When I heard that a therapy called Core to Floor can burn fat and encourage muscle growth for a leaner body, I decided to try it! My 13-year post-pregnancy belly hasn’t budged, despite regular workouts and a sensible nutrition plan. So I hoped that this non-invasive combination treatment using Emsculpt Neo and Emsella would make a difference. Read on for my experience at Ageless Medical, plus an in-depth Q&A with founder DR LAM BEE LAM – and a special deal for you, too!
The Core to (pelvic) Floor experience
What it involves: A 30-minute session with the Emsculpt Neo device incorporating radiofrequency (RF) and high intensity electromagnetic field (HIFEM+) technologies and a 28-minute session with the Emsella device.
Once I was on the treatment bed, Emsculpt Neo pads were placed over my abdomen. This area began to feel warm after the machine was turned on; the heat was generated by RF technology that burns fat cells, which are then expelled by the body’s lymphatic drainage.
Shortly after, my abdomen received one of the most intense workouts it has experienced, as the HIFEM+ technology triggered muscle contractions. All I did was lay on the bed and let the machine do everything! As the treatment progressed, the intensity of RF and HIFEM+ were adjusted to my comfort level. The session ended much quicker than I expected.
I then hopped right into the Emsella treatment. After finding the “sweet spot” that would maximise the effectiveness of the contractions, the machine was turned on. I immediately discovered pelvic muscles that I didn’t know exist! The sensation was similar to performing Kegel exercises but with a higher intensity of contraction. The best part was that I was sitting comfortably and reading – the HIFEM+ technology was doing the hard work.
After the session
Following the back-to-back session, there wasn’t any discomfort or pain; in fact, I went shopping for two hours before heading home! During the night, my abdomen felt as if it was radiating heat but I slept well.
The next day, there was just a slight feeling of muscle tiredness. Sometime during the day, I coughed, and that was when I felt soreness deep in my core and pelvic floor muscles. I also experienced an increase in bowel movement; I would like to think that it was due to the removal of fat cells that were destroyed during the Emsculpt Neo treatment.
When I looked in the mirror, I noticed a slight lift in my belly. Out of curiosity, I also took a waist measurement. After the Emsculpt Neo treatment, the assistant had measured it at 84cm; my measurement was 81cm.
Although I only had one session of Core to Floor therapy, I could see and feel a difference in my abdomen area as well as a sensation of lifting in my pelvic floor. I believe that a few more sessions to burn fat and strengthen the core would bring me the results I desire.
Dr Lam answers our questions about Core to Floor therapy
Dr Lam is a leader in her field who regularly provides training on basic and advanced filler and botulinum toxin injection techniques, both locally and overseas for the world’s biggest filler and botulinum companies. She believes in working together towards elevating industry standards, quality, experiences and results to build a better world of aesthetics for tomorrow.
What is Core to Floor, and what does it target in particular?
It’s a combination treatment that uses both Emsculpt Neo and Emsella to strengthen core muscles and pelvic floor muscles. The core is made up of the diaphragm on top, abdominus muscles in front, the back muscles and our pelvic floor muscles. The core stabilises the intra-abdominal pressure, the muscles along the spine and the pelvic floor muscles. If one part is weak, for example the pelvic floor, the pressure will cause the abdominal muscles to protrude.
How does Emsculpt Neo work?
Emsculpt Neo is the world’s first US FDA-cleared device that uses two technologies, RF and HIFEM+. It has different applicators for different areas including the butt, glutes, hamstrings, quads and arms.
RF helps cause fat cell death and reduce fat in the targeted treatment area. The fat cells destroyed are eliminated through the lymphatic system. HIFEM, meanwhile, depolarises motor neurons to stimulate muscle contractions; in Emsculpt Neo, it causes 24,000 supramaximal contractions in 30 minutes. This means 90 to 100 per cent of the targeted treatment area will contract, something that can’t be achieved with normal voluntary workouts.
Emsculpt Neo has seven alternating high- and low-frequency contractions. In between, there is a tapping sound. This is when lactic acid produced from the contractions is released – so you won’t experience muscle soreness.
