Is EmSculpt safe if have a small PFO?

Question

Is EmSculpt safe if have a small PFO? I ask since the procedure acts like an intense exercise that breaks down and rebuilds muscle fibers.

Michael A. Persky, MD · Answer

Hi sj,
I copied and pasted this information about patent foramen ovale (PFO) : 
Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a hole between the left and right atria (upper chambers) of the heart. This hole exists in everyone before birth, but most often closes shortly after being born. PFO is what the hole is called when it fails to close naturally after a baby is born.PFO's typically do not disrupt heart function and people are able to exercise and carry out all activities normally. However, some people with PFOs can be at an elevated risk of stroke or suffer other symptoms due to a significant drop in oxygen levels.  
Emsculpt should be on the safe side in patients with PFO since there is no aerobic increase from the treatment.  To be on the safe it is always prudent to have your treating physician check with your cardiologist before your treatment.   Good luck and be well.
Dr. P 
Encino, CA

Dmitriy Schwarzburg, MD · Answer

EmSculpt is completely safe in the setting of PFO (patent foramen ovale), but it should never be applied over the chest area. If you are not wearing any implantable devices, you should be completely fine. Make sure you contact a board-certified physician or other experienced practitioners for safe and effective results.

Narin (Joe) Apisarnthanarax, MD · Answer

Patent foramen ovale is a hole between the two chambers of the heart that does not close properly in some people.  For the most part, if your PFO is small enough for you to be able to exercise, then Emsculpt should not be a problem.  Emsculpt only builds muscle in the area of treatment like the abs, glutes, arms, and legs,  and is never performed on the chest over the heart.

Erik Suh, MD · Answer

EmSculpt is intense exercise of your abdominal muscle.   It does not affect your heart muscles, and will not affect your PFO or disrupt your circulation.

Is EmSculpt safe if have a small PFO?

Answers (4)

Answer: Emsculpt should be safe.

Answer: Emsculpt should be safe.

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Is EmSculpt safe if have a small PFO?

Answers (4)

Answer: Emsculpt should be safe.

Answer: Emsculpt should be safe.

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Emsculpt

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