Is there a difference between the FDA approved 'Flex Belt' and EMSculpt, besides cost? And if so, what is it?

Question

The only difference that I can tell is that the Flex belt can only claim to strengthen your muscles, while EMSculpt can claim to build muscle and lose inches off your waist, but don't both use EMS technology?

Michael A. Persky, MD · Answer

Hi Hockey1111,

The Flex Belt does stimulate muscles at a much lower intensity than Emsculpt.  The Flex Belt causes about 150 abdominal muscle contractions per 30 minute session while the Emsculpt stimulates 20,000 supra-maximal abdominal muscle contractions per 30 minute session.  The Flex Belt does not decrease abdominal fat while the Emsculpt decreases abdominal fat by about 20%.  The Flex Belt requires constant repeated sessions while the Emsculpt uses 2 sessions per week for 2 weeks.  Clinical research studies have proven that a series of Emsculpt treatments result in 16% increase of muscle mass and 20% decrease in fat.  Good luck and be well.

Dr. P

Encino, CA

Deborah Pan, MD · Answer

Emsculpt's ability to contract muscles is much different than any other electrical stimulation device. By using focused electromagnetic energy, we can achieve supramaximal contracture with a force that is many times greater than other devices.

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Emsculpt is a remarkable procedure to help build muscle. During a span of 30 minutes, you get 20,000 supermaximal contractions in the treated areas. Typically a treatment protocol requires four sessions of 30 minutes spaced over a period of 2 to 4 weeks. When you compare this to a EMS stimulation, there really is no comparison. The flex belt, as an example, provides weaker contractions and cannot penetrate as deeply and will require multiple sessions to start seeing results.  The supramaximal contractions created by EmSculpt also helps to permanently disrupt the fat cells as well.  I would recommend that you visit with an EmSculpt provider for a more detailed consultation.

Michael A. Zadeh, MD, FACS · Answer

There are many other at home and medical devices that stimulate muscle contraction, however these are usually weak contractions. EMSculpt is the only device in the world at this time that can stimulate the muscles to a level of "supramaximal contraction". This is a level of contraction that we can never achieve on our own working out. That's why a single treatment is the equivalent of doing 20,000 sit ups. There are several clinical studies which have shown a 16% increase in muscle mass and definition after a series of 4 treatments. There is no other device that can do this at this time, and any other treatment is a waste of money. Hope this helps answer your question.

Bhavlene Panesar, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.
You are correct in that both devices stimulate muscle.  The similarities however end there.  
The Flex belt is an EMS device and offers a very localized electric muscular stimulation with about 150 contractions a session. The intensity can be adjusted from 1- 150 at each session.
The Emsculpt uses HIFEM(High Intensity Focused Electromagnetic) energy to create a magnetic field in the tissue.  It penetrates 7 cm below the skin and polarizes all the motor nerves to stimulate all of the muscles in the area very intensely.  It is an MRI grade device and is very safe.  Electrical TENS units have a risk of shock and burn that the FDA does warn about. The intensity of the contractions with Emsculpt is far more significant than the Flexbelt.  In a 30 minute session you will experience 20,000 supra-physiological muscular contractions. This generates an average increase in the muscle of about 16-19%.
Along with the muscular stimulation, Emsculpt was found to have an effect on the overlying fat layer causing cellular overload and fat cell death.  In other words, permanent fat loss of about 22% in the treated area.
Hopefully, this comparison answers you question.

Alain Michon, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. There are NO other devices that can compare to EMSCULPT. EMSCULPT use HIFEM technology, which is like a very powerful MRI. It is safe, non-ionizing,  no radiation, no risk of burning, very precise as it stimulate only motor neurons and goes deep inside your body which will enable the whole abdominal muscles to contract or the three Glutes when targeting the buttock. One session of EMSCULPT equal to 20 000's supra maximal contractions. On the other hand, the flex belt or other similar devices are electric base and use a week electrical current to cause the muscle to contract. You would need at least 40 sessions of Flex belt to see some results. It only cause partial contractions of the muscle as it does not penetrate deep enough and there are more risks associated with those like burns. It is also important to point that EMSCULPT when used on the abdomen will destroy fat cells as demonstrated on many pivotal studies in the US. On average studies have shown an19 % fat reduction when treating the abdomen. I hope this help, Dr.Michon

Erik J. Simchuk, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question. The EmSculpt uses electromagnetic technology to stimulate muscles in order to strengthen and build muscle. One 30 minute treatment is equivalent to doing 20,000 sit ups. The muscles are strongly stimulated 60% beyond what you can do on your own. EmSculpt requires 4-6 treatments overall for final results.
The Flex Belt seems to produce weaker contractions and requires more use and frequency of use to see results. The EmSculpt requires fewer treatments, with stronger contractions, and I would assume better results overall. 
I hope this was helpful. For more information speak with your healthcare provider and an EmSculpt provider.

Is there a difference between the FDA approved 'Flex Belt' and EMSculpt, besides cost? And if so, what is it?

Answers (7)

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