Emsculpt NEO in NYC
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Why Celebrities Trust Dr. Arash Akhavan
When supermodels like Irina Shayk and Shay Mitchell need body contouring, they look for safety, precision, and medical expertise. They choose The Dermatology and Laser Group because we don't just use the devices — we advise the company that makes them. Experience the same level of care, privacy, and results that the world's most photographed people rely on.
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Over 300 media appearances as a national expert in cosmetic dermatology and body contouring.
HIFEM+ & Radiofrequency: The Science Behind Your Results
Medically Reviewed by Arash Akhavan, MD, FAAD | Board-Certified Dermatologist | Assistant Clinical Professor, Mount Sinai Department of Dermatology
Last Medically Reviewed: March 11, 2026
Emsculpt NEO is the first body contouring treatment to combine two distinct energies in a single 30-minute session — and that combination is what separates it from everything else on the market.
Radiofrequency (RF) energy heats the fat layer to approximately 43–45°C. At this temperature, fat cells undergo apoptosis — a permanent, irreversible destruction. But the heat does more than eliminate fat. It also prepares the underlying muscle tissue for deeper, more effective contractions, functioning like the warm-up before an intense workout. Published clinical data from BTL Industries demonstrates an average 30% reduction in subcutaneous fat in the treated area.
HIFEM+ (High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic) energy triggers supramaximal muscle contractions — the kind your body physically cannot produce during voluntary exercise. In a single 30-minute session, the muscle fibers contract approximately 20,000 times at intensities that exceed what any gym workout can achieve. Over the course of a standard four-treatment protocol, clinical studies have documented an average 25% increase in muscle volume.
“The real value of this technology isn’t just the numbers on a study,” says Dr. Arash Akhavan. “It’s that patients walk out of a 30-minute session having accomplished something that would take months of targeted training — and they did it without breaking a sweat.”
The result goes beyond cosmetic contouring. You’re simultaneously reducing fat, building functional muscle, and — because the RF energy stimulates collagen in the overlying skin — tightening the treatment area. It’s why Emsculpt NEO remains the most clinically validated non-invasive body sculpting treatment available, supported by over 30 peer-reviewed publications on HIFEM technology.
Medical-Grade Oversight from a Manufacturer Consultant
Emsculpt NEO is a powerful medical device. The results it produces depend heavily on who is operating it, how patients are selected, and whether the treatment protocols are followed precisely. This is not a spa treatment — it is a medical procedure that requires medical judgment.
As a designated Consultant for BTL Industries (the manufacturer of Emsculpt NEO), Arash Akhavan, MD brings a level of oversight to every treatment that most providers in New York City cannot match. This consultancy means he works directly with BTL on training protocols, clinical feedback, and device calibration standards. It also means our patients are treated with genuine, FDA-cleared devices that are regularly maintained and updated under manufacturer supervision.
Dr. Arash Akhavan is a board-certified dermatologist, Castle Connolly Top Doctor for over 13 consecutive years, and an Associate Clinical Professor at the Mount Sinai Department of Dermatology. He has been cited as a national expert on body contouring in over 300 media appearances, including The New York Times, Allure, Cosmopolitan, Women’s Health, ABC News, and Fox News.
“I’ve seen firsthand what happens when patients get treated at clinics that cut corners,” Dr. Akhavan notes. “They come to us after four or six sessions somewhere else with zero results — and they’re understandably frustrated. In many of those cases, the provider was either using the older-generation device without telling the patient, or worse, using counterfeit applicators that deliver no therapeutic energy at all.”
Treatment Areas
Abdomen
The abdomen is the most popular treatment area for Emsculpt NEO — and the one with the most robust clinical data behind it. In published studies, patients averaged a 30% reduction in subcutaneous abdominal fat and a 25% increase in abdominal muscle volume after a standard four-treatment series. For patients who have visible belly fat they can’t lose through diet and exercise, or who want more defined abs and a stronger core, the abdomen protocol delivers the most dramatic transformation. It is also the only non-invasive treatment FDA-cleared for diastasis recti repair — the abdominal muscle separation that commonly occurs after pregnancy — with studies documenting an average 19% reduction in the inter-recti distance.
