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Emsculpt vs Emsculpt NEO

Which Is Right For You?

 

 

Image showing Emsculpt device and Emsculpt NEO device over a pink background.

Medically Reviewed by Arash Akhavan, MD, FAAD

 

 

 

 

Deciding on the right body contouring treatment can be a big decision, especially in a place like New York City where we have access to the latest and greatest in aesthetic technology. You've likely heard the buzz around Emsculpt, but now there's Emsculpt NEO. So, what's the difference, and which one is the best choice for your goals?

At The Dermatology and Laser Group, we were one of the first practices to offer both treatments. Let's break down the key differences between the original Emsculpt and the new Emsculpt NEO.

BTL Aesthetics, a leading innovator in the field of medical and aesthetic equipment, has been at the forefront of non-invasive body contouring solutions since its founding in 1993. In 2018, BTL introduced Emsculpt, the world's first treatment to utilize High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic (HIFEM) technology for muscle building and body sculpting. Building upon the success of Emsculpt, BTL launched Emsculpt NEO, enhancing the original technology by combining HIFEM with radiofrequency energy to simultaneously address both muscle development and fat reduction.

 

Visit Procedure Page: EMSCULPT NYC

The Original Game-Changer: EMSCULPT

The original Emsculpt device, introduced by BTL Aesthetics in 2018, was a groundbreaking advancement in non-invasive body contouring technology. It was the first device to use High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic (HIFEM) technology to build muscle and sculpt the body without surgery or downtime.

  • How it Works: Emsculpt induces powerful muscle contractions not achievable through voluntary contractions. These "supramaximal" contractions force the muscle tissue to adapt, resulting in muscle building and sculpting.
  • What it Treats: Abdomen, buttocks, arms, and calves.
  • The Results: In clinical studies, patients saw an average of 16% increase in muscle mass and a 19% reduction in fat in the treated area.

At the time of its release, Emsculpt was considered revolutionary, offering a non-invasive alternative to traditional body contouring for areas like the abdomen and buttocks. It quickly became a top choice for those seeking to build muscle and enhance definition without downtime.

Why Emsculpt NEO is Now the Gold Standard

While the original Emsculpt was a pioneering device, it has since been fully supplanted by the newer and more advanced Emsculpt NEO. Today, when people refer to “Emsculpt,” they are often actually talking about the Emsculpt NEO, even though NEO is a completely upgraded technology.

The original Emsculpt device is now largely considered outdated because Emsculpt NEO delivers superior results with greater efficiency. Unfortunately, many medspas still use the outdated Emsculpt device. That is why it is critical to get your treatments at an experienced and reputable physician's office that invests in the most technologically advanced and best-maintained equipment.

Comparison: Emsculpt vs Emsculpt NEO

Comparison Emsculpt Emsculpt NEO
FDA Approval Approved in 2018 Approved in 2020
Purpose Builds muscle and tones the body Builds muscle and reduces fat simultaneously
Technology HIFEM (High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic) energy HIFEM energy with synchronized RF (radiofrequency)
Fat Reduction 19% reduction in fat through muscle exertion Reduces fat by up to 30% in treated areas
Muscle Gain Increases muscle mass by up to 16% Increases muscle mass by up to 25%
Treatment Areas Abdomen, buttocks, arms, thighs, and calves Abdomen, flanks, buttocks, arms, thighs, and calves
Duration of Results Muscle improvement lasts up to one year with maintenance Muscle improvement lasts up to one year. Some improvements of fat are permanent.
Number of Treatments 4 sessions spaced 1 week apart 4 sessions spaced 1 week apart
Procedure Time 30 minutes per session 30 minutes per session
Downtime None None
Pain Level Mild to moderate muscle contractions Mild to moderate muscle contractions with a warming sensation from RF
Results Onset Visible improvements within 4-6 weeks Visible improvements within 4-6 weeks, with continued improvement over months
Ideal Candidate Patients focusing on muscle building and toning, with some decrease in fat through muscle exertion Patients seeking muscle building with additional fat reduction benefits
Emsculpt Neo Device

The Next Evolution: Emsculpt NEO

Emsculpt NEO takes the groundbreaking technology of its predecessor and adds a powerful new dimension: radiofrequency (RF) heating. This combination makes it the first and only non-invasive procedure to provide simultaneous fat elimination and muscle building in a single 30-minute session.

  • How it Works: Emsculpt NEO combines HIFEM with synchronized radiofrequency. The RF energy raises the temperature of fat cells, causing them to be permanently damaged and naturally eliminated by the body. At the same time, the HIFEM energy triggers intense muscle contractions not possible through exercise.
  • What it Treats: Abdomen, buttocks, arms, calves, thighs, and flanks (love handles).
  • The Results: Emsculpt NEO is clinically proven to deliver impressive results: an average of 25% more muscle and a 30% reduction in fat in the treated area.

The Gold Standard in Non-Invasive Body Contouring

With its superior ability to reduce fat and build muscle across multiple areas of the body, Emsculpt NEO has firmly established itself as the gold standard in non-invasive body contouring in NYC.

Its innovative combination of HIFEM and RF technologies offers dramatically better results compared to its predecessor. Consequently, the original Emsculpt device is now considered outdated, and for patients seeking the best possible outcome, there is no compelling reason to choose it over the enhanced capabilities of Emsculpt NEO.

 

Image of Arash Akhavan, MD
Arash Akhavan, MD, FAAD

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.

By Arash Akhavan, MD, FAAD | February 13th, 2023 | Categories: Body, Body Contouring

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About the Author: Arash Akhavan, MD, FAAD

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.

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