As an aesthetic editor who gets to research the latest cosmetic treatments, I’m in the unique position to be able to try today’s most effective technologies for tightening, toning and treating the body as soon as they hit the market. What I’ve learned from getting to test-drive various nonsurgical body treatments is that “perfecting” anything on my body in my 40s is a stretch.
I’ve also learned that these noninvasive options take patience and are good for treating small target areas of pinchable fat and for moderate tightening and toning, so having realistic expectations is key. Most nonsurgical body treatments require multiple sessions and continued maintenance to keep results longterm, but I’ve also found they’re very effective for taking care of small bothersome concerns.
Emsella
What it is: “The Emsella takes the HIFEM electromagnetic energy technology into a seat. You literally just sit down on it for half an hour,” explains Pittsburgh plastic surgeon Brian Vassar Heil, MD.
What it does: “It stimulates pelvic floor contractions that are essentially doing the strongest Kegel exercises that you can do,” says Dr. Heil. “It’s the only FDA-approved device that treats stress incontinence, urge incontinence and mixed incontinence in men and females.”
What I thought: With only one treatment ,I had the most bladder control I’ve ever had since giving birth to my son almost a decade ago. It only took thirty minutes and was completely pain-free. A few weeks after I sat on the Emsella chair I still experienced a stronger pelvic floor that I could feel for weeks after.
Endosphères Therapy
What it is: Using a roller device with 55 silicon spheres, this treatment generates mechanical vibrations to stimulate blood flow and smooth and tone skin.
What it does: Medical Aesthetician Amy Peterson likes it for encouraging lymphatic drainage, reducing the look of cellulite and improving circulation.
What I thought: The vibrations of the spheres all over my butt and thighs were really relaxing and I noticed an immediate smoothing for days afterward. It really stimulated my lymphatic system as I noticed an increased flushing of toxins the weekend after my treatment. More sessions are needed to see results gradually improve over time and this is a good treatment to combine with other fat-reduction treatments, scrubs and body peels.
EON Radio-Frequency Fat Reduction
What it is: “Using AI technology, the EON is a contactless radio-frequency device that melts fat on the abdomen using a robotic arm without touching the skin,” says Peterson.
What it does: “It’s touchless and sits on top of the skin to heat up fat cells and destroy them,” adds Delray Beach, FL facial plastic surgeon Miguel Mascaro, MD. “We can program the robotic arm to go over a wider area, and we see a reduction in inches after one treatment without it ever touching the patient’s skin.”
What I thought: There may be tender spots where the radio-frequency energy hits a nerve on your abdomen and you’ll need to identify the spots so they can be covered, but once those are addressed the robotic arm does its thing to melt away small areas of fat. I had a small amount of pain while we identified those areas, so note it’s not entirely pain-free. Multiple sessions may be needed to see the inches melt away. I had two treatments spaced one month apart and noticed a 1.5 inch reduction when paired with diet and exercise.
CoolTone Muscle Stimulation
What it is: Approved for use on the abdomen, thighs and butt, CoolTone stimulates involuntary muscle contractions using magnetic energy.
What it does: According to Delray Beach, FL dermatologist Dr. Janet Allenby who performs countless CoolTone treatments at her Bodysquad location, it’s the perfect complement to fat-reduction treatments like CoolSculpting. “While those treatments debulk the fat, this builds up the muscle underneath the skin. Oftentimes we’ll use multiple nonsurgical treatments to get the best results.”
What I thought: This was a game-changer for my core strength! If you don’t have a lot of excess fat it can help define your abs, but if you’re like me and have more than a few pounds to shed it will help you feel stronger, stand straighter and help alleviate back pain. I had four treatments and felt fitter than I had when I was training for half marathons. Continued treatments are recommended to keep up results long-term, but to get ready for a big event or to give your body a boost it’s useful, effective and at times can even be relaxing.