How Do Liposuction and Emsculpt Differ?

Are you conscientious about diet and exercise, but finding that they’re not doing the trick when it comes to losing fat and/or toning muscle?

It’s a frustrating situation. As such, you may have started looking at different cosmetic procedures – both surgical and non-surgical – and are somewhat confused about what would be best for you.

Two of the most common options are liposuction and Emsculpt. Both can improve your body shape. But the procedures, overall focus, and timeline for your results differ. We’ll take a look.

How Liposuction Works

If it’s stubborn subcutaneous fat that you can’t seem to eliminate, then liposuction is often a top recommendation. It works by surgically removing fat cells.

Through tiny incisions in the areas you’d like to target, a board-certified plastic surgeon inserts a narrow tube called a cannula. The cannula is connected to a surgical vacuum or syringe. The surgeon manipulates the cannula to disrupt fat cells which are then suctioned out of the incision.

Although it is a surgical procedure, liposuction is a fairly simple and straightforward way to remove excess fat from almost any part of the body.

The Emsculpt Process

Emsculpt, on the other hand, is a non-surgical procedure. It’s not a magical cream or elixir though. Rather, it’s technology that uses non-invasive, high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) energy to implode fat cells while simultaneously building muscle.

It’s like getting a major workout that will affect the muscles in a way that would be impossible for you to do voluntarily. For example, it’s as if you could do 20,000 sit-ups in the course of 30 minutes.

How does it work? You relax back onto a table while a small device is strapped over the area you’re targeting. Facilitators give you tips on ways to breathe and relax through the session.

Power from the device slowly increases and your muscles begin to contract, creating a very intense vibration that may feel strange at first. After a few contractions, the machine switches to a tapping action to break down the lactic acid your muscles produce during the contractions.

Many who seek Emsculpt procedures are focusing on improving their abs because it’s extremely effective for this area. Yet Emsculpt is also commonly used for the buttocks. There are even smaller paddles utilized to target the biceps, triceps, thighs, and calves.

Which Way to Go? The Differences Between Liposuction and Emsculpt

It depends on what you want to achieve. While both will give you a contoured appearance, liposuction does more to remove fat while Emsculpt focuses on toning muscle.

If you choose liposuction, you will be required to have some sort of anesthesia – whether general, local, or IV sedation. It will depend on the treated area. You should also plan to take at least several days off of work and will have activity restrictions in the weeks that follow. You will likely experience some initial swelling, bruising, and numbness as well.

With Emsculpt, there are no needles, no incisions, and no anesthesia. There is little to no risk of complications and you’ll likely feel some muscle soreness the next day – just as you would after an intense workout. You’ll need to have multiple treatments, however. And improvements appear two to six weeks after the last session and continue to improve for several weeks following the sessions.

It’s important to note that both of these treatments are most optimal if you’re in overall good health, physically active, have a BMI of 30 or under, and want to enhance where your regular exercise program has plateaued.

In other words, neither is meant to replace regular exercise and good eating habits. So don’t let those go!

Is It Time for a Change?

You’re already doing a great job eating well and exercising. But if they’re not giving you the contours you want, you could supplement them with liposuction and Emsculpt.

Contact us today to speak with our board-certified plastic surgeon who will review your aesthetic goals with you and advise you on the next best steps.

After all, you’re doing the work. You deserve amazing results!