Diastasis recti and Emsculpt NEO- The Dermatology and Laser Group, NYC
Using high-intensity focused electrogmagnetic (HIFEM) energy and radio frequency (RF) energy, Emsculpt NEO is a body contouring treatment that can both build muscle and reduce fat. It is the newest iteration of the original Emsculpt. Through stimulation of muscle contraction, the HIFEM energy causes muscle growth, while the RF energy targets and melts fat cells in treated areas.
A non-invasive body contouring treatment, Emsculpt NEO can reduce fat by an average of 25% and increase muscle mass by an average of 30%. In addition to muscle growth and fat reduction, in a clinical study, Emsculpt NEO was also shown to treat diastasis recti.
Diastasis Recti: What is it?
Diastasis recti is a condition that causes a separation of the rectus abdominis muscle (“six-pack muscle”) along the midline of the abdomen, creating a gap between the two sides of the abdominal muscle. One cause of this separation is pregnancy, as the uterus expands and presses against the abdominal muscles. Diastasis recti can also form in non-pregnant women and men due to obesity, weight gain, or a weakening of the muscles due to age.
Diastasis recti may be evident with symptoms including a bulging or “pooching” appearance of the belly, a weakened core and lower back pain. In severe cases, it can also lead to hernias. Healthcare professionals can diagnose diastasis recti through physical examination, with measurement of the distance between the two sides of the abdominal muscle.
To treat diastasis recti, physical therapy exercises that target the transverse abdominis muscle (deep abdominal muscle) are used to improve core strength and to increase support of the rectus abdominis muscle. In severe cases, surgery may be recommended.
Emsculpt NEO for diastasis recti?
Emsculpt NEO, in a clinical study, was shown to decrease diastasis recti an average of 19.2%. In our experience, many patients with diastasis recti have shown improvement with Emsculpt NEO, and when combined with exercises at home, have found the improvement sufficient enough to treat their separation without the need for surgery.
While not specifically designed to treat diastasis recti, Emsculpt NEO may be able to improve some symptoms of the condition. The increased muscle mass and strength in the treated area from HIFEM energy may help improve appearance, increase strength, and provide support to the abdominal muscles. For best results however, Emsculpt NEO should not replace proper physical therapy and exercises that specifically target the rectus abdominis muscle and the surrounding tissue. Consultation with a physical therapist or a qualified healthcare professional is always recommended to evaluate your condition and determine the proper course of treatment.
Our patients should refer here for more information on our clinic’s NYC Emsculpt NEO treatments.
Arash Akhavan, MD is founder and owner of The Dermatology and Laser Group, one of the top centers for cosmetic procedures in New York City for over a decade. Arash Akhavan, MD, FAAD is a Board Certified Dermatologist and an Associate Professor at The Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Dr. Akhavan is a Castle Connolly Top Doc, New York Magazine Best Doctor, and Super Doctor featured in The New York Times. Dr. Akhavan is a key opinion leader that has been featured on hundreds of media publications including The New York Times, Allure, Marie Claire, Women’s Health, Cosmopolitan, ABC News, Fox News, Fox 5, NY1, WPIX, and more. He has been featured on nationally syndicated television programs such as The Doctors.
Dr. Akhavan serves as an educator and lecturer for multiple aesthetic device and injectable companies. This allows his office access to newer technologies at an earlier date than other offices, as well as a higher level of expertise in the use of these devices. This, in turn, translates to more effective and safer treatments for our patients.
