Not everyone has time for long workouts or access to equipment that targets specific muscle groups. If you are trying to stay active around a busy schedule or recovering from an injury that limits movement, building muscle and burning fat can be difficult. BTL EMSCULPT offers a non-invasive way to strengthen and tone specific areas.
This treatment uses high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM®) technology to contract muscles and strengthen them. It can help reduce fat while building muscle in areas like the abdomen, buttocks, arms, or thighs. At Perfect Skin Center in Tempe and Scottsdale, we offer BTL EMSCULPT to make body contouring more efficient and accessible.
What Is EMSCULPT?
BTL EMSCULPT is a non-invasive treatment that stimulates powerful muscle contractions to improve muscle tone and reduce fat. Each session lasts about 30 minutes, and patients typically need a series of treatments for the best results. EMSCULPT does not use heat, cold, or needles, and there is no downtime required.
How EMSCULPT Works
EMSCULPT uses high-intensity electromagnetic energy to trigger rapid muscle contractions. These contractions are strong, and thousands of them are induced during every session. As the muscles contract, they begin to remodel themselves by strengthening the muscle structure and encouraging fat breakdown. The fat cells in the area respond to the stress placed on the tissue and begin to shrink. The result is increased muscle density and improved definition with no physical exertion required.
What Is HIFEM Technology?
HIFEM stands for high-intensity focused electromagnetic energy, a type of stimulation that reaches deeper muscle layers than standard electromagnetic devices. Most electromagnetic treatments only engage superficial muscles or use lower intensity pulses that do not create a true training effect. HIFEM activates motor neurons to produce rapid, strong contractions similar to or stronger than those produced during advanced resistance workouts.
What EMSCULPT Treats
- Muscle Definition and Toning: Patients looking to increase muscle thickness/definition can use this treatment to reach areas that are hard to shape through workouts. It activates deep muscle fibers and helps improve density, firmness, and visible tone.
- Reduction of Subcutaneous Fat in Treatment Zones: Fat that sits just beneath the skin can be stubborn, even with diet and exercise. Stimulating muscle activity also triggers fat breakdown in zones like the abdomen, buttocks, and thighs.
- Abdominal Separation: This treatment can help patients who have a condition known as diastasis recti, where the abdominal muscles become separated. The focused contractions help re-engage the full muscle structure and provide support as your core regains strength and function.
- Weak Core Strength and Posture Concerns: A weak or unstable core can affect how you move and how your body holds itself upright, but strengthening those central muscle groups often improves balance, alignment, and daily comfort without hours of exercise.
- Athletic Recovery and Performance Support: Some use this treatment between training cycles or while recovering from injury to stay conditioned. It allows the muscles to stay active and responsive without placing more stress on the joints or soft tissues.
Treatment Areas for EMSCULPT
EMSCULPT works best on areas with concentrated muscle groups that benefit from focused contractions. The device allows us to target muscles that are either hard to engage on your own or need additional support due to weakness, injury, or inactivity. You can choose to focus on one area or combine multiple zones.
We treat the following areas with EMSCULPT:
- Abdomen
- Buttocks
- Arms
- Calves
- Thighs
Benefits of EMSCULPT
Builds Muscle and Burns Fat in One Treatment
EMSCULPT triggers strong muscle contractions that build strength while also disrupting nearby fat cells. Your body responds to the energy by developing denser muscle fibers and breaking down fat stores at the same time. Body contouring with EMSCULPT does not use extreme heat, cold, or tissue removal, which is preferable for some patients.
No Downtime or Recovery Period
You can walk in for your treatment and return to your regular routine within an hour and without any restrictions. EMSCULPT does not require rest, recovery, or follow-up care, but some patients feel mild soreness similar to a workout.
Fast, Pain-Free Sessions
Each session lasts about 30 minutes and does not involve any prep or anesthesia. You can sit or lie down in a comfortable position while the device delivers targeted stimulation to the treatment area. The sensations can be unusual and intense, but are not painful.
Who Is a Good Candidate for EMSCULPT?
Individuals at Their Desired Weight Seeking Definition and Strength
Patients who maintain a stable weight but want more visible muscle definition often do well with EMSCULPT. You may already be eating well and staying active, but still struggle to see clear muscle tone. It works well for adding shape and firmness without changing your overall weight.
People Wanting Muscle Tone Without Long Workouts
Some people do not enjoy traditional workouts or cannot commit to lengthy routines. EMSCULPT allows you to engage major muscle groups in a short session without going to the gym.
Busy Professionals With Limited Gym Time
Work schedules and long commutes can make consistent gym training difficult. EMSCULPT supports body sculpting without requiring a daily time commitment. The treatment involves a series of sessions about a week apart, giving you more time for other responsibilities.
Those Recovering From Injuries and Rebuilding Strength
Patients recovering from orthopedic or soft tissue injuries often need a way to rebuild muscle without stressing the joints. EMSCULPT delivers strong contractions that help stimulate growth without weight-bearing movement. It supports muscle re-education and can help maintain tone during periods of limited activity.
