New technology is continuously being developed and it is imperative that as physicians we stay updated and well informed on the latest devices and technology. In this way we ensure patients benefit from the most advanced treatments and achieve the most effective results.
EMSculpt by BTL Aesthetics is a new, unique body-contouring technology that targets both fat and muscles in the treatment area. It is an absolutely novel category of device whereby non-invasive High Intensity Focused Electromagnetic technology (HIFEM- similar to an MRI) is used to deliver 20,000 supramaximal muscle contractions in 30 minutes.
What sets this aside from other contouring devices?
The device has various transducers for different body areas; in the abdomen and upper arms, the transducers deliver energy to both build muscle and burn fat, whereas in the buttock the transducer offers the world’s first non-invasive buttock lifting procedure without leading to fat reduction.
The majority of the human body composition comprises of fat (approx. 25%) and muscle (42% in males and 36% in females). Many of the body contouring devices such as CoolSculpting and SculpSure target subcutaneous fat to achieve a slimmer, improved body shape. However, the underlying muscles are equally important in determining body shape. An increase in muscle tone better defines body contours by reducing laxity and resulting in better overall definition.
Breaking it down: How it specifically targets muscle and fat tissue
Effect on muscle tissue
The HIFEM technology delivers a rapidly changing magnetic field, which induces electric currents in the tissue where it depolarizes neural membranes of motor neurons and causes concentric contractions. Exposure of the muscle to such supramaximal contractions results in deep remodeling of muscle tissue with growth of myofibrils (muscle hypertrophy) and growth of new protein strands and muscle fibres (muscle hyperplasia).
Effect on fat tissue
The energy required to produce muscle contractions is initially obtained from the body’s glycogen stores but once these are depleted, lipolysis occurs which is the breakdown of lipids (triglycerides) to glycerol and free fatty acids, that act as the new energy source for muscle activity.
Supporting studies on the effectiveness of the EMSculpt
Kinney and Lozanova1 studied the effect of HIFEM in 22 patients 2 months after they had undergone four bi-weekly, 30-min treatments. The results were evaluated by MRI evaluation and showed an average abdominal fat reduction of 18.6%. Abdominal muscle mass increased on average by 15.4% coupled with a 10.4% average reduction in diastasis recti. Waist circumference decreased on average by 1.4 inches.
Jacob and Paskova2 studied 22 patients (average BMI=23.8) who underwent 4 treatments on the abdomen with the HIFEM device. Each treatment took 30 minutes and the treatments were spaced 2-3 days apart. Photographs, weight and waist measurements were taken at baseline, after the last treatment and at month 3 follow-up. Patient satisfaction was noted. At month 3, waist size reduction was 4.37 cm and 92% of patients were satisfied with their results. No adverse effects were reported.
Katz et al3 studied 33 individuals who underwent 4 treatments on the abdomen with the HIFEM device and obtained ultrasound images to assess the measurement of subcutaneous fat thickness. The average reduction in subcutaneous fat at 1 month was 19% and at 3 months was 23.3 %.
Take away message
In conclusion, Emsculpt is the only procedure that can result in both subcutaneous fat reduction as well as increase in muscle mass, in both men and women. A typical treatment protocol involves two 30-minute sessions a week for two weeks. However, maintenance sessions may be required. It is important to ensure that patients have realistic expectations and are made well aware of the fact that the device is not a replacement for a healthy diet and active lifestyle.
EMSculpt is a technology which is demonstrated in the A4M Fellowship course in Aesthetic Medicine at IMA. It is included in Module 6, the 2-day course specially dedicated to body contouring with hands-on sessions on live patients
REFERENCES
1.Kinney and Lozanova. High intensity focused electromagnetic therapy evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging: Safety and efficacy study of a dual tissue effect based non-invasive abdominal body shaping. Lasers Sug Med. 2019; 51:40-46
2.Jacob C and Paskova K. Safety and efficacy of a novel high-intensity electromagnetic technology device for non-invasive abdominal body shaping. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2018;17:783-787
3.Katz et al. ultrasound assessment of subcutaneous fat thickness after treatment with a High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic study. Derm Surg.2019; 45:1542-1548
This blog is not sponsored and is free of any commercial bias towards EMSculpt or BTL Aesthetics.
