Will past surgeries make Emsculpt a problem for me?

Question

I have 2 questions about whether Emsculpt is safe for me. I have had a past partial small bowel obstruction from internal scar adhesions. It resolved on ts own without surgery. I also have had a hamstring tear reattached to my ischia with titanium suture anchors. ( I fell downhill skiing) Will either of these issues make Emsculpt a problem for me. Or make it risky to have Emsculpt? I am a very healthy 67 year old woman. No other health issues.

Jonathan Wade, DO · Answer

The history of the partial SBO with adhesions will not limit your ability to have an abdominal EmSculpt treatment. The penetration of the RF heat will not reach into the abdominal cavity, and if you have an EmSculpt Neo treatment, the added HIFEM contractions will not bother this either. Superficial skin scars may react to the RF heat, but there are plenty of ways to avoid or work around them depending on the location. For the hamstring, I would assume you are considering the buttock application for the EmSculpt. If this is the case, I generally consider these on a case-by-case basis, but if you can have an MRI, then you can have EmSculpt when it comes to clips/anchors. I hope this helps!!

David C. Cunningham, MD · Answer

While I alway advise exercising caution, I think you will be fine to undergo EMSCULPT. The abdominal protocol does not stimulate the smooth muscle of the gastrointestinal tract to any meaningful degree (it would be a messy procedure for us all if it did!) and therefore you should not have issues related to the prior adhesions. Regarding the hamstring issue- two things: 1, the HIFEM energy will not penetrate far enough to meaningfully impact the titanium screws, and 2, there is little to no hamstring stimulation you will experience that would put that prior injury at risk. I have had some of my patients (and myself!) experience strong hip flexor contractions during the procedure to the point of lifting one or both legs off the table intermittently, but this would not impact the hip extensors muscles such as the hamstring. Enjoy!

Roberta Huang, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Surgical scarring can be an issue with the newer Emsculpt Neo (which uses radiofrequency heat in addition to HIFEM), but only if there is an extensive amount of scarring of the skin overlying the intended treatment areas. The reason is that scar tissue in the skin can accumulate rather than transmit the heat. For this reason, someone with extensive scarring should have a consultation with someone experienced with the Neo and be monitored closely during treatment.

Teresa Lantin, MD · Answer

Previous surgery due to small bowel obstruction is not a contraindication in benefiting from Emsculpt. However the surgery that involves a titanium metal attachment would pose a problem. This is a contraindicated condition to combine with Emsculpt.

Dmitriy Schwarzburg, MD · Answer

EMSculpt should not be an issue as long as you don't have any metal plates or implants in those areas. I would still confirm with your doctor to make sure that you are good to go, but I don't see any issues with getting EMSculpt after either of those procedures.

Will past surgeries make Emsculpt a problem for me?

Answers (5)

Answer: Past surgeries

Answer: Past surgeries

Answer: No

Answer: No

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Will past surgeries make Emsculpt a problem for me?

Answers (5)

Answer: Past surgeries

Answer: Past surgeries

Answer: No

Answer: No

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Everything you need to know about Emsculpt

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.