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Emsculpt Neo vs Liposuction: Which is Right For You?

by | Body Shaping

Do you work out religiously and eat right, but still have stubborn problem areas of fat on your body that just don’t ever seem to budge? If this describes you – here we highlight two possible solutions to help you eradicate that persistent fat and get the body you always dreamed of!

Emsculpt Neo is an FDA-approved non-surgical procedure that delivers high-intensity focused electromagnetic pulses (HIFEM) and Radio Frequency (RF) energy to strengthen and tone muscles and burn fat. Liposuction is a surgical procedure that removes fat. Keep reading to find out which of these treatments might be best for you to achieve the body of your dreams.

Sculpting &Amp; Liposuction Body Shaping

What is Emsculpt Neo?

Emsculpt Neo is both non-surgical and non-invasive. This body sculpting procedure burns fat and builds muscle. It combines HIFEM and RF energy to both stimulate deep contractions and add heat to rev up fat burning in the targeted area.

These deep and powerful contractions would be physically impossible for you to achieve through your regular exercise regimen. For example, in one 30-minute Emsculpt Neo treatment, your glutes receive the equivalent results of 24,000 squats and your abs receive the equivalent results of 24,000 crunches! The addition of the heat targets the muscle area causing the core temperature to rise quickly thereby killing fat cells and tightening skin.

Clinical studies have shown that after 4 Emsculpt Neo treatments patients experience 25% fat reduction and 30% muscle growth, as well as skin tightening.

What is Liposuction (Lipo)?

Liposuction is a surgical procedure that removes fat from the body. Liposuction surgery uses a slender, hollow tube, called a cannula. In Lipo, the cannula connects to a vacuum to suction the fat from your body. The doctor cuts small incisions into the skin before surgery. The cannula then enters the targeted area of the body through these incisions during the procedure. The doctor then loosens the fat with the cannula using a forward and backward motion. The slender tube and suction vacuum out the body’s fat at the same time.

Lipo could remove up to 10 pounds of fat. The risks of complication increase as fat removal increases. With Liposuction, changes can be permanent as long as the patient’s body weight stays steady. If the patient gains weight in the future, the remaining fat cells will grow larger.

weight in the future, the remaining fat cells will grow larger.

Which body sculpting option is best for me?

The physical characteristics of ideal candidates for both options are very similar. The best candidates for Emsculpt Neo are those who are between 15 to 30 pounds of their ideal weight and have a Body Mass Index of 30 or less. Ideal candidates for Liposuction surgery are also within 30 pounds of their ideal weight with good muscle tone and firm skin.

But there are numerous other personal considerations to keep in mind when choosing between these two body sculpting options. With the surgical option, candidates should be nonsmokers and should not have any medical conditions that could impair the ability of their body to heal after an invasive procedure.

Side Effects and Risks:

Candidates choosing between these two options, should also consider how much downtime, pain, and risk they could experience in their lives. Emsculpt Neo has no downtime or pain while Liposuction requires much more downtime and comes with healing of wounds which can be painful.

Emsculpt Neo has no side effects or risks if used properly. The only mis-hap can be that if the device comes off of the skin while radiofrequency is in use, a small part of the skin can burn. Liposuction however – because it is a surgery, does have elevated potential risks. Lipo risks:

  • Fluid accumulation
  • Infection
  • Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
  • Irregular contours or asymmetries
  • Anesthesia risks include such conditions as nausea and vomiting, nerve injury, and sore throat
  • Change in skin sensation that may persist
  • Damage to deeper structures such as nerves, blood vessels, muscles, lungs, and abdominal organs
  • Scarring
  • Bruising

Of course anesthesia has its own host of risks if used during liposuction.  Anesthesia is not necessary for Emsculpt Neo treatments as they are non-invasive and not painful.

Treatments and Results:

Patients must also consider the number of treatments needed, how long results last, and which is best for them. Emsculpt Neo requires four sessions over two weeks while Liposuction is completed in a single 3 – 4 hour surgery.

With Emsculpt Neo, you’ll see results 6 months or longer, and maintenance sessions may be required. With Liposuction, results are permanent but if the patient gains weight in the future, the remaining fat cells will grow larger.

As for muscle toning results, liposuction will not have any effect on muscle growth while Emsculpt Neo will build muscle by 30%.  

Another benefit of Emsculpt Neo is it’s ability to tighten the skin through the use of radiofrequency, which liposuction does not provide.

What can I expect at an Emsculpt Neo session?

