Sometimes, no matter how much you eat a healthy diet and exercise, there are areas on your body that persist in being problematic. Stubborn pockets of cellulite, a flabby bum, or untoned abs can be especially resistant to your best efforts. If you find yourself in this situation, you may want to consider seeking another type of remedy to help banish the bulges and increase your body confidence. Two options include liposuction, a type of plastic surgery that removes fat; and Emsculpt Neo, a relatively new, FDA-approved procedure that uses high-intensity electromagnetic energy to tone and strengthen the abdominal muscles and thighs and tone and lift the buttocks. So how do you know which one to choose?
Stubborn problem areas
Before deciding on a body toning procedure, it is useful to understand why certain areas of your body can be especially resistant to exercise.
About 80 to 90% of women have cellulite. The lumpy, dimpled appearance is a result of fatty deposits beneath the skin. Even exercise and maintaining a healthy weight may not be enough to reduce it. Some women also have a very tough time banishing fat from their lower bellies. Hormones, genetics, and age all play a role. In addition, many women who have gone through pregnancy and childbirth suffer from diastatic recti, the abdominal separation that can occur following pregnancy. Those weaker muscles make a toned tummy incredibly elusive.
The difference
Liposuction has been around for a long time! It was first offered in the United States in the early 1980s. This popular surgical procedure uses a suction technique to remove fat and shape various parts of the body.
Approved by the FDA in 2018, Emsculpt Neo is a non-invasive, FDA-approved device that uses high-intensity electromagnetic energy to tone and strengthen the abdominal muscles and tone and lift the buttocks.
Who is a candidate?
Both procedures are for people who are at or close to their ideal weight but have areas of fat or flab on their bodies’ that they have been unable to correct with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Do they build muscle?
Liposuction contours and removes fat from specific areas of the body but doesn’t build muscle. Emsculpt Neo removes fat and builds muscle. As we’ve stated before, the procedure triggers 20,000 supramaximal contractions to your target muscles in a 30-minute session. In response to these contractions, your muscles reconstruct themselves, fat cells are zapped (for a 30% – 40% loss after four treatments), and your muscle fibers are increased (by about 25%).
Is there downtime?
Liposuction is usually an outpatient procedure, but it does have an extended recovery time. Just following your surgery, you will need to wear compression garments and limit your activity. Soreness and pain may remain up to the one-month mark following surgery but swelling can persist for months. After about four weeks, you will be able to resume light exercise, and at six weeks, you can discontinue the compression garments and should be able to see the full results of your surgery.
There is no downtime following an Emsculpt Neo treatment. You can immediately return to your regular daily activities, although you should avoid vigorous exercise that affects the targeted muscles for one day after your appointment. Most people require four 20-30 minute sessions separated by once a week or every 7-10 days and will see the full results about two weeks after the last treatment.
Are there risks?
Liposuction is major surgery, and like any invasive surgery, carries risks such as bleeding or anesthesia reactions. Other possible complications of liposuction are numbness, infection, kidney and heart problems, fat embolism, and fluid accumulation.
Emsculpt Neo is non-invasive and thus there is a very minimal risk associated with the procedure. The side effect you are most likely to experience is sore muscles.
Ready to banish the fat and build muscle?
Alazzo Med Spa, in Frederick, is thrilled to now offer Emsculpt Neo. Our highly-trained team is available to meet with you to craft a customized plan and educate you about the results you can expect following this revolutionary procedure. After meeting with us, we’re sure you’ll understand why our clients rave about their fabulous experience with Alazzo, from our warm staff to our exceptional service. Contact us today for a consultation!