We are excited to announce that Alpha Wellness Lab will soon be offering both Cryolipolysis and Emslim therapies. These (new to us) non-invasive procedures help tone and tighten muscles and reduce stubborn fat! The technologies behind these treatments are incredibly effective and quick but the best part about these procedures is ease and convenience of use! Read on to learn more about these exciting new treatments!
Purpose: Cryolipolysis reduces fat. EMSlim tones muscles.
This is the main and most important difference between these therapies. Cryolipolysis (also known as "fat-freezing" and the technology behind CoolSculpt) is the gold standard non-surgical fat reduction treatment for patients who want to spot-reduce stubborn fat bulges on the abs, thighs, back, hips, flanks, banana rolls, upper arms, or under the chin. It works by delivering intense cold temperatures through the skin, which directly causes a portion of the fat cells in the treatment area to shrivel and die permanently, helping you lose excess fat in that area.
EMSlim uses electromagnetism (also known as high intensity focused electromagnetic therapy) and it works in a completely different way. This machine causes muscles in an area to make tens of thousands of contractions during the treatment, as though you were doing impossibly large numbers of crunches or squats in a short period of time. EMSlim is designed to help build new muscle fibers and tone existing fibers for better-sculpted muscles. It’s currently indicated to treat the abs, buttocks, thighs, and upper arms.
There can be some residual fat reduction as a result; however, fat reduction is not the main goal with EMSlim. If you have even a moderate fat layer over your muscles, you won’t be able to appreciate fully the results of the therapy. In fact, many doctors recommend getting cryolipolysis first and then using electromagnetic therapy as a follow-up treatment to refine the results.
Technology: Cryolipolysis vs. EMSlim
Our machine uses a proprietary fat-freezing technology called cryolipolysis. The machine's applicator slightly suctions the skin and fatty tissue into the cooling cups, where they are brought to a controlled temperature cold enough to stimulate fat cells to die, but not cold enough to harm skin, muscle, or nerve tissue.
EMSlim uses high intensity focused electromagnetic technology to induce involuntary supramaximal muscle contractions in the treatment area. Supramaximal contractions engage 100% of the muscle fibers in an area, helping to tone the muscle faster than exercise alone. No fat cells are directly destroyed by the treatment, although some patients have reported minor fat reduction as a side effect of treatment.
Results: Gradual fat reduction vs. thickening and toning of muscles
Cryolipolysis relies on your body’s natural processes to metabolize and flush out the affected fat cells. And once fat cells are gone, they are gone forever. It takes several weeks for full results to become apparent, but most patients begin to notice improvements with a couple of weeks. Results are indefinite as long as you maintain a healthy lifestyle, including a sensible diet and regular exercise. Remember that your remaining fat cells can enlarge and shrink, depending on your overall weight. Cryolipolysis is not a weight-loss treatment; you will get better results if you are at your desired weight first.
EMSlim is said to induce visible improvements in muscle tone comparable to what one might expect after working out for many months, within about four weeks of the final treatment. Many patients say they feel the area is firmer and tighter within days after treatment. However, as you know with muscles: you use it or lose it. While it’s possible to enjoy some time with tighter abs or better-defined buttocks, you can’t use electromagnetism as a substitute for exercise, and you will need to repeat a treatment series regularly to maintain the results.
One important factor to note here: while it might seem that electromagnetism would imitate the effects of exercising and potentially help you “slim down,” the thickening and toning of muscles it induces might actually make your clothes feel tighter.
Safety: Both are FDA-cleared, non-surgical, and fairly pain-free.
Cryolipolysis has a proven track record of safety and efficacy: it’s been FDA cleared since 2010 and over 10 million treatments have been done worldwide. While it’s common for patients to experience temporary numbness, soreness, or mild swelling, serious side effects are rare. Comfort levels during treatment vary depending on the patient and the area, but the vast majority say that the procedure was comfortable after the initial few minutes of intense cold.
EMSlim is a much newer technology but also has a good safety record thus far. The machine forces muscle contractions, which can be felt by the patient; it has been described as feeling a little unnatural, as though their body is doing an involuntary workout. Electromagnetic therapy is not safe for people with metallic or electronic implants, such as an artificial joint or a pacemaker, since it is an electromagnetic treatment.
Both procedures are non-invasive, with no anesthesia, needles, or incisions required. In well-trained hands, the risk of adverse effects is very low. Neither treatment requires downtime, although some patients take the rest of the day off due to post-treatment soreness, which is a factor after both procedures.
Ultimately, it’s like comparing apples and oranges.
With so many options on the market, we understand how confusing it can be to decipher the difference between various therapies. Which treatment is better for you ultimately comes down to your goals and your body composition, as each treatment has a different purpose. If you want to spot-reduce fat, cryolipolysis is your best bet. If you are lean and want to see better muscle definition in your abs, arms, or buttocks, EMSlim may be a great option for you. If you’d like to learn more about these therapies, we invite you to contact us at Alpha Wellness Lab by phone/text: 706-749-4810 or e-mail us at alphawellnesslab@gmail.com for a consultation.
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