Sanjay Grover, MD, FACS

Emsculpt does not treat loose skin of the abdomen or buttocks.  Emsculpt treatments by BTL utilize HIFEM or high intensity focused electromagnetic energy to cause supramaximal muscle contractions of the abdomen and buttocks resulting in muscle development and fat reduction.  Additionally, an 11% improvement was seen in initial studies for correcting diastasis recti or muscle separation of the abdominal muscles.  Skin laxity is not directly improved, however, one may feel this is improved in the buttock area as the muscle mass is increased.  Patients with minimal abdominal skin laxity of the abdomen may benefit from Exilis Ultra radiofrequency/ultrasound treatments from BTL.  Patients with significant diastasis and skin laxity will benefit from an abdominoplasty.  I offer both of these services in my Newport Beach office.

Initial FDA approval of Emsculpt is for the abdomen and buttocks.  Emsculpt will likely be utilized off-label eventually to treat other areas than the abdomen and buttocks.  BTL, the company that developed the Emsculpt device is working on creating applicators to treat other areas of the body.  Stay tuned.

Initial studies on the new device called Emsculpt requires four, thirty-minute sessions over the course of two consecutive weeks (Two sessions each week).   Emsculpt from BTL utilizes HIFEM or high intensity focused electromagnetic energy to induce supramaximal muscle contractions equivalent to 20,000 abdominal contractions or squats to induce muscle growth and fat reduction.  Ideally, you should select a practice that offers a full array of treatments for body contouring, which includes both surgical and non-surgical treatments to ensure you are receiving the best recommendations for your particular situation.

The reason that you are finding most of your information about Emsculpt from BTL on RealSelf is that it is a new technology that was only recently released.  Physicians are just now receiving their devices from the company and will be offering this service in your area very soon.  Emsculpt from BTL is the first non surgical body contouring device to utilize HIFEM or high intensity focused electromagnetic energy to not only increase muscle mass of the abdomen or buttocks, but also reduce fat in these areas as well with four, thirty-minute sessions over the course of two consecutive weeks.  This is achieved by causing supramaximal muscle contractions equivalent to 20,000 abdominal crunches or squats in one session.  Additional information on Emsculpt can be found on emsculpt.com.

Thank you for your question about the permanency of results from Emsculpt treatments.  Emsculpt utilizes HIFEM, high intensity focused electromagnetic technology to cause supramaximal muscle contractions equivalent to 20,000 contractions in one 30 minute session, to induce muscle building and fat reduction.  Initial studies were performed at seven independent medical practices across the U.S. and confirmed by MRI, CT, ultrasound tests and reviewing histology of the tissue under the microscope.   Results achieved included 16% average increase in muscle mass and a 19% average reduction in fat.  Additionally, an 11% average reduction of the rectus abdominis separation of diastasis recti was seen.  Of course, these are averages so some patients experienced more and some less.  Long term results have yet to be evaluated; however, one would imagine that results from the increased muscle mass will diminish if one does not maintain an active exercise regimen or doesn't do additional maintenance treatments.  Additionally, one may accumulate additional fatty tissue if one does not maintain a healthy diet and exercise regimen.

Emsculpt from BTL is the latest non-surgical body contouring device being offered by body contouring physicians which utilizes High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic technology to induce supramaximal muscle contractions to build muscle and burn fat.  A complete treatment involves a series of four sessions, two weekly for two consecutive weeks.  The cost of the four sessions will run between $3500-$4500.  Our office will be offering Emsculpt from BTL for $4000 for the four sessions.  Patients that may benefit from additional 'debulking', will also receive two weekly sessions of Vanquish from BTL for further fat reduction for an additonal $500 for a total of $4500.  My practice is one of the only practices in Orange County that will be offering both treatments.   

There are many talented plastic surgeons in Orange County.  It is wise to look through many plastic surgeons' before and after photo galleries to get a feel for their experience and results with different challenging cases.  Then I would suggest you go in to see several plastic surgeons for a consultation to see what options they consider best suited for you.  You will know who is right for you.

I feel that my patients are very excited to not have any drains following their tummy tuck.  It allows for less discomfort and avoids the hassle of having something attached to them following their procedure.  The addition of progressive tension sutures or quilting sutures does not add significant time to the procedure and post operative seromas or fluid collections have been rare.

The three manufacturers that can supply silicone implants in the U.S. all offer excellent warranties on their implants.  Each one varies slightly with regards to rupture and capsular contracture.  Although warranties are very important, realize it is not the only factor in selecting an implant.  There are many different options available now with regards to size, shape, fill volumes and cohesivity that are important when selecting an implant.   I encourage you to see one or several plastic surgeons to find out more details and to see for yourself.  Good luck.

Most plastic surgeons would agree that silicone implants allow for a much more natural feel to a woman's breasts.  There are many different options available with regards to shape and profile.   The best way to understand this is to have a consultation with a plastic surgeon and feel the difference yourself.