Postpartum Women Targeting Core Recovery
Pregnancy stretches the abdominal muscles and can lead to instability and separation. EMSCULPT contracts the full abdominal wall to help rebuild strength and support recovery. Some patients also use it to improve posture and reduce discomfort from muscular imbalance after childbirth.
Older Adults Looking to Prevent Age-Related Muscle Loss
As we age, muscle mass naturally declines, which affects strength, mobility, and balance. EMSCULPT provides an option to stimulate and preserve muscle tissue without traditional resistance training. Patients who have limited movement or joint pain can use the treatment to stay physically supported.
Individuals Seeking a Non-Surgical Butt Lift or Ab Sculpting
Some patients want to reshape the abdomen or buttocks without surgery. EMSCULPT contracts the muscle deeply to lift, firm, and contour specific areas. You can use it as a standalone treatment or to maintain results from previous procedures.
The EMSCULPT Treatment Process
Consultation and Evaluation
We start with a one-on-one evaluation to understand your goals and review your medical history. During this visit, we assess the treatment areas and determine whether EMSCULPT makes sense based on your current muscle tone and body composition. If you are a good candidate, we will create a treatment plan that outlines the number of sessions and which areas to target. You can ask questions, and we will explain exactly what to expect.
EMSCULPT Treatments
During each session, you relax while the device delivers electromagnetic pulses that cause intense muscle contractions. The sensation feels like a series of strong tightening movements, followed by recovery phases that prevent fatigue. Treatments usually last about 30 minutes per area, and you can stay fully clothed except for the area being treated. We adjust intensity based on your comfort level and gradually increase it as your muscles adapt.
How EMSCULPT Compares to Other Body Contouring Treatments
EMSCULPT is just one of the body contouring options that we offer. CoolSculpting® uses controlled cooling to freeze and eliminate fat cells, but does not stimulate muscle activity. BodyTite and Morpheus8 use radiofrequency energy to tighten skin and reduce fat, and are useful for improving skin laxity along with body contouring. TruSculpt iD uses monopolar radiofrequency to heat and shrink fat cells in specific areas. EMSCULPT may be a better fit for patients who want to improve muscle definition or strengthen specific muscle groups in addition to reducing fat.
Frequently Asked Questions About EMSCULPT
How Soon Will I See EMSCULPT Results?
You may start noticing changes a few weeks into your treatment plan as your body continues to build muscle and process fat breakdown. Muscle tone improves gradually as the tissue responds to the repeated contractions. Some patients feel stronger or tighter in the treated area before visible changes appear. We recommend completing the full series to allow enough time for results to develop.
How Many EMSCULPT Treatments Should I Get, and How Often?
Most treatment plans include four to six sessions spaced up to a week apart. Some patients choose to do more depending on their goals and baseline muscle tone. After the initial series, maintenance sessions every few months can help preserve results. We customize the frequency based on how your body responds and how active you are between sessions.
Does EMSCULPT Replace Diet and Exercise?
EMSCULPT supports your fitness goals but does not replace healthy habits. The treatment helps activate and strengthen muscles in a way that complements your routine. Patients who stay active and maintain a balanced diet tend to maintain results longer. It is not a weight loss treatment and works best as part of a broader plan that includes movement, nutrition, and muscle support.
How Long Do EMSCULPT Results Last?
Results can last several months, depending on your activity level and how your body responds. Muscle strength and fat reduction last longer when you continue to move and engage the treated areas. Some patients return for maintenance sessions a few times a year to keep their results.
Can EMSCULPT Tighten Skin?
EMSCULPT is not designed to tighten the skin. If you have loose or sagging skin, we may recommend combining EMSCULPT with radiofrequency-based treatments that provide skin-tightening benefits.
Can I Combine EMSCULPT With Other Treatments?
You may be able to combine EMSCULPT with other body contouring treatments. During your consultation, we will discuss all of our available treatments and find a treatment plan that will give you the results you are looking for.
About Our Treatments in Tempe and Scottsdale
Dr. Richard Burgmeier leads our team with over two decades of experience in medical aesthetics and minimally invasive treatments. He has a strong foundation in both cosmetic medicine and emergency care, and he approaches every treatment with precision and safety in mind. As a national trainer for major aesthetic companies, he stays current with the most advanced techniques and technologies. At our Tempe and Scottsdale locations, we focus on treatments that work with your body rather than against it, giving you practical solutions without surgery or extended downtime.
Learn More About EMSCULPT Body Contouring in Tempe and Scottsdale, AZ
EMSCULPT gives our patients a non-invasive way to build muscle and reduce fat in different areas without requiring gym time, recovery, or physical strain. Our patients across Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, and Ahwatukee use it to strengthen their core, sculpt their abdomen, and support muscle tone where it matters most. If you are ready to explore a more efficient approach to muscle toning and fat reduction, we can help you decide if EMSCULPT is right for you. Schedule your consultation with Perfect Skin Center by calling (480) 897-3623 or reaching out through our online form.
