There comes a time in many individuals’ lives when achieving muscle tone becomes increasingly challenging despite exercising or lifting weights. Meggen Harris decided to try Emsculpt Neo, the newest BTL technology that promises muscle building and permanent fat reduction, which is becoming popular on Instagram, to see if it lived up to the buzz.
She consulted Dr. Clara Hurst, co-founder of the skincare brand The Secret and owner of the aesthetic medical clinic Blanc in Australia, to understand why this happens, particularly with aging.
Natural collagen and elastin levels begin to decrease over time, leading to skin that might sag. Hurst explained to Harris that there’s also a loss of subcutaneous fat and some degree of bone loss, which can result in the skin loosening. The impact of hormones also makes it challenging to build and maintain muscle as one age. Hence, consistently exercising the muscles is crucial, especially as you age. If you don’t, you risk losing muscle strength.
However, only some people face this issue as they age. Factors like sun exposure, poor nutrition, lack of exercise, smoking, pollution, and weight fluctuations can also make the skin saggy.
Hurst went on to state genetics is a significant factor. Older, very lean individuals might have more sagging skin than their peers. This could be because having more fat under the skin makes it look smoother and fuller. Men typically have an advantage due to their higher testosterone levels, resulting in thicker skin that looks firmer. On the other hand, women’s skin is naturally thinner, making it more susceptible to fine lines.
To test the technology, Meggen Harris visited the VANA Laser Club. Given the various fat and cellulite reduction devices, she was curious about the reasons behind choosing Emsculpt Neo over other technologies.
Nicole Stern, founder of VANA Laser Club, told Harris that Emsculpt Neo is the only FDA-cleared device that combines electromagnetic energy with radiofrequency heat to grow muscle and reduce fat simultaneously. No other company offers, let alone demonstrates, similar results. BTL has numerous peer-reviewed papers and clinical studies using MRI, CT scans, and histology, validating their technology’s outcomes.
While Harris had experienced various energy-based aesthetic treatments before, she was unfamiliar with BTL as a brand. John Ferris, VP of Marketing at BTL, shared the company’s history, mentioning that they launched Emsculpt Neo in April 2019 at the American Society of Laser and Surgical Medicine. He emphasized the innovation and science behind the product.
Emsculpt has evolved over the years. The Emsculpt Neo combines radio frequency technology with BTL’s branded HIFEM (high-intensity focused electromagnetic) energy. Ferris elaborated on the technology’s ability to build muscle and reduce fat, emphasizing the numerous studies that have validated its effectiveness.
Meggen Harris opted for treatments on her stomach and inner thighs, each session lasting 30 minutes, once a week for four weeks. After the treatments, she noticed a visibly slimmer and more toned stomach. The effects on her inner thighs were equally remarkable, though she found the area more sensitive. The full impact of the treatment becomes evident after 5-6 weeks. Harris expressed her satisfaction with the results and interest in treating other body parts.
Regarding the clientele demographics at VANA Laser Club’s four South Florida locations, Stern revealed that 80% are women and 20% are men. Stern praised the Emsculpt Neo’s efficacy, safety, and scientific backing, anticipating that it would remain a top choice for fat reduction and muscle toning. Ferris hinted at future innovations from BTL, fueling Harris’s anticipation for their next product launch.
