EMSCULPT®
Emsculpt Body Contouring in Chevy Chase, MD
★ 5.0 · 363 Google reviews
Medically reviewed by Tina B. West, MD, board-certified dermatologist · Updated November 9, 2026.
Body contouring at the practice that brought Emsculpt to Montgomery County first.
Emsculpt uses high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) energy to contract your muscles far harder than exercise can. It strengthens and defines the abdomen and buttocks, and at The West Institute also the arms and calves — with no surgery, needles or downtime. Treatment is planned by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Tina West at our Body Contouring Center in Chevy Chase, serving Washington, DC, Bethesda and Northern Virginia.
Key Facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Session length | 30 minutes |
| Typical plan | 4 sessions, 2–3 days apart; maintenance about every 3 months |
| Areas | Abdomen, buttocks, biceps/triceps, calves |
| Downtime | None; back to work the same day |
| First results | 2–4 weeks; improving for 3–6 months |
| Cost | Quoted at your consultation, based on sessions and areas |
Why Dr. West for Emsculpt
- First in the county, first with arm and leg applicators. The West Institute was the first practice in Montgomery County to offer Emsculpt, and the first to add FDA-cleared applicators for the arms and legs, including the calves.
- A dedicated Body Contouring Center, where Emsculpt is planned alongside CoolSculpting, Avéli and skin tightening.
- A physician decides if it’s right for you. Dr. West is board-certified in internal medicine as well as dermatology; she evaluates conditions like diastasis recti before recommending treatment.
How Does Emsculpt Work?
Each 30-minute session triggers about 20,000 supramaximal muscle contractions — contractions stronger than you can make voluntarily, with no rest between them. Patients compare it to an intense workout while lying down. The muscles adapt by growing stronger and more defined.
Is Emsculpt Right for Me?
Emsculpt suits healthy adults who want more muscle definition — a firmer abdomen, a lifted buttock, toned arms or calves. Ideal candidates are often already fit and want to take results further. It is also an option for patients who want a lifted, rounder buttock without injections or implants.
Emsculpt is not a weight-loss treatment. Dr. West and her team will meet with you to confirm whether it fits your needs and goals.
Does Emsculpt Reduce Fat Too?
Yes. Emsculpt builds muscle and reduces subcutaneous fat at the same time, without surgery, incisions or downtime. Fat reduction applies to the abdomen; muscle building applies to the abdomen, buttocks, biceps, triceps and calves.
Can Emsculpt Help Diastasis Recti?
Yes, for many patients. Diastasis recti is the separation of the abdominal muscles after pregnancy, often with a protruding lower belly. Emsculpt strengthens the rectus abdominis muscles; before Emsculpt, correction usually meant surgery.
What Results Can I Expect, and When?
Many patients notice more muscle and a firmer shape 2–4 weeks after their first session, with improvement continuing for 3–6 months. MRI studies show increased muscle mass lasting up to a year. BTL, the manufacturer, reports a 16% average increase in muscle mass and 96% patient satisfaction.
Results vary. View more Emsculpt results
Does Emsculpt Hurt, and Is There Downtime?
It feels like a hard workout, not pain. Each session ends with slower contractions to help muscles relax. There is no recovery time; you can go straight back to work.
How Much Does Emsculpt Cost in Chevy Chase?
Cost depends on the number of areas and sessions. Most plans start with 4 sessions, then maintenance about every 3 months. Dr. West gives you a personalized quote at your consultation.
For a full breakdown of what drives price, read How much does Emsculpt cost?
Board-Certified in Dermatology and Internal Medicine · Founder, The West Institute ·
- 30+ years in cosmetic dermatology; in private practice since 1996
- Diplomate, American Board of Dermatology and American Board of Internal Medicine
- Chief Resident in Dermatology, The Washington Hospital Center, 1994–1996; clinical research fellowship in dermatology
- Published in Dermatologic Surgery, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, JAAD and Annals of Plastic Surgery; contributing editor, Dermatologic Surgery, 1996–2005
- Faculty, Current Concepts in Cutaneous Laser Surgery, Harvard Medical School, and the ASLMS Advanced Laser Skin Resurfacing Course
- Consultant and injectables trainer for Allergan and Galderma; original phase III FDA trials for Botox Cosmetic
- Fellow, AAD, ASDS and ASLMS · Washingtonian TopDoc · Patient’s Choice Award (multiple)