Emsculpt – Build Muscle, Burn Fat

All you need to know about Emsculpt

Maybe you eat right and hit the gym regularly but still struggle with a belly bulge. Maybe you need a kickstart to a healthier lifestyle. If you wish to take your body shape and performance to the next level, you’re not alone. Now there’s a non-invasive way to quickly build strength and muscle tone on the stomach, buttocks, arms, and legs with Emsculpt, without surgery.

When it comes to body contouring procedures, patients have a few popular treatment options to choose from. Classic liposuction requires general anesthesia and potential harmful risks. Non Surgical Coolsculpting freezes fat away but also takes time and may leave dimples in the skin. Finally, there is non-invasive option that also has a huge health advantage: Emsculpt, a revolutionary non-invasive body contouring treatment that actively builds muscle in the stomach or buttocks. These muscles boost your overall metabolism and increase total caloric burn, for a whole host of health benefits. Board-certified Dr. Anita Wang now offers FDA-cleared  Emsculpt in Laguna Beach, CA for men and women who want a strong and toned body shape.

What is EMSCULPT?

Emsculpt: Non-Invasive Body Contouring That BUILDS MUSCLE

Emsculpt is the world’s only non-invasive body contouring procedure that reduces fat while simultaneously building muscle. Patients receive treatments in office, and need no pre- or post-treatment preparation. Emsculpt is safe for both men and women, and can effectively contour the abdomen, lift the buttocks, and sculpt the arms and legs – no surgery required. This procedure accelerates the type of results otherwise only achievable through frequent intense workouts, in a series of safe 30-minute sessions, requiring no anesthesia and zero downtime.

The revolutionary Emsculpt treatment works by stimulating the muscles with HIFEM® — High-Intensity Focused ElectroMagnetic Technology. This is similar to the technology used in an MRI machine, but for a very different purpose. Instead of imaging, Emsculpt’s HIFEM® technology contracts muscles to rapidly tone and strengthen the targeted area. This also helps to slim down the area and create a tight, sculpted look.

FDA Cleared for Abs, Glutes, Arms, Legs

Although the two most common treatment areas are the abdomen and buttocks, this safe and effective body sculpting procedure can also tone and sculpt the arms and legs. Dr. Anita Wang is proud to be the first Laguna Emsculpt providers to offer these treatment options and looks forward to helping patients tone different areas of their bodies.

How does Emsculpt work?

Emsculpt uses patented non-invasive HIFEM – High Intensity Focused Electromagnetic – technology. The powerful wavelengths emitted by the device trigger rapid muscle contractions, far beyond what you could produce with exercise. Emsculpt can cause up to 20,000 muscle contractions per minute for deep tissue remodeling and fat burning at the same time.

What are Supramaximal Muscle Contractions?

When exercising, people are only able to voluntarily contract their muscles to a certain extent during a crunch or squat—perhaps 50% of a given muscle group. During one Emsculpt treatment session, the device activates and fully engages muscles like no other device, with 20,000 supramaximal muscle contractions occurring during the half-hour session. What’s the difference between a regular muscular contraction and a supramaximal muscle contraction? Supramaximal contractions are greater than what can be achieved at the maximal level by a voluntary contraction. The Emsculpt can induce a muscular contraction that the human body cannot achieve alone.

After 4 sessions performed over 2-4 weeks, most Emsculpt patients at our Laguna Beach facility typically see around 19% in fat reduction and about 16% in increased muscle mass in the treatment area.

What is the effect of Supramaximal Muscle Contractions?

When you lift a heavy weight, what you’re really doing is creating micro-tears in your muscle fibers. The muscles then have to repair themselves and when they do, they get stronger, which results in muscle growth. The non-invasive HIFEM® (High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic) technology induces powerful muscle contractions not achievable through voluntary contractions. When exposed to strong contractions, the muscle tissue adapts to these extreme conditions. It responds with a deep remodeling of its inner structure that results in muscle building and body sculpting in two ways:

1. muscle hyperplasia – growth of muscle due to an increase in the number of muscle fibers.
2. muscle hypertrophy – increase in the size of existing muscle cells or muscle fibers rather than an increased number of cells (hyperplasia).

Does the Emsculpt burn fat?

The Emsculpt’s HIFEM-induced contractions also trigger the release of free fatty acids, which break down fat deposits and increase muscular tone and strength, just as they would in any other other exercise. Since the Emsculpt contracts the muscles at a much higher intensity and speed than during regular exercise, enhanced fat metabolism through lipolysis (destruction of fat cells) will result. 

