EmSculpt Neo: Can You Really Sculpt Your Body Without Working Out?

Over the past month, I’ve been in and out of a facial plastic surgeon’s office in midtown Manhattan. Not given that I was in for a preventative facelift, but because it’s almost spring and I wanted the results of a vigorous workout without working out at all. And, in the words of Doja Cat in her single “Gorgeous,” “she thank God for that EmSculpt.” So, I found out why.

What is EmSculpt Neo?

EmSculpt Neo is a noninvasive body sculpting treatment that burns stubborn fat and builds muscle without any downtime. It’s proven to reduce fat by up to 30 percent and stimulate muscle growth and strength by up to 25 and 29 percent respectively.

How Does EmSculpt Neo Function?

“The treatment induces thousands of powerful muscle contractions, helping to build and tone muscle while simultaneously burning fat,” explains Dr. Yael Halaas. Combining high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) energy and radiofrequency (RF), the process involves lying down with a device strapped around the targeted area, such as the abdomen, buttocks, arms, or legs.

What Does EmSculpt Neo Feel Like?

The sensation is often described as a tickling feeling, or similar to the aches experienced after an ab workout, delivered in short intervals over a 30-minute session. Practitioners adjust the intensity to the patient’s comfort level, starting lower and gradually increasing it over subsequent sessions.

The Benefits of EmSculpt Neo

While EmSculpt Neo undeniably sculpts the body, many patients incorporate it into their weight-loss journey, as it not only helps build and tone muscle but also burns fat. Beyond aesthetics, the benefits extend to medical wellness, potentially improving circulation, increasing range of motion, reducing muscle spasms, re-educating muscles, and preventing muscle atrophy. In fact, 83 percent of patients reported improved range of motion, while 90 percent said it helped re-educate their muscles.

How Much Does EmSculpt Neo Cost?

Most patients observe optimal benefits after 5 to 7 sessions, scheduled about one week apart. The cost typically ranges from $400 to $550 per session.

My EmSculpt Neo Results

I have a sensitive stomach and secure easily bloated, so my belly isn’t always as flat and sculpted as it could be. Luckily, I noticed results immediately after my first EmSculpt Neo session; I couldn’t stay out of the mirror! The first change I noticed was a more defined upper core, followed by tightening curves after the second session. My core felt stronger, and my bloated lower belly felt tighter.

Like many Black women, I have a more arched posture which causes a bit of lower back pain, so having my core feel stronger helped take some pressure off. I even took my first pilates class afterwards—and kept up!—because my core felt more activated after EmSculpt.

I do still have a bit of back fat, which wasn’t targeted in the abdominal session I did. As I build a workout routine to work alongside EmSculpt, that’s definitely a part I want to target next.

The Catch: Maintaining Results

The results only last if you maintain them. While EmSculpt Neo requires nothing but lying down, the impressive results don’t replace the benefits of regular exercise. Just like with traditional workouts, results will fade over a few months if you’re not engaging your core regularly.

“It effectively builds muscle and reduces fat in targeted areas, [but] it does not provide the full-body cardiovascular benefits of traditional exercise,” Halaas notes. “It is designed to complement your workouts and improve your results, not replace your workouts.”