Wellaholic Research – A Systematic Review of Electromagnetic Treatments for Body Contouring

TL:DR Summary

• Electromagnetic Treatments Explained: Energy-based methods stimulating muscle contractions and fat reduction.
• How It Works: Heats skin’s deep layer, triggering collagen production and muscle hypertrophy.
• Benefits: Safe, noninvasive, painless body contouring for abdomen, buttocks, arms, legs.
• Drawbacks: Weak evidence, minimal fat loss/muscle gain, potential tissue swelling.
• Alternatives: Ultrasound, lasers, cryolipolysis, radiofrequency with varied outcomes.
• Effectiveness Controversy: Efficacy and mechanism of electromagnetic fat reduction remain debated.

Introduction

In my journey as an Aesthetic Director, particularly during my tenure at Wellaholic, I’ve had the privilege of not only interacting with a diverse clientele but also immersing myself in the latest advancements in aesthetic technology.

One area that has piqued my interest and that of the industry is the use of electromagnetic technology in body contouring.

Target, Tone, Transform

Electromagnetic treatments have revolutionized the approach to non-invasive body sculpting, offering a blend of efficacy and safety that appeals to a broad spectrum of clients. In my experience, these treatments have garnered attention for their ability to target specific areas of the body, enhancing muscle tone and reducing unwanted fat.

However, with any emerging technology, it’s crucial to sift through the hype and understand the science behind it. In the detailed article that follows, I will provide a systematic review of electromagnetic treatments for body contouring.

Background

Introduction to Energy-Based Treatments for Fat Reduction

In the past two decades, various energy-based treatments have emerged as non-surgical options for fat reduction. These methods utilize different technologies such as laser, ultrasound, cryolipolysis, radiofrequency, and electromagnetic stimulation. Among these, electromagnetic treatments have gained attention as a promising modality for body contouring. This article explores the use of EMS and its growing popularity in the field of plastic surgery.

The Rise of EMS in Body Contouring

EMS, a form of electromagnetic treatment, was first introduced for body contouring in 2018 and has quickly become a hot topic in plastic surgery. A publication evaluating combined EMS and radiofrequency has gained significant attention, ranking high in altmetric scores and receiving widespread media coverage. These treatments were cleared by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for strengthening, firming, and toning various areas of the body.

How Electromagnetic Treatments Work

Electromagnetic treatments involve the use of a circular magnetic coil placed over the body to generate rapidly alternating magnetic fields. These fields induce an electric current in the underlying tissue, stimulating motor neurons and causing involuntary muscle contractions. Unlike radiofrequency, the energy from electromagnetic treatments does not produce thermal effects. The targeted muscles include the rectus abdominis, internal oblique, and external oblique.

Benefits and Mechanism of Action

The main objective of electromagnetic treatments is to induce muscle hypertrophy without the need for exercise. The stimulation of motor neurons leads to “supramaximal” muscle contractions, resulting in muscle strengthening and toning. Additionally, it is believed that muscle stimulation creates a hypermetabolic state, triggering local lipolysis or the breakdown of fat cells. The metabolic reaction overwhelms fat cells, rendering them dysfunctional and potentially initiating programmed cell death (apoptosis).

Results of Case Studies

Overview of Studies on Electromagnetic Treatments

Fourteen studies have been identified to evaluate the effectiveness of electromagnetic treatments for body contouring. The majority of these studies focused on the use of the WellaMuscle device, while others used a device from Italy. The sample sizes ranged from 7 to 71 participants, with an average of 26. None of the studies were controlled, but one included a sham group. Treatment sessions typically lasted 30 minutes, with 4 treatments given over a 2-week period.

Adverse Effects and Imaging Measurements

Muscle fatigue and discomfort were common adverse effects reported in the studies, but they resolved within 12 to 48 hours. Erythema, or redness of the skin, tended to resolve within a few hours. No adverse events or complications were reported in any of the publications. Imaging measurements were obtained in most studies, with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, and computed tomography (CT) scans used to assess the treatment outcomes. However, none of the studies reported a significant overall weight change in the participants.

Treatment Parameters and Patient Satisfaction

The highest tolerable energy settings were applied during the electromagnetic treatments, with intensity usually increasing throughout the procedure. Patient satisfaction was high according to surveys conducted in the studies. Photographs depicting the results generally showed modest improvements, although a sham-controlled study demonstrated a dramatic reduction in abdominal profile. The changes in subcutaneous fat reduction and muscle thickness resulted in an overall reduction in abdominal thickness. Another study using a different device showed reductions not only in the abdomen but also in the untreated thigh.

These studies provide insights into the effects and outcomes of electromagnetic treatments for body contouring, highlighting both the limitations and potential benefits of this modality.

Conclusion

Controversies Surrounding Efficacy and Mechanism of Electromagnetic Fat Reduction

The scientific basis for the efficacy of electromagnetic treatments for fat reduction is controversial. The mechanism behind electromagnetically induced fat reduction is speculative and derived from a Danish exercise physiology study. The theory suggests that vigorous muscle contractions lead to muscle hypertrophy and increased metabolism, resulting in local fat reduction. However, this theory was not tested with an energy-based device and did not measure abdominal muscles or adipose layer.

Potential Mechanisms and Uncertainties

The theory proposes that increased blood flow and elevated levels of circulating epinephrine may stimulate lipolysis in the adjacent adipose tissue. Paracrine factors released from contracting muscles, such as interleukin 6, may also contribute to localized fat breakdown. However, it is unclear if increased lipolysis leads to apoptosis or lipocyte death. Furthermore, the 2007 study that supports this theory did not evaluate changes in subcutaneous fat thickness.

Comparison to Liposuction and Patient Suitability

Energy-based treatments, including electromagnetic treatments, are generally considered less effective than liposuction for fat reduction. Some authors suggest that individuals with body mass indices below 25 kg/m2 are better candidates for energy-based treatments, while liposuction is more suitable for non-obese patients. Liposuction offers more comprehensive 3-dimensional body contouring and can treat larger areas of the lower body. Noninvasive energy-based treatments are limited to spot treatments and are typically less effective for overall body contouring.

(Source: A Systematic Review of Electromagnetic Treatments for Body Contouring. Eric Swanson, MD)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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WellaMuscle™ – Build Muscle, Melt Fat & Tone Your Body

• ⭐ HI-EMT Technology. WellaMuscle™ uses High-Intensity Electromagnetic Technolog (HI-EMT) to stimulate muscle contractions and burn fat cells in targeted areas of the body.
• ⭐ 16.3% Increase in Muscle Mass. According to clinical studies, treatments like WellaMuscle™ can help you gain up to 16.3% more muscle mass in the treated areas after four sessions.
• ⭐ Effective on Abs, Buttocks, Arms, Thighs and Calves. WellaMuscle™ is effective on the large muscle groups of the abdomen and buttocks, as well as the smaller muscle groups of the arms, thighs, and calves.
• ⭐ Award-Winning. Wellaholic’s treatments have been recognized by top beauty publications such as Daily Vanity, Beauty Insider, and Tropika Club Magazine.
• ⭐ Over 2000 Verified Customer Reviews. Wellaholic has over 2000 positive reviews from customers, and >50% are repeat customers.

WellaMuscle™ helps you to achieve a more sculpted & toned body by promoting muscle contraction at their peak power. One session (30 minutes) is equivalent to performing 30,000 sit ups / squats!

Wellaholic Research: A Comprehensive Systematic Review on Noninvasive Body Contouring Through Electromagnetic Treatments in Singapore