Does Emsculpt tighten the skin?

Some skin tightening does occur with Emsculpt, but for those of our patients looking to improve skin laxity or address crepey skin or skin sagging, Dr. Anita prefers skin tightening with Exilis. Exilis is a non-invasive skin tightening device that uses radio frequency for lasting results. This treatment complements Emsculpt results by combining sculpting with smooth skin. For abs, butt, arms, or legs, Emsculpt will tighten and lift, while Exilis leaves skin smooth and tight, while also melting fat and fine tunes body contouring.

Does Emsculpt help with cellulite?

Emsculpt does provide some skin tightening and lifting results that can help reduce cellulite, however other devices at Dr. Anita’s office may more effectively target cellulite. To address skin texture, Anita Wang, MD, uses the skin-tightening effectiveness of Exilis to smooth out dimpling and skin irregularities. Exilis uses RF energy to heat up the skin and restructure the fat adipose tissue. The result will be healthier skin that is firm and smooth.

The Science behind the Results

Why Patients Choose Emsculpt

In Laguna Beach and surrounding cities like Laguna Hills, Laguna Woods, and Laguna Niguel, CA, many people spend a lot of time outdoors saying active. This doesn’t mean, however, that they are always able to achieve their fitness goals on their own. As anyone who has ever stuck to a strength-training routine before knows, it can be tough and frustrating to build muscle and burn fat. A healthy diet and exercise are key to a long, healthy life, but they often aren’t enough on their own to banish stubborn fat and to promote optimal muscle definition. Muscle toning is often a long, inefficient process that takes hours each week at the gym over months or years.

Emsculpt vs. Plastic Surgery

Emsculpt patients in Laguna Beach typically choose Emsculpt as their prefered non-invasive body contouring treatment because they want to augment their diet and exercise efforts with a non-invasive treatment that produces real results. After a series of Emsculpt treatments, patients can enjoy toned and slimmed down areas of the body, including the stomach, buttocks, arms, and calves, without plastic surgery.

Most patients feel more confident after the treatment series and may even find that their newly-strengthened muscles allow them to push past a workout “plateau” in practices requiring core or buttock strength, like yoga or Pilates. Those starting a new upper body workout routine should ask Dr. Anita about options for toning the arms with Emsculpt as well.

Diastasis Recti

Women suffering from diastasis recti, a condition affecting the abdominal muscles after pregnancy. As your belly expands during pregnancy, the connective tissue stretches, allowing the rectus abdominis to pull apart and separate vertically down the middle. (Pregnancy hormones also play a role by relaxing the connective tissue to accommodate your growing baby.)

Sometimes the tissue heals, and the muscles come back together after delivery when your hormone levels return to pre-pregnancy levels. But if this doesn’t happen in three to six months, you can end up with a gap that won’t close without treatment. Diastasis Recti often leaves a gap that allows your belly to pooch out. Emsculpt is the only non-invasive procedure that can help improve this frustrating and common issue by an average of about 11%.

Ab Sculpting

Emsculpt sculpts abs while simultaneously building muscle mass, resulting in leaner, stronger, more well defined abs. One treatment with this unique device is equal to 20,000 sit-ups.

Butt Lifting

Achieve the Brazilian Butt Lift without surgery. Emsculpt builds and tighten the buttocks, giving your booty that nice pop you want.​ Strong glutes also support the hip, knee, and ankle joints, preventing injuries for active individuals. Because they are such a large muscle group, building the gluteus muscle group is also a great way to boost overall metabolism and increase daily total caloric burn.

Arm Sculpting

A common complaint is the “bat wing”, where loose skin hangs when arms are outstretched. The Emsculpt small applicator addresses muscle tone and fat in the arms with a tricep and bicep dual treatment, each side lasting 20 minutes for a total 40 minute treatment.

Calf Sculpting

For some, calves are the hardest muscle to develop. The Emsculpt small applicator can help build muscle in this trouble spot, and for those who would like trim and defined “stiletto calves”.

Other Areas

Talk to Dr. Anita about your areas of concern to determine whether Emsculpt would be the right treatment for you. Emsculpt treats most but not all areas on the body. A free consultation with Dr. Anita would be the best way to find the best solution for your unique needs.

