The pursuit of a stronger, sleeker silhouette often begins with a simple question: Should you focus on building muscle, or reducing fat? At Dr Ana – The Skin Clinic, we use advanced, non-invasive body technologies to help patients do both, strategically. This guide compares EMSCULPT (a muscle-building device) and Exilis (a fat reduction and skin-tightening device) so you can choose the pathway that fits your goals, physiology, and timeline. Expect clarity, clinical nuance, and a touch of cheer, because science should be smile-worthy.
Understanding EMSCULPT and Exilis: What They Are & How They Work
What is EMSCULPT?
EMSCULPT uses HIFEM (High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic) technology to trigger thousands of supramaximal muscle contractions, far beyond what you can achieve voluntarily at the gym. These contractions stimulate hypertrophy (muscle fibre growth) and can also help reduce abdominal fat through improved muscle activity and metabolic demand.
Key treatment areas:
- Abdomen (muscle strengthening with the added benefit of fat loss)
- Buttocks
- Calves
- Upper arms (biceps and triceps)
What is Exilis Ultra 360?
Exilis (including Exilis Elite and Exilis Ultra 360) uses radiofrequency plus ultrasound to heat the subcutaneous layer in a controlled manner. This thermal effect induces fat cell apoptosis (programmed fat cell death) and stimulates collagen remodelling for visibly tighter, smoother skin. It’s a versatile non-surgical fat reduction and skin-tightening treatment.
EMSCULPT: Build Muscle & Strengthen Your Silhouette
Supramaximal Workloads, Minimal Effort
A standard EMSCULPT session lasts around 30-60 minutes, depending on the area. One treatment can simulate up to 20,000 contractions in a targeted muscle group, with intensity without impact, no needles, no downtime, no sweat required. Patients often describe the sensation as rhythmic contractions rather than pain.
Who Thrives on EMSCULPT?
- Those near their ideal body weight, seeking improved muscle tone and definition
- Individuals looking to strengthen their core, glutes, or arms
- Patients who want measurable improvements without a lengthy recovery
Typical protocol:
- Session length: 30-60 minutes, depending on the area
- Course: 6-8 treatments across 3-4 weeks
- Sensation: rhythmic contractions
- Results: visible within 4 weeks, peak results in 3 months
Exilis: Fat Reduction & Skin Tightening Through RF & Ultrasound
Thermal Precision for Sleeker Contours
Exilis delivers heat energy evenly to fat and connective tissue. This encourages fat cell apoptosis and boosts collagen production, leading to slimmer contours and firmer skin. Treatments are described as comfortable, often likened to a warm massage.
Skin Quality Enhancement
Beyond fat reduction, Exilis excels at skin tightening. It softens the appearance of laxity, fine lines, and sagging while improving elasticity. It’s especially effective post-weight loss or postpartum when skin firmness is as important as fat reduction.
Typical protocol:
- Session length: 20-45 minutes
- Course: 4-6 sessions, spaced weekly
- Sensation: controlled heating, comfortable throughout
- Results: gradual improvements, peaking after 8-12 weeks
Head-to-Head: Key Differences in Technology and Benefits
Mechanism of Action
- EMSCULPT: HIFEM produces intense muscle contractions, with abdominal fat reduction as a secondary benefit.
- Exilis: RF + ultrasound delivers controlled heating for fat reduction and collagen stimulation.
Outcome Priority
- EMSCULPT = muscle-first, fat-second (abdomen only)
- Exilis = fat-first, skin-second
Best-Fit Scenarios
- Choose EMSCULPT for strength, tone, and visible muscle definition.
- Choose Exilis for slimming, skin tightening, and smoother contours.
Combination Treatments for Comprehensive Results
At Dr Ana – The Skin Clinic, we often combine treatments for enhanced outcomes. For example:
- One area of EMSCULPT + one area of Exilis Body (fat reduction or skin tightening) = £550 per session, included in the Advanced Wellness Membership.
This strategic approach allows patients to build and strengthen muscle with EMSCULPT while refining skin and fat contours with Exilis.
Pricing & Membership Inclusions
EMSCULPT
- Abdomen – £350/session (alternatively included in our Signature Wellness Membership) | 6 sessions are recommended 2-4 days apart
- Buttocks – £350/session (alternatively included in our Signature Wellness Membership) | 8 sessions are recommended 2-4 days apart
- Calves – £250/session (alternatively included in our Classic Wellness Membership) | 6 sessions are recommended 2-4 days apart (one side: biceps OR triceps) – £250/session (alternatively included in our Classic Wellness Membership) | 6 sessions are recommended 2-4 days apart
- Arms (both sides: biceps + triceps) – £350/session (alternatively included in our Signature Wellness Membership) | 6 sessions are recommended 2-4 days apart
Exilis Body
- Skin tightening OR fat reduction – £250-£350/session (alternatively included in our Classic/Signature Wellness Membership) | 4-6 sessions are recommended 7 days apart
- Skin tightening AND fat reduction – £350-£450/session (alternatively included in our Signature/Advanced Wellness Membership) |4- 6 sessions are recommended 7 days apart
Combined EMSCULPT + Exilis
- £550/session | Included in Advanced Wellness Membership | approximately 6 sessions are recommended, timeinterval vary on a case-by-case basis
FAQ: Quick Answers
What is the difference between EMSCULPT and Exilis?
EMSCULPT strengthens and tones muscle (with abdominal fat loss benefits). Exilis reduces fat and tightens skin.
Which areas can EMSCULPT treat?
Abdomen, buttocks, calves, and arms (biceps and triceps).
Is there downtime after Exilis or EMSCULPT?
No. Both treatments are non-invasive and allow immediate return to normal activity.
How soon will I see results?
EMSCULPT: results appear within 4 weeks, peaking at 3 months. Exilis: gradual improvements, peaking after 8-12 weeks.
Can I combine treatments?
Yes. Combining EMSCULPT with Exilis is ideal for those seeking both definition and contouring in a single protocol.
Final Recommendations
If your goal is strength, tone, and muscle definition, choose EMSCULPT. If your focus is slimming and tightening skin, choose Exilis. At Dr Ana – The Skin Clinic, both treatments are available individually or as a powerful combination for a comprehensive transformation.