Buttocks (Non-Surgical Lift)
The buttock protocol uses HIFEM+ energy exclusively — no radiofrequency, no fat reduction — to build and lift the gluteal muscles. The goal is volume and shape through muscle growth, not fat removal. Patients see a firmer, more lifted posterior without injections, implants, surgery, or downtime. This remains one of the most requested protocols at our Manhattan office, particularly among patients who want a natural-looking lift.
Love Handles (Flanks)
Flanks are one of the most frustrating areas for patients because this fat tends to resist diet and exercise. We use the specialized Edge™ Applicators, which are specifically designed to wrap around the curved anatomy of the love handle area. These applicators deliver both HIFEM+ and RF energy to the flanks, slimming the waistline and eliminating the “muffin top” that so many patients struggle with. Dr. Arash Akhavan frequently recommends combining flanks with the abdomen protocol for a comprehensive midsection transformation.
Thighs (Inner, Outer, Front, and Back)
Emsculpt NEO offers customized protocols for every thigh area. Outer thigh treatments target saddlebags — the stubborn fat deposits on the lateral thigh. Inner thigh treatments focus on tightening and toning. Front and back thigh protocols build the quadriceps and hamstrings for a sculpted, athletic leg profile. Each treatment is tailored to the patient’s specific anatomy and goals.
Arms (Biceps and Triceps)
Arm treatments focus on muscle building to tighten and tone the upper arms. This is an especially popular protocol for patients frustrated by the “jiggle” or looseness in the tricep area that doesn’t respond to arm exercises. The HIFEM+ contractions build lean muscle mass in the biceps and triceps, creating visible definition and a more athletic arm contour.
Who Is Not a Candidate
Emsculpt NEO is FDA-cleared for patients with a BMI up to 35. The treatment is not recommended for patients who are pregnant, have metal or electronic implants in the treatment area (including copper IUDs for abdominal treatments, pacemakers, or defibrillators), or have a pulmonary insufficiency condition. Patients with a history of hernia in the treatment area should discuss candidacy during their consultation. If you are unsure whether Emsculpt NEO is appropriate for you, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Akhavan so he can evaluate your individual situation.
Emsculpt NEO Before and After Images
Emsculpt NEO Cost in NYC
Manufacturer-Authorized Lowest Price
The standard cost for Emsculpt NEO at The Dermatology and Laser Group in New York City is $3,400 for a complete package of 4 sessions, averaging $850 per treatment. This is the absolute lowest price permitted by BTL Industries for authorized providers anywhere in the United States — we have intentionally set our pricing at this floor to ensure you receive the highest quality treatment at the best possible value.
Transform More, Save More (50% OFF Additional Areas)
Body contouring results are rarely about just one area. Most of our patients combine treatment zones — abdomen with flanks, or glutes with thighs — for a complete transformation. Purchase your first area at the standard price, and receive 50% off any additional areas treated during the same visit. Contact our office for your personalized quote.
Why "Cheap" Treatments Can Mean Fake Results
The Counterfeit Problem
We have consulted with numerous patients who came to us after seeing zero results from budget treatments at other NYC medspas. Upon investigation, many discovered they had been treated with counterfeit devices — unregulated knock-offs that can even visually mimic the genuine Emsculpt machine but deliver no therapeutic energy whatsoever.
At The Dermatology and Laser Group, this risk does not exist. Every treatment is performed exclusively with genuine, FDA-cleared BTL devices that are calibrated and maintained under the direct supervision of a BTL Manufacturer Consultant. If a provider is charging less than $850 per session, they are not purchasing their treatments from BTL. They are either using expired applicators, refurbished components, or outright counterfeits.
The Technology Bait-and-Switch
If you see a price lower than $850 per session anywhere in Manhattan, there is one specific question you need to ask the provider: "Is this Emsculpt Classic or Emsculpt NEO?"
Many clinics advertise "Emsculpt" at a discount but quietly treat patients with the older-generation machine. The classic device lacks radiofrequency entirely — which means no fat reduction, no skin tightening, and significantly lower muscle growth metrics compared to Emsculpt NEO. We exclusively treat with the current-generation Emsculpt NEO, ensuring every session delivers the full dual benefit of fat elimination and muscle building.
"Patients deserve to know exactly what technology is being used on them," says Arash Akhavan, MD, FAAD. "The difference between the classic device and the NEO isn't subtle — it's the difference between a treatment that only builds some muscle and one that simultaneously eliminates fat, builds substantially more muscle, and tightens the overlying skin."