The Ideal Candidate

Anyone can benefit from the Emsculpt – men and women of any age. A complimentary consultation will ensure that you are an ideal candidate for the Emsculpt, but many successful Emsculpt patients fit one or more of the following scenarios:

Whether you’re looking for a procedure to jumpstart your weight loss goals or simply need treatment to create a more defined muscle structure at abs, thighs, upper arms, or buttocks, Emsculpt may be a good fit for you.

The best candidates for Emsculpt are men and women who want to supplement their workouts with the powerful results of HIFEM® technology. Patients should be in good health, near their goal weight, and should have realistic expectations for the procedure.

Emsculpt is not a weight loss procedure and patients who are overweight are unlikely to see optimal results from one treatment series.

Emsculpt penetrates up to 2.7 inches

During an initial consultation for Emsculpt, one of the factors we examine to make sure you’re a good candidate is the thickness of your body fat in the desired treatment area. According to the manufacturer, Emsculpt’s HIFEM energy can penetrate up to about 2.7 inches (7 centimeters) of body fat before it loses its effectiveness to make muscles contract. Patients with obesity or seeking drastic weight loss results should first consider other alternatives. If you have body fat deposits exceeding 2.7 inches in thickness, talk to Dr. Anita about a diet and workout routine designed to burn fat before trying Emsculpt.

Relatively fit or reasonably healthy patients who want to tone trouble areas make great Emsculpt candidates. Emsculpt can be a wonderful way to hold yourself accountable and kickstart a much healthier lifestyle, but candidates are ideally within about 20 lbs. of their target weight before beginning treatment. 

Metal Based Implants

Candidates with any type of beneath-the-skin metal or electronic device implants, including pacemakers, replaced joints, and certain IUDs, cannot use Emsculpt. Because the treatment uses electromagnetic energy, patients with metal implants too close to the treatment area may be ineligible for the treatment for safety reasons. Those with injuries or hernias also need to discuss their history with Dr. Anita before proceeding with treatment. Emsculpt has had no cases of adverse effects on patients when used properly.

Your Emsculpt Consultation

To find out if you’re a qualified candidate for Emsculpt, consult Laguna’s own Dr. Anita with a free in-office appointment. Dr. Anita will meet with you at her Wellness, Longevity and Aesthetics boutique to explain the Emsculpt procedure and assess your current situation and concerns to determine if Emsculpt is right for you.

During your consultation, Dr. Anita will ask you about your body sculpting goals and expectations for the procedure. She will also go over your medical history, past procedures, examine the treatment areas, explain the procedure, and suggest a treatment plan suited to your needs, whether that includes Emsculpt or not.

Your consultation is an ideal opportunity to ask questions and learn more about your treatment options for body contouring. You’ll leave with all the information you need to make a decision about Emsculpt in Orange County that’s right for you.

Emsculpt consultations do not require preparation. All we need from you is to show up to your consultation appointment and relax. If you have any questions, please give our office a call so we can assist you.

Preparing for Your Emsculpt Sessions

The good news about Emsculpt at our Laguna Beach office is that it requires little preparation. Patients should follow their normal exercise routine, eat a healthy diet, and drink plenty of water.

On the day of the procedure, patients should wear comfortable clothes and go to the bathroom prior to the treatment session to avoid needing to stop in the middle of the 30 minute session and interrupting the gradual muscle contraction process. Patients will need to move aside any clothes with metal to avoid any possible interaction with the applicators, notably jeans with button clasps.

Other than making sure you are within the target weight range and body fat measurements, there isn’t much preparation before Emsculpt appointments. We typically recommend patients come hydrated and avoid eating a big meal before appointments, as well as using the bathroom before beginning. 

The Emsculpt Procedure

1. A Snug Fit

Patients lie down comfortably during an Emsculpt procedure at our Laguna Beach wellness boutique. Once settled, Dr. Anita places the Emsculpt devices on the patient’s buttock, abdominal, leg, or arm muscles. Velcro straps secure either the large or small Emsculpt applicators to the treatment area for a snug fit. These devices work over thin clothing, though tight, flat, direct contact with the skin improve the treatment’s efficacy.

2. A Gradual Build

The device is turned on and intensity increased up to the highest level of strength as is tolerable. The intensity of the treatment is low at first to avoid putting too much stress on the muscles. Just as an individual new to strength training should build up to heavier weights, the intensity of the Emsculpt device should only go as high as is tolerable (7-9) on a scale of 1-10 of a patient’s pain threshold. Most patients grow accustomed to the sensation of the Emsculpt with each treatment, and some reach full intensity after 1 or 2 sessions. Intensity of the device may be more intense for those with lower body fat.

