BTL’s Emsculpt Neo

In each issue, Modern Aesthetics® magazine asks top cosmetic physicians about the newest devices they are introducing in their practices. Here, John Layke, DO, a plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills, talks about BTL’s Emsculpt NEO, the first device to combine both high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) energy and novel synchronized radiofrequency (RF) technology and emit them simultaneously via dual-field applicators to build muscle and melt fat.

What is Emsculpt NEO, and how are you using it in practice?

John Layke, DO: We have had the Emsculpt device for more than two years. As far as the Emsculpt NEO, which is brand new technology, we received one of the first machines. I have had this for more than one month. Emsculpt was the first of its kind: A HIFEM technology that was designed to build muscle (16 percent)! As a byproduct, this technology also happened to permanently eliminate fat, as well (19 percent). The Emsculpt NEO not only built upon this technology by improving the muscle growth (25 percent) and the fat loss (30 percent), but it added a third dimension to this noninvasive treatment: Skin tightening with radiofrequency.

Please share any treatment pearls/settings/protocols.

Dr. Layke: There are standard treatment protocols that are automatically set for abdomen, buttocks, arms, calves, and more. You simply press a button and the machine does the work for you!

Who makes an ideal Emsculpt NEO patient?

Dr. Layke: Anyone at any age—older than 18—and of any gender who is simply looking to build muscle and eliminate fat. For those aged 35 and older or post-pregnancy or massive weight loss patients, where there is excess skin, the radiofrequency portion is added for improved results. Restrictions include those with metallic implantable devices, hernias, or other medical conditions that would preclude this type of treatment. An additional feature of the Emsculpt NEO is that it can improve a diastasis rectus, a widening that can occur between the rectus abdominus muscles after pregnancy. This leads to an unwanted abdominal bulge, despite a return to vigorous exercise.

How has patient satisfaction been with Emsculpt NEO?

Dr. Layke: Let’s put it this way: Our patients are happy, which says a lot about a noninvasive machine, and we are well on our way to paying the machine off after the first month!

How are you marketing it or introducing it to patients?

Dr. Layke: We have marketed this internally to our patients through word-of-mouth, and we will be speaking about these treatments and results on national TV.