What if I cannot tolerate 100% power on Emsculpt?

Question

I have had 3 sessions with Emsculpt, spaced about 3 days apart. I gradually moved up in power each session. The 1st session, I was able to get up tp 65% power at the final 5 minutes. The 2nd session, I was able to get to 95% power for the final 5 minutes. The 3rd session I got to 75% power for the final five minutes. Third session was the most painful. Is it worth continuing if I cannot tolerate Emsculpt at 100%? They place it in the middle of my abs. Will it reduce fat on my flanks?

Anna Avaliani, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear that you found your EmSculpt testaments to be painful.  It should not be a painful treatment at all.  Usually the first treatment session you feel weird as you dont know what to expect, but your second and third sessions you should feel very comfortable and try to time your muscle contractions with Emsculpt machine to maximize your results. We also recommend that patient place their hands under their butts and try to mimimc leg raises during their treatment to maximize full muscle engagement of your core, All of our patients are receiving treatments at 95% or above  power and the goal is to get there in the first 5-10 minutes of the treatment, not in the last 5 minutes.  You should also feel the core. becoming stronger. To answer the second part of your question.  EmSculpt will not help you burn fat in your flanks when you are treating your abdomen.  Hope this helps. Best, Dr.Avaliani

Michael A. Persky, MD · Answer

Hi Mehul,Emsculpt treatments should feel intense but never painful.  It is not necessary to reach the 100% treatment level during treatment to get good results with Emsculpt.  It is still worthwhile for you to continue your treatment program.  As long as your muscles are contracting during the treatment, you should see improvement.  Good luck and be well.Dr. PEncino, CA

Ryan Neinstein, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Thanks for the question, the leaner and more muscular people are the harder it is for them to tolerate higher power levels. This is a good thing, you will get the max results if you use the percentage of power that you can max tolerate

Andrew Campbell, MD · Answer

The majority of our patients can't get to 100% power with EMSculpt, so don't worry about that. If you are getting an intense hypercontraction of the muscle, then you are getting a good treatment. Often times, thinner patients get a more intense reaction to EMSculpt and can't get to 100%. The only area where the fat reduction was measured in the EMSculpt studies is over the abdominus recti in the mid-portion of the abdomen. EMSculpt tends to cause contractions out to the flanks so you may get some fat reduction there, but most of it will be in the middle of the abdomen. We commonly combine EMSculpt with Coolsculpt to really give our patients an amazing result. We call that Q sculpting.Andrew Campbell, M.D.Quintessa Aesthetic Centers

Paul Flashner, MD · Answer

You will still see results even if you do not reach the maximum intensity of 100% It is getting to the max that your body can tolerate that matters. I would try to continue on with the 4th session to get the full benefit of Emsculpt. The results truly are amazing!

Janet Allenby, DO · Answer

Hello, Thank you for your question. While optimum results will be seen at 100% You will still see some results over the entire abdomen and flanks. Please consult with your provider to discuss how to manage your expectations. Best of luck and congratulations on your treatment!

Michael A. Zadeh, MD, FACS · Answer

You will feel intense muscle contractions during an EMSculpt treatment, but it should not be painful. We have yet to have a patient that did not tolerate the treatment at full intensity. It may be that they are placing the applicator too close to your bones. That being said, people have different sensitivities. You should still see improvement from your baseline even if you are unable to tolerate the treatment at 100% intensity. Make sure you follow up with your provider to compare your before and after pictures. Best wishes.

Dmitriy Schwarzburg, MD · Answer

Discuss with your care provider so as to guarantee minimum discomfort for you. Please contact a qualified provider or a board-certified physician with extensive experience in these procedures.

Mitchell J. Mandel, MD · Answer

That's great that you've had 3 sessions already. We definitely recommend at least 4 treatments to see the best results. If you do not hit 100% power, that is OK. Everyone can tolerate a different level, but someone at 100% vs someone at 70% can see similar results. Just as working out at the gym, not everyone can lift the same amount of weight, but that does not mean they both are not working their muscles.

Roger Schechter, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for the great question.  We are the only downtown San Diego facility to offer this great device.
This is a great question and a very common one.  If you liken Emsculpt to exercising, not everyone can lift the same amount of weights.  As providers, we try not to tell our clients what percentage they are at.  As long as we feel the client is at a clinical end point, then the treatment is appropriate.  Don't fixate on the number, rather listen to your body as though you were working out at the gym.
Thank you,
Roger Schechter, MD
ALCHEME Health
San Diego, Ca

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What if I cannot tolerate 100% power on Emsculpt?

Answers (17)

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