3. Clean and Lean

This is a pain-free treatment! You will just feel your muscles contracting and twitching throughout the treatment. The treatment requires no goopy gels, and no stickers, and no pain. The procedure is relatively quick and painless. The plastic applicator placed on the target muscle area, such as your abs, arms, legs, or buttocks produce the electromagnetic waves that cause involuntary muscle contractions. If at any point the discomfort becomes too intense, please notify the administrator.

3. Lactic Acid Release

Over the course of the 30-minute treatment, the device will induce 20,000 supramaximal muscle contractions, far beyond what a person can achieve with voluntary muscle movements. The energy varies between triggering muscle contractions and a tapping motion, which works to break up and release lactic acid. Over time, you will notice enhanced muscle strength and more defined muscle structure. By the end of the session, the device will be operating at 80-100% power for the strongest contractions. After the treatment is complete, patients can get back to their daily activities immediately.

After thirty minutes (40 minutes for arms), Dr. Anita removes the devices, and you will be able to return to your regular day!

How long does an EMSCULPT treatment take?

Patients finish Emsculpt treatments in-office in 30-40 minutes depending on the area, making it a perfect lunchtime procedure. For optimal results, most people undergo four treatment sessions spaced every two to three days. There is no downtime after your Emsculpt treatment. Some patients report slight soreness, but it is similar to the soreness you would feel after a workout. Emsculpt requires no pre or post treatment preparation, and you can resume your daily activities after each treatment. Some patients experience some DOMS – Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness. If by the subsequent appointment the treatment area is still considerably sore, please talk to your doctor for any possible adjustments to your treatment.

What does an Emsculpt treatment feel like?

The Emsculpt procedure feels like an intense workout. As you lay down, the Emsculpt contracts your muscle for you, eliciting supramaximal contractions over your treatment of 30 minutes. It feels like you are completing a difficult abdomen or butt workout, but it is very comfortable. Rarely do patients break a sweat, though you may feel slightly fatigued and/or thirsty later in the day.

What is the recovery time after Emsculpt?

Emsculpt is entirely non-invasive, and does not involve any downtime. You’re free to go about your daily routine immediately following treatment. You may experience soreness similar to that of an intensive workout several days post-treatment. Emsculpt does not require rest time. You can drive and get back to your regular day right after treatment. Patients often feel sore for a day or two after Emsculpt. This is normal and is the same soreness you would experience after an intense workout. These symptoms fade with time.

How Soon Will I See Results?

Emsculpt will immediately boost your muscle mass and help tone up your body. Results are often noticeable within a few days.

Just as muscles will expand during a strenuous workout, the treatment area will feel firmer and tighter after just one Emsculpt session. As the body begins to flush out the destroyed fat cells over two to four weeks, patients notice a gradual improvement for up to 3 months. In clinical trials, patients saw an average fat reduction of 19%, with an increase in muscle mass of up to 16%.

The results of Emsculpt actually improve over time, with the best results showing at about three months. After the initial treatment, patients usually talk about follow-up maintenance treatments after about three months. Some patients prefer another treatment package, while others receive treatment on other areas, while still others prefer to continue more frequent treatments for maintenance.

Non-invasive to your body… and to your lifestyle

There are no activity restrictions following non-invasive body contouring. Patients will likely feel like they just finished an intensive workout (which they did, in a way!) and may experience some related soreness. However, as long as they feel up to it, patients can get back to their daily routines immediately, including their normal workout schedule.

Emsculpt doesn’t restrict you from working out or living your life. Instead, the treatment gives you a boost and helps you get one step closer to your body goals.

How long do Emsculpt results last?

The length of Emsculpt results will last a different amount of time for each person. To keep your results looking great, we recommend a healthy lifestyle that consists of exercise and wholesome eating. Some of our patients come in every two to six months to keep their body looking flawless!

Risks & Side Effects

Because Dr. Anita’s Emsculpt in Laguna Beach is completely non-invasive, there are very few associated risks and side effects. Patients may experience some soreness after each session, similar to that of an intense workout.

Rare risks include excessive stress on the muscles, sometimes causing a hernia. Choosing a board-certified physician like Dr. Anita to perform your procedure reduces the already minimal risks involved with non-invasive body contouring in Orange County.

How much does Emsculpt Cost?

The cost of each treatment will vary. Each patient is unique. We customize your treatment to your body and desired aesthetic. To learn if Emsculpt is right for you, click here to schedule a consultation today.