In an Emsculpt Neo session, your body experiences simulated exercise at a level it could never otherwise attain. This fools your body into responding as if it really worked out at these levels! While this mock high rate of exercise is going on through powerful contractions, the Emsculpt Neo is also delivering RF heat to the muscles.

With the muscles contracting at such a high rate without resting, and with the RF heat causing an increase in the supply of blood to the muscles, muscles experience rapid changes at the cellular level. Increased size and strength are the results of this combination. Because your body is working overtime to supply all that energy to your muscles as they are contracting and heating, fat burning is completely maxed out.

The simulated exercise and stress cause the neighboring fat cells to go through lipolysis – the process where the fat cells break down, release fatty acids and die. These fat cells are then flushed out of your lymphatic system in the weeks and months following your Emsculpt Neo sessions.

You are left with a body that is leaner, sculpted, and more toned than ever before. No downtime. and while the contractions are intense, they are not painful! The best part? All of this is happening during a short 30-minute session where you’re reclining!  

Because Emsculpt Neo simulates rigorous exercise, it is important to hydrate before your session. The treatment requires no other prep, no special clothing, and can be done on your lunch break or during the work-day. Because there is no downtime, you can simply return to normal daily activities immediately after your Emsculpt Neo session.

  • Your skin temperature is monitored during the session to prevent burning. Some report minimal discomfort from the heat. Your provider will ensure you are comfortable throughout the session.
  • The doctor may start the device on its lowest setting if it is the first session to get you used to the treatment but will gradually increase to an intensity you can tolerate to maximize results.
  • The doctor will use larger paddles for the larger muscle groups and smaller paddles for arms and calves.
  • The muscle contractions will be slow and powerful during the last phase of treatment, to help eliminate any toxins or lactic acid released during the procedure. This helps to decrease muscle soreness.
  • Some people report some soreness afterward as if they had a hard work-out, but there is no recovery time required. Like a good workout, the soreness will decrease within a couple of days and you can even work out right away if desired.

What can I expect during Lipo surgery?

Lipo is a surgical procedure. It can be performed under general anesthesia, which means the patient is put to sleep during the entire procedure, or local anesthesia, which means the patient is awake. General anesthesia is used when larger volumes of fat are going to be removed. Local anesthesia, which helps numb pain, reduce trauma and bleeding, is used when smaller amounts of fat are going to be removed.

Liposuction is carried out using a hollow, slender tube, called a cannula. A cannula is an instrument that in the case of Liposuction, is connected to a vacuum to suction the fat from your body. The cannula enters the targeted area of the body through incisions that were previously cut into the skin. The cannula then loosens the fat through the doctor’s forward and backward motion. While this forward and backward motion is ongoing, the slender tube and suction vacuum out the body’s fat in that area. 

As mentioned, there are numerous risks involved with any surgical procedure. Lipo often has a longer recovery and downtime period than non-invasive and non-surgical body sculpting procedures. It also costs more on average than non-surgical body sculpting procedures. 

For many, even with consistent and challenging exercise regimens and clean eating, it can be difficult to cut stubborn fat from abs, thighs, arms, or backs! But now you’re armed with the information you need about Emsculpt Neo and Liposuction to select the best tool in the fat zapping toolbox to get you to your best body ever.

Emsculpt Neo vs. Liposuction

Emsculpt Neo
Non-Surgical Procedure:
Yes
Non-Invasive Procedure:
Yes
Anesthesia Required:
No
Downtime:
None
Reduces Fat:
By 25%
Builds Muscle:
By 30%
Tones Muscle:
Yes
Skin Tightening
Yes
Average Costs:
Varies, up to $3,000 - $5,000 for a package of four
Number of Sessions Required:
4 sessions within 2-4 week period
Technology Used:
Combines enhanced High-intensity focused electromagnetic energy (HIFEM) pulses with radiofrequency (RF) energy in the form of heat
Session Duration:
20-30 minutes
Treatment Areas:
Abdomen, Buttocks, Inner Thighs, Outer Thighs (Saddle Bags), Front Thighs, Back Thighs, Biceps, Triceps, Calves
Results Last:
6 months or longer, maintenance sessions may be required
Liposuction
Non-Surgical Procedure:
No
Non-Invasive Procedure:
No
Anesthesia Required:
Yes
Downtime:
1 week recovery time before returning to daily activities, and 4 to 6 weeks before returning to exercise
Reduces Fat:
The max amount of fat that can be removed safely is between 6 to 8 pounds (three to four liters). Increased volumes of fat removal heighten surgery risks
Builds Muscle:
None
Tones Muscle:
No
Skin Tightening
No
Average Costs:
Between $3,500 - $8,000
Number of Sessions Required:
1
Technology Used:
A surgical procedure that utilizes suction to remove fat, contour areas on the body
Session Duration:
3-4 hours depending upon the treated area of the body
Treatment Areas:
Chest and back, Abdomen, Hips and thighs, Buttocks, Upper arms, Calves and ankles, Chin and neck
Results Last:
Permanently - however, fat cells that remain could grow larger in the future if the patient gains weight

