How Many Inches Can I Lose With Body Sculpting Treatment?

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Dr. Eric Barker

July 30, 2022

Dr. Barker earned his medical degree at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, WI. He then completed his combined training in General Surgery and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Rush University Medical Center and John H. Stroger, Jr. (Cook County) Hospital in Chicago, IL. Dr. Barker was able to train under distinguished breast reconstructive surgeon Dr. Anuja Antony, and prestigious cosmetic surgeon Dr. John Q. Cook.

Some areas of fat are simply resistant to traditional diet and exercise. EMSCULPT NEO at Peak Plastic Surgery Center involves HIFEM+ (high-intensity focused electromagnetic) and radiofrequency energy to burn excess fat and tone muscle at the same time.

Patients want to know how many inches they can lose with EMSCULPT NEO®, and there is no definite answer since each person responds differently to the treatment. However, plastic surgeon Dr. Eric Barker does estimate a 30% fat reduction in areas like the abdomen, buttocks, arms, and calves.

Do you want to learn about EMSCULPT NEO and how our team creates contoured results? Schedule a body sculpting consultation in Denver, CO. We can provide a more detailed estimate of your expected results after a thorough evaluation.

Who benefits from EMSCULPT NEO?

No matter how many hours a person spends at the gym, there are almost always problem areas that don’t respond to diet or exercise. EMSCULPT NEO is for men and women in good shape who want to remove small amounts of excess fat while improving muscle tone.

The ideal EMSCULPT NEO candidate is:

  • At or near their goal weight: EMSCULPT NEO is not designed for weight loss. Before beginning treatment, you should be within 10 – 15 pounds of your goal weight.

  • Healthy and free from major medical conditions: While EMSCULPT NEO is safe for most people, it is always best to be in good health before body sculpting.

  • Realistic about results: EMSCULPT NEO can help with fat reduction and muscle enhancement, but it is not a replacement for cosmetic procedures, like liposuction.

How does EMSCULPT NEO work?

An EMSCULPT NEO appointment takes about 30 minutes at our office in Denver, CO. During that time, Dr. Barker glides a simple handpiece over one or more treatment areas. We release HIFEM+ energy to enhance muscle tone and radiofrequency energy for gradual fat reduction. The process does not cause pain, and most patients feel a warming sensation in the treatment area. We recommend scheduling 4-8 sessions for optimal results.

How many inches will I lose after treatment?

It is hard to estimate how many inches you will lose prior to EMSCULPT NEO. Factors like age, weight, and current body composition all play a role in your final outcomes. However, EMSCULPT NEO is known to reduce excess fat in targeted treatment areas by about 30%. Peak Plastic Surgery Center can also increase muscle by 25% on average.

A consultation is the best time to learn more about EMSCULPT NEO, the treatment process, and your expected outcomes. Dr. Barker is an expert in body sculpting procedures and can provide personalized recommendations for your unique goals.

When will I see contoured results?

Patients see some initial results within several days of treatment. However, the most noticeable outcomes occur about 2-4 weeks later as your body naturally processes the fat cells and builds new muscle. Results should also continue to improve over time. Peak Plastic Surgery Center reminds patients that their outcomes are long-lasting if they maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet.

Lose fat and gain muscle with EMSCULPT NEO

Many people work hard to stay in shape, but traditional methods may not be enough. If you are interested in body sculpting with EMSCULPT NEO, meet with plastic surgeon Dr. Eric Barker in Denver, CO. Our trained staff at Peak Plastic Surgery Center can ensure your candidacy and help you understand what to expect in terms of results.

A common question we receive at Peak Plastic Surgery is: Who is a candidate for a mini tummy tuck? This is a frequent inquiry because there is often confusion about the difference between a mini tummy tuck and a full tummy tuck (abdominoplasty).

When we talk about a mini tummy tuck, it specifically addresses excess abdominal skin below the belly button. Essentially, the goal is to flatten the area below the belly button by removing any excess abdominal skin. This procedure often targets damaged skin below the belly button, which is commonly caused by stretch marks. In many cases, this damage results from pregnancy in women or significant weight gain in men.

When patients call our office and speak with my coordinator prior to their consultation, we ask a few key questions to determine their concerns. If excess abdominal skin is mentioned, we follow up by asking:

  • Where is the excess skin located?
  • Is it all over the abdomen or just in the lower part?

If a patient indicates the issue is primarily in the lower abdomen, especially following a C-section, they are often ideal candidates for a mini abdominoplasty. C-section scars frequently tether to the abdominal wall, creating contour irregularities or an “overflow” of skin above the scar.

A mini tummy tuck is effective in removing this lower abdominal skin, and it can be combined with laser liposuction (performed while awake in my clinic) to achieve a smooth, flat appearance. However, candidacy also depends on other factors, including:

  • Weight status: Are you at or near your goal weight?
  • Pregnancy history: Have you had a recent pregnancy?
  • Recovery timeline: Has enough time passed (typically 6–8 months) for your skin and subcutaneous tissues to heal and retract after pregnancy?

If you’re a mother, we need to evaluate where your muscles have settled after pregnancy. The abdominal muscles (rectus musculature) often separate in the middle (a condition called rectus diastasis), and while they may return to their normal position, they sometimes require surgical repair.

If muscle repair is necessary, the procedure will require general anesthesia. If not, the procedure can be done while you’re awake. All of these factors are assessed during your consultation to determine the most appropriate approach for your mini abdominoplasty.

For many of my patients, the decision comes down to whether the excess skin is located only below the belly button. If there’s no excess skin above the belly button, a mini tummy tuck may be the ideal solution. In cases where there are additional skin or muscle concerns, we might discuss options like adding laser liposuction or performing muscle repair.

For mothers specifically, we recommend waiting at least 6–8 months after giving birth to allow the skin to heal and the abdominal muscles to settle. This ensures we have a clear picture of your body’s post-pregnancy recovery before proceeding with surgery.

It’s also worth noting that a mini abdominoplasty does not preclude future procedures. For instance, patients may later opt for a full tummy tuck due to changes in weight, skin elasticity, or personal goals. While I prefer to achieve optimal results in one surgery whenever possible, patient goals and circumstances often evolve over time.

Ultimately, deciding on a mini tummy tuck depends on your individual goals and timeline. During your preoperative phone consultation with my coordinator, and later in your in-person consultation with me, we’ll discuss your concerns and expectations to determine the best surgical approach for you.

For those wondering if a mini tummy tuck is right for them: the ideal candidate is someone who is close to their goal weight and wants to address excess skin below the belly button. Whether it’s due to pregnancy, weight fluctuations, or other factors, this procedure can help patients achieve a flatter, more defined lower abdomen.

Even if you decide on a mini abdominoplasty now, you remain a candidate for a full tummy tuck in the future if needed. Our goal is to guide you through this process and ensure your surgical outcomes align with your long-term goals.

Learn more and schedule your consultation!