Core To Floor Therapy with Emsculpt Neo and Emsella
On this round of Ask Dr Lam Bee Lan, we find out about the importance of our core muscles and how we can burn fat while build muscle at the same time. Did you know? The core muscles are the epicentre of the body and it encompasses more than the abdominal area. It consists of the abdomen, back, diaphragm and pelvic floor muscles. The core muscles surround the waist like a belt and its main function is to stabilize intra-abdominal pressure, the spine and pelvic floor muscles. The weakest link is the pelvic floor as it is located at the bottom of the core muscles and has the most pressure on it. Having strong core muscles ensures better sitting and standing posture and at the same time it portrays an elegant and sophisticated vibe, giving an overall positive first impression.
As for fat – there are two types of fat in the body. First we have subcutaneous fat – fat you can pinch on your waist, arms, legs or anywhere else. This fat is stored just beneath the skin. Whereas visceral fat is the non-pinchable fat found deep within the abdominal cavity surrounding our stomach, intestines, pancreas and liver. It has been shown in many clinical studies that excessive amounts of visceral fat is closely associated with increased risks of cardiovascular diseases, stroke, high blood pressure, type II diabetes and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) for females. Read on to find out more!
Q: How do I lose fat and build muscle for an overall toned physique?
A: As we know, to lose fat, 80% comes from dieting and 20% from exercise. To tone the core for abs, we need to exercise regularly. However, it is difficult to spot-reduce a particular area of stubborn fats through diet and exercise – for example, if you would like to reduce your love handles, abdominal fats, saddle backs or bye-bye arms.
To accelerate losing fat and building muscle for a toned physique, some may opt for non-invasive treatments with energy-based devices such as Emsculpt Neo that target both reducing fat and building muscle at the same time.
Q: Other than diet and exercising, what else can I do to burn fat and build muscle?
A: Emsculpt Neo is the first FDA-cleared non-invasive procedure to eliminate fat cells, combining two technologies – radio frequency heating and HIFEM (high-intensity focused electromagnetic waves) into a single therapy. This is a non-invasive and no downtime treatment.
The HIFEM+ technology first depolarizes motor neurons that leads to muscle contractions. The device induces 24,000 supramaximal contractions of the muscles in the targeted treatment area. Supramaximal contractions occur when the HIFEM energy contracts 90 – 100% of the muscle fibres within the magnetic field and these contractions achieved through HIFEM stimulation cannot be achieved during a normal voluntary workout.
Supramaximal contractions mean that the muscles are contracting at a super charged rate which the body can’t produce via exercise. The RF technology adds a synergistic effect to the muscle building while also triggering apoptosis: the death of fat cells.
Within four sessions, 30 minutes each, clinical studies have shown that there is an increase of up to 25% more muscle mass and reduction of up to 30% of subcutaneous fat and 14% of visceral fat.
Q: When you exercise the lactic acid leads to fatigue – will I feel fatigue after this?
A: Depending on individual, most people will not feel fatigue or muscle soreness after the treatment. Emsculpt Neo has seven different alternate contraction in long and short frequencies, it also has a tapping mode which help to release lactic acid build up in the muscles caused by the contractions. This reduces soreness after the treatment so, unlike exercising, Emsculpt Neo does not lead to fatigue.
Q: How many sessions does it take to see results?
A: The number of treatments required is dependent on your desired results and where you are starting in terms of muscle tone and undesirable level of fats.
Results are usually felt after the first treatment and most patients feel the effect of toned muscles. More than one session is usually needed to achieve desired results, we recommend four sessions at weekly interval. Optimum results are seen four weeks after and will gradually improve over a period of six months after the last session and it will continue to improve weeks after.
Q: How is the Emsculpt Neo version different from Emsculpt?
A: Emsculpt Neo – launched in 2020 is an upgraded version of Emsculpt – launched in 2018, and can generate more muscle contractions than Emsculpt. Emsculpt Neo generates about 24,000 supramaximal contractions while Emsculpt can generate only 20,000. There are also differences in the results of muscle mass and reduction of fat and diastasis recti, as seen in the image above. Additionally, the Emsculpt Neo is able to reduce visceral fat while the Emsculpt does not.
Q: Will it help with Diastasis recti?
