Emsculpt has been officially available for one year, and it’s safe to say that it’s a runaway hit. This innovative energy-based treatment is the first of its kind that enhances the definition of abdominal and buttocks muscles while reducing the thickness of overlying fat as well. According to plastic surgeon Dr. Stanley Poulos of Plastic Surgery Specialists in the San Francisco Bay area, “This revolutionary non-surgical muscle-building and fat-loss device has found its niche in the aesthetics market, and rather quickly at that.”

“Surgical procedures can reduce fat but cannot create muscle, and they require downtime for recovery. Emsculpt helps enhance the body’s contours and muscle strength without incisions or scars—and minimal soreness,” says Dr. Poulos. But how? This treatment utilizes HIFEM (or high-intensity focused electromagnetic energy) to simulate the effects of 20,000 sit-ups in each 30-minute session. The pulses of energy cause the muscles to contract at rapid speed, which leads to rapid building as well as the breakdown of fat. Dr. Poulos explains, “Strengthening the core and buttocks can help tremendously in running, cycling, yoga, and more. Relief of back pain has also been reported, and this is a welcome side effect for many patients.”

As for the latest Emsculpt developments, BTL, the company behind the treatment recently announced that they are rolling out a smaller applicator as well as new protocols for treating the arms, thighs, obliques and calves. Similar to the original Emsculpt for the abdomen and buttocks, the new treatment for the arms will replicate the equivalent of 20,000 bicep curls in 20 minutes. Dr. Poulos says, “This is great news, as patients now have the option to enhance the areas that are most important to them.”

BTL has also revealed that more than 500 practices in North America are now offering the treatment, and that 65,000 treatments have been performed in the past year with zero complications or adverse responses. According to Dr. Poulos, “This is a very impressive safely profile that adds to the attractiveness and popularity of Emsculpt.” The results of independent studies have been released as well, and the findings include:

• 27.4% decrease in subcutaneous fat at 6-month follow-up
• 7.73mm reduction in the fat layer
• 19% increase in muscle thickness
• 10.46% reduction of diastasis recti (a separation of the abdominal muscles often caused by pregnancy)

It’s important to keep in mind that Emsculpt is not designed to be a weight-loss tool. Rather, “It’s a way for generally healthy, fit women and men to enhance their fitness efforts, and make the most of their valuable time for doing things other than going to the gym,” Dr. Poulos says.