Studies show that Emsculpt Neo technology can increase up to 25% of muscle mass, reduce up to 30% of subcutaneous fat and up to 14% of visceral fats. The RF technology in Emsculpt Neo can also help to tighten skin; RF is used in devices such as Thermage FLX, and for tackling cellulite.
Are there other conditions Emsculpt Neo can treat?
Diastasis recti is the partial or complete separation of the rectus abdominis muscle. It’s hard to treat and surgery is usually needed for a complete resolution. This condition is common during and post pregnancy, but can also happen in newborn babies and ageing men, and from excessive or unsafe abdominal exercises.
When the muscle is separated, part of the intestinal organs will also protrude. You need to either repair the muscles via surgery or use Emsculpt Neo to strengthen the rectus abdominis muscle to reduce the protrusion. A clinical study has shown the safety and efficacy of HIFEM in reducing diastasis recti by up to 19.2%.
How long do the effects of Emsculpt Neo last?
Typically, the treatment protocol is four 30-minute sessions at weekly intervals; the number of sessions will depend on each person’s desired result and their level of undesirable fats. If you’ve been working out and have toned muscles, you’ll experience very intensive contractions during the session because of your muscle tone. But if your muscle is quite weak, you may not feel anything for the first two sessions.
Results are typically seen about a month after the last session, depending on lifestyle. However, if you don’t use the muscle that you build, it will return to a flaccid state. At the end of the day, these devices are good for people with a healthy and sensible diet as they will enhance the results in a shorter time.
Is Emsculpt Neo better than Coolsculpting?
Emsculpt Neo and Coolsculpting use different technologies. Coolsculpting uses cryolipolysis to cause fat cell death while Emsculpt Neo uses dual technology of radiofrequency and HIFEM. They are totally different; we assess each patient and decide what to use, depending on the areas they want treated and their desired results. We then customise a treatment based on this.
Coolsculpting is used for parts of the body that Emsculpt Neo cannot achieve. For example, Emsculpt Neo can’t do bra fats, which Coolsculpting can do.
Turning to Emsella, what is the “floor” that we’re strengthening with this device?
The pelvic floor is like a sling – it houses the bladder in front, the womb in the centre and the rectum behind. Due to pregnancy, hormonal change or ageing, the floor is weakened and sags, and starts to leak urine. Kegel exercises aren’t easy; people know how to squeeze but don’t know how to lift. You have to perform them five times a day, 20 to 50 times a day.
Emsella gives 11,200 supramaximal contractions in 28 minutes to strengthen the pelvic floor. Some results can be seen after one session. Studies have shown that 60 to 70 per cent of patients see improvement that can last six to nine months after six to eight sessions of Emsella. Some men also do the treatments as the machine is cleared by the US FDA to improve urine incontinence.
How do you use Emsella? And how many sessions are recommended?
You’ll sit on a chair fully clothed, preferably in loose clothing. You’ll then have to find your perineum as you sit before the device is activated. For 28-minutes, you will feel the contractions. You can read but can’t hold electronic devices.
We suggest six to eight sessions twice a week. After these, you have to continue with Kegel exercises, otherwise you’ll probably have to do the cycle again.
Who should consider the Core to Floor programme?
It’s meant for everyone as the pelvic floor muscles are very important for everyone. We do planks to strengthen core muscles but the pelvic floor is the weakest link; it’s at the bottom and sustains the most pressure at the bottom. That’s why we talk about core to floor and not just the core only.
We start losing muscle mass from the age of 30. At this age, it’s around 1%; from 50, it’s around 8%; and from 70, it’s around 15%. You can have a high protein diet but you still have to work the muscles. Emsculpt Neo helps build the muscle mass that’s lost; if you’re exercising regularly, this device enhances your performance and results.
Emsculpt Neo is also excellent for post-pregnancy women with urinary incontinence and diastasis recti. Emsella is great for men who have urinary incontinence.
Special Core to Floor therapy deal for readers
Try this treatment at a special price! Expat Living readers who are first-time customers of Ageless Medical can experience two sessions of Emsculpt Neo at $1,288 nett and two sessions of Emsella at $398 nett. Mention “Expat Living” when booking your slot at 6734 4007 or through the website.
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