The Treatment I Experienced
Emsculpt Neo, on my abdomen
My Provider
Dr. Bruce Katz, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City
What Is Emsculpt Neo?
Emsculpt Neo by BTL Aesthetics was introduced in 2024 and is a non-invasive, FDA-approved body contouring system that integrates high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) technology with radiofrequency (RF) energy. This dual approach not only builds and strengthens muscles but also effectively burns fat. It is suitable for treating various body parts including the abdomen, buttocks, biceps, triceps, and calves. For optimal outcomes, it is recommended to undergo four 30-minute sessions, spaced one week apart.
Emsculpt vs. Emsculpt Neo: What’s the Distinction?
An Emsculpt treatment employs solely electromagnetic energy to induce around 20,000 involuntary muscle contractions within a 30-minute session. This method activates all muscles simultaneously, at a significantly higher intensity than typical workouts, thereby enhancing muscle fibers and promoting the breakdown of subcutaneous fat through the release of lactic acid and other substances.
In contrast, Emsculpt Neo generates up to 24,000 supramaximal contractions while incorporating RF energy to boost blood supply to muscle tissues, enhancing their volume, and disintegrating fat cells by heating the fat layer to just above 42°C/107.6°F. Dr. Katz explains, “By merging these two technologies, clinical studies show that Emsculpt Neo can reduce fat by up to 30% in the treated area and increase muscle growth by about 25%, compared to Emsculpt’s 19% fat reduction and 16% muscle mass increase. Emsculpt is generally for those with a BMI below 30 aiming to eliminate a minor bulge and enhance muscle tone. However, since Neo is more effective in fat reduction, it can be used on individuals with a BMI up to 35.”
Neither treatment is designed for skin tightening.
Why I Opted for It
I am not an avid fitness enthusiast—I enjoy hiking and cycling on my Spin bike a few times a week, which has been my fitness routine since high school. Until my late 20s, this was sufficient to maintain my desired physique. I always had a flat stomach, distinct abs, and toned legs from years of daily horseback riding. However, in my late 20s, my unhealthy habits—excessive alcohol, late-night fast food, prolonged desk work, and sedentary evenings—finally caught up with me. I constantly felt bloated, with stubborn love handles and a lower stomach pooch that were difficult to eliminate.
Boredom during the pandemic led me to adopt a consistent workout regimen of squats, crunches, and cardio, which might have shown significant improvements if not for my increased wine consumption. By autumn, my motivation to look good was at an all-time low, making Emsculpt Neo the perfect no-downtime, non-invasive body procedure.
Related: CoolSculpting vs. Emsculpt: What’s The Difference?
What My Emsculpt Neo Treatments Were Like
I had seen numerous influencers and providers praising Emsculpt Neo as “comfortable” and “painless,” which I knew wouldn’t be my experience even before my first session. I had used a Slendertone ab-toning belt intermittently for years, which uses electrical muscle stimulation to contract abdominal muscles at a lower intensity than Emsculpt—and it was far from pleasant. I accurately predicted that Emsculpt would be a much more intense version of that.
During my appointment, Dr. Katz took pre-treatment photos, had me lie down, and placed the applicator on my abdomen, securing it with a thick strap. He explained that the device alternates between muscle-contracting and recovery phases after an initial buildup period. The RF energy heats the muscles to the point of apoptosis during the 30-minute session. The intensity can be adjusted from 0 to 100 (I stayed around 75 for most of my first session but reached 90 for the last five minutes; in subsequent sessions, I started at 90 for the first 15 minutes and then went up to 100). The nurse mentioned that women generally tolerate Emsculpt better than men.
The RF heat was not particularly memorable for me; it somewhat mitigated the discomfort of the muscle-contracting phase, which was quite unpleasant. It felt like a powerful magnet was pulling my stomach muscles out of my body, momentarily depriving me of breath each time. This strange sensation made my eyes water, and I felt claustrophobic when the doctor left the room. I was glad I never went to my appointments with a full stomach, as I might have felt nauseous. Each time I thought I couldn’t endure another contraction, the recovery phase began.
The recovery phase, though sounding gentle compared to the preceding phase, involves the machine hitting the muscles to break up lactic acid accumulated from the strenuous contractions, potentially leading to cramps and muscle fatigue. Imagine your abdomen being repeatedly knocked on—that’s the “break” period.
When You See Emsculpt Neo Results and How Long They Last
I felt the core-strengthening effects a few days after my second treatment session, noticing better balance on my Spin bike and less exhaustion during sit-ups. After the third session, I observed more definition in my upper abs. The only minor soreness I felt was the morning after each session.
Six weeks after my fourth Emsculpt Neo session, I took post-treatment photos and was amazed at how toned my stomach appeared, especially the obliques, without any changes to my eating, drinking, or fitness habits. While I hadn’t noticed any fat reduction in the mirror, side photos showed evident fat loss around my lower belly, which Dr. Katz says will continue to improve for up to six months after treatment. Results are expected to last at least a year, after which maintenance treatments are recommended.
How Much Does Emsculpt Neo Cost
The cost varies based on location, provider, and package discounts, but a session typically ranges between $750 and $1,000. If the price is significantly lower, the provider might not be using an authentic Emsculpt device.
Final Verdict: Emsculpt Neo Works
With a high pain threshold, I found Emsculpt Neo painful the first time (I even texted friends: “I hate this so much, I want to stop, this feels dreadful”). However, it became more manageable with each session as my treated muscles grew stronger. If it had felt like nothing, I wouldn’t have believed it was effective in burning fat and toning muscles. It’s the only non-invasive treatment that has shown me obvious results in such a short time. It has motivated me to adopt a more regular workout routine and plan for maintenance treatments in the fall.
