Arushi Sakhuja
Dr Geetika Mitaal Gupta’s ISAAC Luxe is known for its range of cosmetic treatments. From facials to laser hair removal and treatments, to help get closer to your physical body goals. One such treatment offered is the Emsculpt which is used to tone and sculpt your body, especially arms, legs, calves and the abdominal area. The idea behind the treatment is to build weaker muscles and promote muscle strength while aiding fat reduction, along with helping in post-partum wellness. It also helps you get closer to your physical body goals.
This year ISAAC Luxe has introduced an updated version of the Emsculpt (launched in 2018), the Emsculpt NEO. It is a non-invasive body-contouring treatment that deeply and intensely stimulates the muscles and targets immune-to-exercise body parts. It works on body parts such as buttocks, thighs, arms, legs, and more, helping you achieve fitness goals that otherwise remain out of reach. The new version in comparison has 47% more excess fat reduction, 56% more muscle-building, provides 35% lesser abdominal separation, and provides 47.5% lesser waist separation.
How does it work?
Using high-intensity focused electromagnetic technology (HIFEM) and radiofrequency (RF)1, Emsculpt Neo can simultaneously eliminate excess fat and build muscles. It is FDA-cleared and works by quickly heating muscles at a high temperature using RF technology, preparing the muscle for stress. Simultaneously, the HIFEM makes muscles contract approximately 20,000 times in the entire 30 mins session, building 25% more muscle on average, and reducing fat by 30% on average.
The methodology behind it is to simulate a warm-up before a workout, only at a more intense rate (just three treatments are comparable with 2 to 16 weeks of intense exercise.) After four minutes, the temperature in the fat cells reaches levels that cause apoptosis, or a state where fat cells are permanently removed from the body.
Luxebook caught up with Dr Geetika to know more about the updated Emsculpt NEO.
Tell us about the updates on Emsculpt Neo?
Emsculpt NEO is a new generation machine, which uses two technologies — high-intensity focused electromagnetic technology (HIFEM) and radiofrequency (RF). The radio frequency melts the fat, whereas the high intensity gives a supra maximal contraction to build up the muscle.
Who can opt for the treatment? Is it only for weight loss?
It is for anyone who wants to take their fitness journey more seriously — be it for health benefits, tightening the core, postural correction or just wanting more results from their workout. It can be fitted to anyone’s lifestyle because it will just give you a better version of wherever you are.
The treatment is not just a body-wellness or body contouring treatment but also helps you improve your posture. It is also a great tool for people who are on the heavier side, and have a high BMI, and women who are going through post-partum. The machine helps to strengthen the weak core muscles post-child birth. It is even good for people who wish to work on certain areas like weak calves. Be it a sedentary lifestyle, a person who is working out or a person with a high BMI, anyone and everyone can use this machine.
How many sessions are required and what is the frequency of the sessions?
You need one session a week for 4 weeks, and once you start seeing the results you can switch to a maintenance basis about once a month. About 4 weeks after the treatment you can see an increase in muscle mass until 28-30% and a decrease in the fat percentage to about 25-30%.
Are there any side effects?
There is no downtime and no side effects of the Emsculpt NEO. Just have plenty of fluids after the treatment and you can continue your daily activities, including working out.
My first-hand experience
This was my first time ever trying something of this sort. Initially, I entered without knowing what to expect. I opted for the Emsculpt NEO on my abdominal area, because who wouldn’t want to get rid of stubborn fat for that enviable ab line!
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To start the Emsculpt NEO treatment, I was taken upstairs to a private room. Starting out, the technicians placed one large tool on my abdominal area. The tool was similar in appearance to a flat iron, except, shorter in height. This was strapped to my stomach using a velcro-band and I was ready to begin the treatment. The treatment essentially works to break down fat and muscle fibres and penetrates deeper into your core muscles doing the work of an unbelievable 20,000 crunches in 30 minutes.
The Emsculpt NEO started out with light pressure of 5%. On the onset, I felt a lot of vibrations, light taps, some heat and the sound of a drill machine in the distance but no pain whatsoever. Although I wouldn’t lie, it felt a little strange and uncomfortable at first — because, like I mentioned, it was my first ever try. It felt like someone was lightly hammering my stomach. Much like when your trainer at the gym tells you to tighten your core and pats it to ensure it’s rock solid. Two minutes into the session, the technicians asked if I was comfortable and increased the capacity to 10%. Basis my comfort, the intensity would be increased every 2-5 minutes from 5 to 10 to 20 to 25 and so on. The intensity ranges from 5% – 100 % but on the first sitting, they usually don’t go beyond 50-55%.
As they would increase it the sound, heat and vibrations got stronger. The vibration was sometimes faster, at other times slower, much like time interval training. I went until 55% on the intensity scale which was my threshold for the first session. However, everyone’s capacity can be different. I work out regularly and am honestly a fitness fanatic, so it was quite bearable. Once the intensity was at 55% it felt like someone is hitting my core hard, or rather drilling into my abs. While some vibrations were fast and frantic — like a drill machine — others were calmer, slower and more spaced out allowing me breathing time. When it starts vibrating at such a rapid speed it does feel uncomfortable and stiff, like you’re in a state of a constant crunch. Remember that feeling when you’ve worked your abs too much after 3 sets and getting up seems tough almost like you can’t breathe? It was just that. So I suggest telling them if and when you find it uncomfortable — be honest about your threshold and don’t push yourself to a state where you are uncomfortable and can’t breathe.
When the vibration intensified, I felt tightness around my abs and a sinking feeling where I couldn’t breathe for a split second. Initially, because I was not used to it, I felt like I almost couldn’t breathe but after 5- 7 seconds there would be a break when there were no vibrations allowing me to catch my breath. Through the Emsculpt NEO, all I could feel was heat and someone drilling through my abs, after the first time the feeling of not being able to breathe because it got tight around my abdomen disappeared. Although the treatment was initially uncomfortable, it was not unbearable or painful. By the end, I got used to the feeling and started enjoying the burn, eagerly waiting for my ab line to show up.
The result
The Emsculpt NEO lasted a total of 30 minutes, and it was for the last 14 minutes that my intensity was at 55%. However, after the treatment, my abs were sweating which was a good sign meaning the treatment worked. Immediately after, I could not visibly see too much of a change since it had been just one sitting — results usually show up anywhere between 6-12 sessions depending on your body type. The next day, however, since I have a lean body type, I could see my ab definition increased and the ab line was starker around the top 4 abs.
After effects
I had no after-effects over 24 hours post the treatment. However, 24 hours later I felt a few abdominal cramps — pretty much the pain you feel after an intense workout. My abs did feel sore while doing my workout the next day so I simply reduced the weight and intensity and felt better. Two days after the Emsculpt NEO my ab definition became clearer, I was happy with the results.
Overall, it was a new and painless experience, slightly uncomfortable at first, but the results made every minute worth it.
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