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Emsculpt Neo and Liposuction FAQs

Is Emsculpt Neo better than Liposuction?

Liposuction can remove more fat in one visit, while Emsculpt Neo can provide 25% fat reduction while also toning and strengthening your muscles by 30% and tightening your skin. Emsculpt Neo is a faster, less invasive procedure, while Liposuction provides longer-lasting results in a single treatment.

What's the difference between Emsculpt Neo and lipo?

Throughout an Emsculpt Neo session, patients are free to recline as the device produces involuntary contractions that facilitate muscle growth by 30% and break down 25% of fat cells. The radiofrequency also allows for skin tightening. Liposuction is a surgical procedure that eliminates areas of unwanted fat from the body but does not act on muscle or tone the treatment area and does not tighten the skin.

Does Emsculpt Neo work?

YES! Emsculpt Neo and the embedded high-intensity magnetic field (HIFEM) technology have been clinically tested through multiple blinded clinical trials (over seven) including imaging through MRI for safety and efficacy.

Is Emsculpt Neo fat loss permanent?

RF energy causes up to 30% fat burning during each treatment, enhancing the effects of Emsculpt Neo. On average, patients can enjoy their EMSCULPT results for about six months or longer. It is recommended that patients maintain a healthy diet and exercise, along with regular follow-up EMSCULPT sessions every few months.

How much weight can you lose with Liposuction?

At most, you can expect to lose anywhere from 1 to 10 pounds of fat. While larger amounts of fat, therefore weight, can be removed, it comes with an increased risk of complications, so most plastic surgeons will limit their removal amount to no more than 11 pounds.

Does Liposuction permanently remove fat?

Liposuction permanently removes fat. All Liposuction procedures use the combination of a cannula (a hollow tube) and an aspirator (suctioning device) to literally suction out stubborn fat. It is important to note that Liposuction does indeed permanently remove fat cells from the body.

Is Emsculpt Neo painful?

Emsculpt Neo is not painful, it simply feels like a series of strong muscle contractions with the warmth of a heating pad. Thinner patients may feel EMSCULPT more, and decreased energies may be used during treatment. For many patients, they may instinctively smile or laugh during the first few minutes.

Does lipo tighten skin?

While Liposuction can do a lot to sculpt the body, one thing it cannot do is tighten the skin. This is an important aspect of body contouring because, without adequate consideration and planning, a person’s skin may look loose and saggy after their Liposuction procedure. Emsculpt Neo however does provide skin tightening radiofrequency.

How long does Emsculpt Neo last?

The muscle mass created by EMSCULPT treatments will likely last six months or longer if patients continue strength and conditioning exercises to build muscle.

How long do lipo results last?

The amount of time it takes for the swelling to subside and skin to retract varies by patient. Some patients can see their final results three to six months after surgery; others observe the results continuing to improve for a year.

How long does Lipo last?

When fat cells are removed through Liposuction, they are gone forever. However, the remaining fat cells in the area can still grow larger in the future.

What are the dangers of Liposuction?

Contour irregularities. Your skin may appear bumpy, wavy, or withered due to uneven fat removal, poor skin elasticity, unusual healing, fluid accumulation, numbness, infection, internal puncture, fat embolism which can cause stroke or heart attacks, kidney and heart problems, lidocaine toxicity. General anesthesia has its own host of possible risks and complications.

What are the side effects of Emsculpt Neo?

Emsculpt Neo has zero Side Effects if used properly. If the machine separates from the skin however while radiofrequency is on, it can burn a small part of the skin.

Does Emsculpt Neo reduce visceral fat?

In addition to body sculpting, Emsculpt Neo has been shown to produce a 15 percent reduction in diastasis recti (the separation of the abdominal muscles, which is common during pregnancy or significant weight gain) and a 15 percent reduction in visceral fat reduction.

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