A: Studies have found that an average of up to 60% of women may experience diastasis recti during pregnancy or postpartum. Diastasis recti is the partial or complete separation of the rectus abdominis, or “six-pack” muscles, which meet at the midline of your abdomen. This condition is very common during and following pregnancy. This is because the uterus stretches the muscles in the abdomen to accommodate your growing baby.
However, this isn’t limited to pregnancy and can affect anyone, including new-born babies and men. In some cases, it can result from lifting heavy weights incorrectly or performing excessive or unsafe abdominal exercises.
A study done on the safety and efficacy of HIFEM technology found that HIFEM can reduce diastasis recti by 19.2% in most of the subjects after the treatment.
Q: Will it help with cellulite?
A: Emsculpt Neo has RF technology that reduces fat and tighten skin at the same time. For cellulite, we recommend the Exilis Ultra 360 after completing the full course of Emsculpt Neo. Exilis Ultra 360 is also from BTL aesthetics the same company that makes the Emsculpt Neo and Emsella. It is also US FDA approved device that utilizes radio frequency and ultrasound to help tighten skin, and reduce the appearance of cellulite. It can be used on multiple body parts that has skin laxity issue and needs tightening.
Q: Does Emsculpt Neo strengthen all areas of the core?
A: Emsculpt Neo can be used on multiple parts of the body, such as the abdomen, buttocks, arms, thighs and calves. However, as mentioned earlier, our core also includes the back muscles and the pelvic floor muscles. For the pelvic floor muscles, we have Emsella – a device that helps to strengthen pelvic floor muscles and reduce urinary incontinence.
The pelvic floor muscles is like a net or sling that support the pelvic floor organs such as the bladder, rectum and womb. Due to aging, frequent lifting of heavy objects or after childbirth and menopause, the muscles weaken resulting in urinary incontinence such as leaking urine whenever one coughs, sneezes, laughs or even jump.
Emsella is US FDA cleared for strengthening pelvic floor muscles and the treatment of urinary incontinence for both male and female. Emsella ultilizes the HIFEM technology, and targets the pelvic floor muscles without conscious effort on your end – delivering over 11,000 supramaximal contractions of the pelvic floor muscles or Kegel muscle contractions in a 28 minute session. This is essential in muscle re-education of incontinent patients, women after childbirth and those with decreased intimate satisfaction. The recommended protocol is six to eight times, at twice weekly interval.
Emsella therefore helps to strengthen the weakened pelvic floor muscles, reduces urinary incontinence and improves female intimate health and even sexual satisfaction.
Together, Emsculpt Neo and Emsella provides what’s known as the “Core to Floor” therapy, strengthening core muscles and pelvic floor muscles to treat conditions such as diastasis recti and urinary incontinence. Having strong core muscles will also help us to maintain good posture whenever we sit or stand, and better stamina whenever we exercise. To maintain optimal results, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise is also required.
Q: Will Emsella help women with other common problems associated with post-pregnancy?
A: Some of the most common conditions associated with women post pregnancy are diastasis recti, urinary incontinence and decreased sexual satisfaction due to weakened abdominal muscles and pelvic floor muscles. Emsella is able to strengthen the weakened pelvic floor muscles, improve urinary incontinence and sexual satisfaction thereby improving the quality of life of these women.
Another common issue women face post pregnancy is vagina laxity. Exilis Ultra 360 has versatile applicators that can be used internally (i.e vaginal canal) and externally (i.e Labia). The Exilis Femme uses the designated applicator that simultaneously delivers RF waves inside the vaginal canal. The energy heats the deeper tissues to stimulate collagen production and tighten elastin fibres to firm and tone the vaginal and vulvar areas. This treatment can also improve the aesthetics of the labia by using a smaller applicator to tighten loose and stretched labia.
Q: Is Emsculpt Neo and Emsella also beneficial for men?
A: Yes, Emsculpt Neo is beneficial for men who are seeking to build strong core muscles, and to increase stamina during a workout and help them maintain good posture. As for Emsella, a small pilot study on Emsella to treat urinary incontinence in 10 elderly men post radical prostectomy showed some promising results. However, more research is needed to show that it is beneficial for men.
To find out more about our treatments, please contact the doctor or therapist at Ageless Medical.
Ageless Medical
Tel ☎️: +65 6734 4007
WhatsApp (Call/Message) : +65 8181 0680
Email 📧: enquiry@iamageless.com.sg
