Is Emsculpt really safe?

Question

I have read that electromagnetic energy can cause cancer. If that is the case then how can this new device be safe? I understand it is FDA-approved, but I'm still trying to understand the safety aspect.

Michael A. Persky, MD · Answer

Hi Cafn8d,Great question, many patients are concerned about the safety of Emsculpt.  Prior to offering any technology or new treatment to my patients I must be sure that the treatment is both safe and effective.  Emsculpt meets both of those criteria.  The National Cancer Institute has an article that explains the difference between safe and dangerous electromagnetic energy (see below under Web reference for complete article link.)  Basically, low frequency electromagnetic energy (used in Emsculpt) is safe, high frequency electromagnetic energy (like X-rays) are not.  BTL, the company that manufactures Emsculpt has used EM energy for many years in the therapeutic treatment of muscles without any adverse events.  There have been no reported complications of Emsculpt.  Prior to treatment, the treating physician must take a complete history of the patient to make sure that there are no contraindications to treatment that would cause problems such as metal implants, pacemakers, hernias, and other medical conditions.  Make sure to choose your treating physician most carefully.Good luck and be well.Dr. PEncino, CA

Ryan Neinstein, MD, FRCSC · Answer

I would have asked the same thing and thats why I have throughly read all the FDA approved documents and similar to other types of electromagnetic energy EM SCULPT has been shown to be completely safe

Andrew Campbell, MD · Answer

Certain electromagnetic frequencies can damage our DNA and cause cancer, but these are very high frequencies like X-rays, not the type that the EMSculpt uses. EMSculpt is safe. The electromagnetic energy EMSculpt emits causes hypercontractions of the underlying muscles. Regarding the abdomen, after four treatments over a two week period, studies showed a 16% increase in muscle with a 19% decrease in the overlying fat. There was also a 4cm reduction in the circumference of the waist. Overall, patients tell us they feel that their core is stronger. Many have even said they can do certain exercises, like planks, better and longer. EMSculpt can also be used on the buttocks. It lifts and augments. That treatment does not effect the fat like the abdomen. Overall it's pretty amazing technology.Andrew Campbell, M.D.Quintessa Aesthetic Centers

Nicole Hayre, MD · Answer

Hi, thank you for your question. As of right now, there are no side effects of the Emsculpt device. The EmSculpt has been used in some centers in Europe for over five years. So, although EmSculpt is new in the United States, it does have a longer history. Please seek a certified health care provider to determine if you are an ideal candidate for the procedure.

Katherine Dee, MD · Answer

Emsculpt uses magnetic pulses to create contractions in the muscle, similar to an MRI machine. There is no radiation, just like MRI. And just like MRI, there is no risk of cancer. The risks with both MRI and Emsculpt are purely related to whether there is any metal in the field. Thus no pacemakers in either device.

Julia Edelman, MD, FACOG · Answer

EMsculpt uses electromagnetic energy similar to an MRI machine.  The electromagnetic energy from EMSculpt is not as strong as the energy in an MRI.  EMsculpt's electromagnetic energy stimulates muscle in the treatment area (abdomen or buttocks), strengthening the muscle, it and helping it to enlarge as it would during exercise.  As when you exercise, lactic acid is released by the stimulated muscles.  During an abdominal EMsculpt treatment, the lactic acid is taken up by the nearby fat cells then the fat cells start to dissolve slowly in the area and are removed by the lymph system over the next 3 months.  That is the process for EMsculpt to enhance muscles in the abdomen and decrease fat cells at the same time.  The fat cell removal does not change your cholesterol or affect your body in a negative way.  MRI machines to diagnose medical problems have been in use for decades and have not been associated with cancer or other adverse effects.  Thanks for your question.  Hope this helps.  Good luck, Dr. Edelman, Medical Director, New England Center for Body Sculpting

Sean E. Mazloom, MD · Answer

Our center participated in the clinical study trials of EMSCULPT and has been using this device longer than most other practices in the country. The safety of this device has been shown throughout all the studies and we have not seen any side effects in any of our patients. Some patients may have mild soreness the day after the procedure. I use this instead of or in conjunction with other body contouring techniques for the best outcome.

Erik Suh, MD · Answer

Most physicians that have purchased this machine for their clinic, if they are like me, have done multiple treatments on themselves, their colleagues, staff, family, as their first patients for this device.   We have done our due diligence  and concluded that it is safe to use it on ourselves and our family.   Therefore, you can make your own conclusion that if all the doctors and staff in the clinic are doing it on themselves, you can bet it is safe to do.

Usha Rajagopal, MD · Answer

Emsculpt works on electromagnetic pulse simulation, similar to an MRI, and they have been found no contraindications or any safety issues with Emsculpt. As machines like MRI are even stronger than the Emsculpt and have been now used for several decades. With the Emsculpt, because you get this pulse, electromagnetic contractions of the muscle, you will gain muscle and in the abdominal area you could also lose some fat and lose a few inches in abdominal area.

Cesar Sierra, MD · Answer

Hi 
Your concern is understandable. There are ionizing and non-ionizing electromagnetic fields. The higher-frequency electromagnetic fields (EMF) or ionizing radiation (x-rays, gamma rays) can disrupt DNA and therefore cause cancer. 
Unlike ionizing radiation, low-frequency EMF's (from power lines and MRI to appliances among many) cannot damage DNA since it is in the non-ionizing side of the electromagnetic range. To my knowledge, non-ionizing EMF has not been linked to cancer in any animal study so far. 
EMSculpt is non-radiating and therefore very safe for anyone that meets the indications. I recommend it and advice to consult with your physician prior to any treatment session to make sure it is safe for you. We have already many happy, satisfied people that have finished their first 4-session treatment and will continue maintenance sessions over time. 
Hope this helps!

Is Emsculpt really safe?

Answers (10)

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