Is Emsculpt covered by Insurance?

Insurance covers Emsculpt treatments if the individual has a medical diagnosis that Emsculpt treats. Most do not. Dr. Anita offers various payment plans and price matching for all services performed by a medical doctor. She also offers inhouse financing.

Why should I choose Dr. Anita for Emsculpt?

Everyone interested in Emsculpt wants the best results under the most thorough care. At Wellness, Longevity and Aesthetics, Dr. Anita oversees or performs every treatment. Patients choose her for her excellence in holistic care and a warm, thoughtful bedside manner. While Dr. Anita can help you achieve your aesthetic goals with Emsculpt, she is also passionate about the strength building capabilities of the device, and hopes that this strength provides her patients with the mobility and active lifestyle they need to have a long and vibrant future.

Anita Wang, Laguna’s premier Emsculpt provider

Dr. Anita Wang is the premier Emsculpt treatment provider in Laguna and one of the best in Orange County. Patients from all over the country and those local to Southern California travel to Wellness, Longevity and Aesthetics for Emsculpt treatments in Laguna Beach, just steps from the ocean. Some patients even travel internationally for her care and preventative approach to medicine.

Because of her experience performing Emsculpt, Dr. Anita is keenly attuned to the delicate nuances of treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Emsculpt hurt?

Emsculpt feels similar to the process of an intensive workout, so doesn’t require any anesthesia. Many patients describe the sensation as “strange” but not painful.

Can I combine Emsculpt’s non-invasive body contouring with other treatments?

Yes! Dr. Anita may suggest a combination procedure or complementary treatments for skin tightening, anti-aging, or additional body contouring, depending on your goals.

How many treatments will I need?

Most patients need four treatments spaced two days to one week apart for optimal results, for a total of 4x in 2-4 weeks.

Will I be able to work out after an Emsculpt session?

Absolutely! If you feel up to it, you may work out at any point after Emsculpt at our Laguna office. However, you will likely feel sore after each session and may need to scale back your workouts during the treatment series.

Can Emsculpt get rid of my love handles?

Although the procedure does not target the love handles area specifically, buttock and abdomen treatments will often help to minimize love handles.

Does Emsculpt use radiofrequency energy?

No. Emsculpt is based on HIFEM® technology, which uses the same type of energy as MRI machines.

When will I see the results?

Most Laguna Beach Emsculpt patients see results during and after their four-session treatment series is complete. With a traditional package plan, patients complete treatments in 2-4 weeks, but can see full results after about 10 or 12 weeks. The results may improve for several more months, especially if patients maintain a vigorous workout routine or with subsequent maintenance treatments.

Am I a good candidate?

That depends on your goals. Ideal candidates are interested primarily in toning their muscles and removing fat as a side effect.

How much weight will I lose?

Emsculpt renders the best results for adults in good shape who desire better definition, rather than significant weight loss. Because muscle weighs more than fat, some patients may lose no weight or even gain weight. Dr. Anita will talk about the target weight you should aim for to get the most out of your Emsculpt appointments and the best long-term results. 

How does Emsculpt compare to CoolSculpting?

It may seem like Emsculpt is quite similar to CoolSculpting, the popular nonsurgical fat-reduction solution. But the two are actually very different.

Emsculpt is a much more natural procedure than CoolSculpting, which freezes and destroys fat cells. While the results of each treatment are similar, Emsculpt patients often see results more quickly. With CoolSculpting, it can take months for your body to eliminate the fat cells that produce your results; Emsculpt gives most patients visible results in mere weeks. Both treatments offer patients no downtime. Ultimately, your choice of procedure is highly personal, but the advantages of Emsculpt make it worth considering as your first choice for body contouring.

Emsculpt vs. Coolsculpting: different tools for different purposes

Both Emsculpt and CoolSculpting are great methods to contour your body and get rid of bothersome fat bulges. However, CoolSculpting will only reduce fat stores whereas Emsculpt will help your body naturally burn off fat cells and achieve stronger muscles. The result? Toned, sexy contours. To know for sure what treatment is best for you, schedule a consultation with our office!

Dr. Anita will offer her personalized treatment recommendations during your consultation. To schedule your Emsculpt consultation Laguna Beach, schedule an appointment consultation.

Take the Next Step

If you want to learn more about Emsculpt and how it can help you take your body goals and performance to the next level, with less fat, improved muscle mass, and an impressive level of muscle definition, find out more in a private consultation with Dr. Anita. We look forward to meeting you.