the first and only non-invasive treatment to offer effective muscle building, fat reduction (including visceral fat!), and reduces abdominal muscle separation simultaneously.
How many sessions of Emsculpt neo do you need? ›
How Many EMSCULPT NEO Treatments are Needed? Clinical studies with EMSCULPT for the abdomen and buttocks treated patients for 30 minutes, once a week. A series of 4 treatments is recommended. Typically, one treatment every 3-6 months for maintenance is recommended to maintain results.
Is Emsculpt neo better than CoolSculpting? ›CoolSculpting is only used to reduce fat and is considered the gold standard non-surgical body sculpting treatment for fat loss. Emsculpt NEO is generally best for those who are focused more on building muscle rather than losing fat but can also be a good choice for those who would like both results.
Where does Emsculpt neo work best? ›EMSCULPT NEO® treats areas like the abdomen, buttocks, love handles, thighs, and arms to reduce fat and tighten muscle at the same time. The result acts like an intense workout for the target muscles, and at the same time, its energy disrupts fat cells so the body removes them from the area.
Does Emsculpt neo tighten skin? ›EMSCULPT NEO simultaneously emits synchronized radiofrequency (RF) heating, and high intensity electromagnetic energy (HIFEM+) to tone muscle and reduce fat while tightening skin all during the same treatment.
What is the price of Emsculpt Neo? ›You can expect to pay $700 to $1,000 for a single 30-minute Emsculpt or Emsculpt Neo treatment. However, for best results, it's recommended to have four Emsculpt sessions spaced two weeks apart to start, followed by maintenance treatments every six months.
Who should not do Emsculpt? ›Individuals with metal or electronics, like a pacemaker, implanted anywhere in their body, or patients with a history of muscle issues such as complicated hernias, are not suitable to receive Emsculpt altogether. "Treatments are safe but the device is a medically serious one," Dr.
How do I get the best results from Emsculpt Neo? ›You should plan for four treatments, spaced a week apart, for the Neo, says Dr. Shafer, but for the classic Emsculpt, a minimum of four sessions scheduled two to three days apart is ideal.
What's better than Emsculpt? ›CoolTone Vs Emsculpt – the Differences
CoolTone induces magnetic muscle stimulation (MMS) utilizing high-powered coil electromagnetic energy. Both devices induce over 20,000 supramaximal contractions per treatment. However, CoolTone's MMS is 50% more powerful in magnetic strength than Emsculpt's HIFEM technology.
Unfortunately Emsculpt only addresses muscle tone and overlying fat and is not designed to tighten skin. If loose skin is mild, sometime Morpheus treatment can help tighten the skin, But if excess skin is moderate to severe, then only abdominoplasty or tummy tuck will effectively eliminate the extra skin.
What should I do before Emsculpting? ›There's nothing you need to do before your CoolSculpting or EMSCULPT treatment to make your session more effective. Just showing up to your appointment on time is your most important contribution. That being said, in the grand scheme of body contouring, your body should be at a stable weight.
Where does fat go after EMSculpt Neo? ›
Emsculpt NEO radio-frequency technology targets fat cells beneath the skin and heating them to the temperature of apoptosis. This triggers fat cell death, reducing fat deposits by up to 30%. The fat cells are permanently destroyed and are naturally metabolized by the liver.
Is EMSculpt expensive? ›Average Cost of EmSculpt® Treatments
According to patient reviews from RealSelf.com, the average cost of an EmSculpt® treatment regimen is around $3,125. This price tag can drastically range from provider to provider and depending on whether abdomen, buttocks, thighs, arms, or a combination are treated.
With the support of a trained professional EmSculpt NEO® provides permanent changes to the body. The unwanted fat cells are permanently destroyed and won't return while the muscle sculpting can be maintained. However, for this to occur, patients need to continue a healthy lifestyle.
Is Emsculpt neo painful? ›Does it hurt? EMSCULPT NEO is not painful, it simply feels like a series of strong muscle contractions with the warmth of a heating pad. Thinner patients may feel EMSCULPT more, and decreased energies may be used during treatment. For many patients, they may instinctively smile or laugh during the first few minutes.
Can Emsculpt cause hernia? ›EMSculpt is better suited for the person who works out fairly regularly and has reached a plateau in their workout results and wants to fine-tune EMSculpt can hyper-stress the muscle or cause a hernia if the technology is not delivered correctly.
Does the Emsculpt cause cellulite? ›Although considered more of a fat reduction and muscle tone treatment, Emsculpt Neo does tighten leg skin and help reduce cellulite visibility. The mechanism that causes muscle movements firms muscles and lifts fibrous tissues to resolve mild cellulite.