Patient Testimonials and Reviews
Body Contouring Treatment Comparison
Emsculpt NEO remains the only non-invasive body contouring procedure that simultaneously addresses fat, muscle, and skin in a single treatment session. The following comparison outlines the key clinical differences between the most commonly considered options in New York City. Data reflects published clinical studies and FDA clearance documentation.
| Feature | Emsculpt NEO | CoolSculpting | Liposuction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | HIFEM+ & RF Energy | Cryolipolysis | Surgical Aspiration |
| Fat Reduction | ~30% per area | ~20–25% per area | Variable (aggressive) |
| Muscle Building | ~25% volume increase | No muscle effect | No muscle effect |
| Skin Tightening | RF collagen remodeling | None | None |
| Discomfort | None (workout feel) | Moderate (cold/numb) | Significant (surgery) |
| Recovery | Zero downtime | Minimal (days) | 2–6 weeks limited |
| Session Time | 30 minutes | 35–60 minutes | 1–4 hours (surgical) |
| Sessions Needed | 4 over 2–4 weeks | 1–3 per area | Single procedure |
| FDA BMI Range | Up to BMI 35 | No specific limit | Provider discretion |
| Diastasis Recti | FDA-cleared (19% avg.) | Not applicable | Not applicable |
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost of Emsculpt NEO at The Dermatology and Laser Group is $3,400 for a complete package of 4 sessions ($850 per treatment). This is the manufacturer-authorized lowest price permitted by BTL Industries for any authorized provider in the United States. We also offer a "Transform More" package where any additional body areas treated during the same visit are 50% off. Treatments are performed under the supervision of Dr. Arash Akhavan, a board-certified dermatologist and designated BTL Manufacturer Consultant.
Emsculpt NEO combines two energies — HIFEM+ for muscle building and radiofrequency for fat reduction — while the original Emsculpt uses only magnetic energy for muscle contraction. This dual-energy approach allows the NEO to deliver 30% fat reduction, 25% muscle growth, and skin tightening in a single session. The original device cannot reduce fat or tighten skin. The Dermatology and Laser Group exclusively uses Emsculpt NEO — we do not offer the older-generation device.
Emsculpt NEO and CoolSculpting address fundamentally different goals. CoolSculpting freezes fat cells for an approximate 20–25% reduction per cycle but does not build muscle or tighten skin — and in some patients, the loss of subcutaneous fat without corresponding skin tightening can lead to increased laxity. Emsculpt NEO reduces a comparable amount of fat (30%) while simultaneously building 25% more muscle and tightening skin through radiofrequency. For patients who want a sculpted, toned result rather than just fat reduction, Emsculpt NEO delivers a more comprehensive outcome.
Emsculpt NEO is FDA-cleared for patients with a BMI up to 35. It is well-suited for patients looking to define muscle, reduce stubborn fat pockets, and improve overall body contour without surgery. The treatment is particularly effective for patients who exercise regularly but have areas that resist improvement, as well as postpartum patients seeking diastasis recti repair and core restoration. It is not recommended for patients who are pregnant, have metal or electronic implants in the treatment area (including copper IUDs for abdominal protocols), or have pulmonary insufficiency conditions. During your consultation, Dr. Arash Akhavan evaluates each patient individually to confirm candidacy and create a tailored treatment plan.
Emsculpt NEO is not painful. Patients describe the sensation as an intense workout combined with a warming feeling from the radiofrequency — similar to a hot stone placed over the treatment area while the muscles contract strongly beneath it. The intensity is adjustable and increased gradually throughout each 30-minute session. There is zero downtime. Patients return to work, exercise, and all normal activities immediately following treatment. Some patients report mild muscle soreness for 24–48 hours afterward, similar to the feeling after a vigorous gym session.
Manhattan's Upper East Side — Where Body Sculpting Meets Luxury
The Dermatology and Laser Group is located at 110 East 60th Street, in the heart of Manhattan's Upper East Side — just blocks from Central Park and surrounded by the tree-lined avenues of Lenox Hill, Sutton Place, and Midtown East. For patients seeking Emsculpt NEO body sculpting in New York City, our boutique medical office provides a private, luxury setting designed around your comfort. Whether you're coming from Park Avenue or crossing town from the West Side, expert body contouring is just minutes away.
Emsculpt NEO Treatment at The Dermatolgy and Laser Group- Filmed for Hit Show Love Thy Nader, Hulu
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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.