Muscle electrostimulation in aesthetics: Is it effective? Benefits and 2 real cases

What exactly is muscle electrostimulation?

There’s some confusion, so let’s clear things up.

The muscle electrostimulationis a technique thatIt causes muscle contractions through electrical impulsesContractions similar to those that occur with normal physical activity (they are not the same at a physiological level).

These are impulses that somewhat mimic the signals our brain generates to control movement. They are applied with electrodes placed on the skin, connected to a device, or to special garments. It depends on the purpose.

It is also commonly called EMS by its acronym in English (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) or neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES).

It is used in 3 fields due to its various benefits:

• • Body aesthetic medicine to reshape the figure without surgery (which we will see in this article). It is also being used on the face.
  • Fitness and sports, to increase physical performance, strengthen muscles and accelerate recovery after training.
  • Rehabilitation to treat muscles weakened by injury, surgery or pathology, or to prevent their atrophy during periods of immobilization or aging.

Don’t confuse it with TENS, Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation that uses electrical impulses to activate sensory nerve fibers. It is primarily used for pain relief. There is minimal muscle contraction.

What the studies say: Does it really work?

Muscle electrostimulation has become fashionable at times, but it is a technology with a long history and a lot of research behind it.

The real boom was in the 20th century, especially from the 1980s onwards in the sports and physiotherapy fields. Its use in aesthetics is more recent.

Focusing on the latter, what benefits has it demonstrated?

Well, there’s no solid evidence due to the variability between studies. Different methodologies and protocols prevent us from reaching a robust conclusion. But in general, it has been observed that EMS increases strength, mass, and muscular endurance.

Regarding physical appearance:

• • It gives a firmer and more toned appearance. It strengthens the muscle, so the area looks less flabby, firmer, and more toned.
  • Improves body contours. Some trials have observed, for example, a reduction in abdominal circumference and waist size. Patients have noticed that their clothes fit better after treatment.
  • Helps reduce fat. Studies indicate that, since EMS makes the muscles work, it increases energy expenditure. Thus, it could indirectly facilitate a reduction in body fat percentage.
  • Effects on postureIncreasing abdominal strength has been shown to improve posture. Specifically, in the lumbar region, it may reduce the visible curvature of the spine. This would provide a more define figure.

Something curious has also been observed.

The EMS It promotes adherence to treatments and habits to maintain the results. We see it in our patients at Cànons Clinics.

First, you look better. Your confidence soars. Second, you feel better. Stronger. All of this.  It motivates you to exercise and take care of yourself.

It’s like a positive vicious circle.

Indications and areas that can be treated

Aesthetic muscle electrostimulation is indicated for patients seeking a non-invasive method for to tone, firm or define the muscles. It is suitable for large areas such as the legs and small areas such as the arms.

At Cànons Clinics we recommend it when there is no excess fat.

For example:

• • As a treatment to lift the buttocks and sculpt the abdomen. To slim the waist, have firmer arms, shape the legs…Ultimately, to reshape the body, stylize the figure and enhance the musculature.
  • During periods of low physical activity. You don’t have time for the gym, you lack motivation or energy, your job is very sedentary with complex schedules, etc.
  • After significant weight loss. To increase muscle firmness, correct sagging skin and achieve a slimmer silhouette.
  • As a complement to training. To mark the most difficult areas.
  • Postpartum. To strengthen the abdominal muscles and regain shape.

We get a lot of requests for it as we head into summer and for special events.

We indicated it separately.after lipolaser for a 360 approach to body contouringFat, skin, and muscle. With surgery we eliminate localized fat. The laser tightens the skin and prevents sagging. EMS in the third postoperative month tones the muscle.

This way we achieve a much more beautiful overall result.

And what about cellulite? Well, there are more effective treatments for cellulite. EMS used as a complementary therapy can help reduce its appearance somewhat, but techniques such as mesotherapy with agentsantilipodystrophic agentsThey work much better.

And as I mentioned before, it’s also being used on the face. We believe that for aesthetic purposes, muscle tone is less of a determining factor here.

Results of muscle electrostimulation: 2 real cases

#1 Patient with no time who wants to define abs

Let me tell you about a couple of cases so you can see the visible aesthetic benefits of muscle electrostimulation. These are real patients who came to Cànons Clinics.

First, a very common question that you might identify with.

Middle-aged male patient who comes in with the desire to define his  abs. He has  a very busy life that leaves him with no time to train and achieve it on their own. Normal weight. With hardly any obvious excess fat.

We applied 1 session of EMS con truFlex de Cutera (formerly called truSculpt Flex). It is a high-end, professional medical device. It allows us to precisely tailor the treatment to the patient’s fitness level, body shape, and individual needs.

It takes  just 15 minutes, super fast and effective. That’s one of its biggest selling points.

The following is noticeable after 2 weeks:

• • Flatter abdomen. It looks “drier” and tighter.
  • more pronounced “V” shape. Lines are drawn more clearly plus they reach the bottom.
  • A more athletic body. There is a visible overall improvement in the figure.

Look at the before and after:

Many patients mention that they feel stronger after EMS.
The muscle stimulation is very noticeable.

#2 Athlete who can’t improve his flabby arms and buttocks

Let’s move on to the second case.

Female patient, 53 years old, athletic. Slim build. Good physical condition. Asks about sagging skin on her buttocks and drooping on the inner part of her arms.No matter how much exercise does, sees no improvement.

This situation is also very common. Age and hormonal changes influence the lack of response to traditional training.

We carried out 4 EMS sessions with truFlex, one per week. Adjusting the electrode position precisely  and its intensity ensures effective and safe stimulation. This is essential to prevent muscle imbalance, tissue stress, and pain.

The procedure  causes virtually no discomfort.When done by a trained specialist. Homemade devices require caution. Besides, the benefits are not comparable to professional equipment.

Results one month after our patient:

• • Firmer armsThe sagging in the triceps is no longer noticeable.
  • Lifted buttocksThey have gained roundness, projection, tone and smoothness.
  • Rejuvenated silhouetteThe reduced sagging restores a youthful appearance.

Before and after:

EMS is very useful for treating what is colloquially known as “bat wings”

Actual result, unedited. On our website definetusilueta.es you can see more cases

Would muscle electrostimulation be right for you?

Each case must be evaluated individually.

Electrical muscle stimulation is a cosmetic treatment with proven benefits. We have several patients like those mentioned before with fabulous results.

But your needs and expectations dictate the terms.Starting by determining whether it is skin, fat, or muscle that requires correction.

On the other hand,the equipment is very safe in skilled hands, but there are contraindications: pacemakers, defibrillators, metallic implants, cancerous lesions, epilepsy, recent surgeries, and other very specific conditions.

We always see it in the consultation to rule out risks.

Why don’t you come  to the clinic and tell me about it? Our clinics are located in Barcelona and Granollers. We’d be happy to assist you and determine what’s best for you.

You can make an appointment by calling 683 27 07 09You can write to us via WhatsApp at that number or by filling out the form you can access from the button below.

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