SculpSure vs EmSculpt

SculpSure has been around for 3-4 years now, and we have had our machine for about 2 years. Each treatment consists of 4 paddles (about the size of a small cell phone). These paddles send laser light through the skin which heats the fat (this is safe for all skin types, by the way). This is effective because fat has a poor blood supply and is sensitive to heat. The melted fat gets reabsorbed by the body. We recommend treating each area at least twice, with 4-6 weeks between treatments. In our experience, heavier set individuals should plan on more than 2 sessions to get their desired result.

Cynosure demonstrated in one of their studies a 24% reduction in fat in the treated area. When there is a study with a number stating a reduction as high as 24%, it is important to understand that this number is a bell curve. Some people getting more and some getting less. I do not believe it is possible to know who is going to get the higher or lower reductions. For many people, the results will be real but will be subtle, so it is important that you take great before and after photos. I also recommend waiting about 12 weeks after the last treatment for the after photos, as you will continue to see improvement following the treatments. Patients can enhance their final result by working on better eating habits. I am a huge fan of intermittent fasting with a low carb diet and ketogenic supplements. This change in diet will often produce life changing prolonged results.

EmSculpt is a newer technology that uses focused electromagnetic energy to stimulate muscle contraction, which is supposed to increase muscle tone, decrease fat and give you a butt lift — all at the same time. Their website recommends 30 minute sessions, performed 2-3 days apart, with a minimum of 4 sessions total.  They claim results are visible in 2-4 weeks. I am extremely skeptical. First of all, we can go the gym and work out for 2 hours for four sessions every other day and most of us will not show any difference in our bodies that quickly. It simply takes more time than that. I am even more dubious that for someone who is not already very lean, even if by some miracle the muscle size did increase with just 4 sessions, that it would be remotely visible with a layer of fat overlying it. I am also very reluctant to believe that the butt area will actually lift just because the muscle contracts. As a previous endurance athlete and longtime fitness buff, I am extraordinarily weary of any claim of building up muscle while you do nothing at all. Perhaps I will be proven wrong. There is rampant obesity in America today. There are also a lot of wealthy people in America today. If getting buff were as easy as paying a few thousand dollars, with no incisions and no physical effort, we would be seeing far more in-shape men and women than we do. The reason the 6-pack is so rare is because it is so hard to get. I think it will be many, many years before we have a machine that can do this work for us.

Want to discuss available options for decreasing body fat or cosmetic procedures in general? Call us at 703-406-2444 to schedule your complimentary, private consultation with me – I’d be happy to help you find the right solution for you!