EMtone is a cellulite treatment made by BTL that delivers two energies through one hand-held applicator at the same time: monopolar radiofrequency at 447 kHz, which heats the skin to 40 to 45°C, and targeted pressure energy, mechanical pulses at ten a second, which work the tissue as a deep massage does. In BTL's description it is the first device to deliver thermal and mechanical energy together. It is FDA-cleared in the US for the temporary reduction in the appearance of cellulite, a session takes about 20 minutes per area, and there is no downtime.
What cellulite is
Cellulite is the dimpled look of skin on the thighs, buttocks, hips and abdomen. It shows when fibrous bands under the skin pull it down while the fat chambers between them push it up, on skin that has lost some elasticity and where circulation and fluid drainage are poor. It is not a fat problem as such, which is why losing weight does not always change it, and why a treatment aimed at the skin and the bands is the right tool.
What the two energies do
- Radiofrequency heat warms the dermis, the deeper layer of the skin, to 40 to 45°C. In BTL's account this prompts new collagen and elastin, restoring elasticity and thickening the dermis so dimples show less; in the 30-woman study, ultrasound showed the dermis about 0.3 mm thicker.
- Targeted pressure energy works the tissue mechanically; in BTL's account it loosens the fibrous bands, improves circulation and moves fluid.
Delivered together, in a 2020 laboratory study on five pigs, the two energies produced a 59% greater increase in collagen and a 64% greater increase in elastin than the same energies delivered one after the other; those are BTL's headline figures, and they describe the method rather than a patient result. The patient studies are on the worth it page.
A session, step by step
- Consultation. The clinician looks at the area, grades the cellulite, confirms that nothing rules EMtone out and quotes the course in writing.
- Preparation. The skin is cleansed and a gel applied. Nothing is injected and no numbing is needed.
- The treatment. The applicator is moved over the area for about 20 minutes, keeping the skin at 40 to 45°C. It feels like a hot stone massage with strong vibration; you should feel intense warmth but never burning, and the clinician adjusts the energy if you do.
- After. The skin is pink and warm for a short while and you go straight back to your day.
The course
Four sessions, once or twice a week, over two to four weeks. In our experience the skin feels smoother after the second or third session, the main change shows at three months, and a single top-up session every three to six months keeps it. The sessions page sets it out.
Who it is for
Moderate cellulite on the thighs, buttocks, hips or abdomen, the four areas BTL names, in someone whose weight is stable. It is not a weight-loss or fat-reduction treatment, it is not a skin-tightening treatment, and it is not for loose skin after large weight loss; for fat the clinician may suggest EMsculpt NEO, and for loose skin Morpheus8 or Sofwave at our sister clinics. EMtone is not used in pregnancy, with a pacemaker or any other implanted electronic device, with metal implants, or over hair. It is also not used over an active skin infection, a wound, eczema or rosacea, after a deep peel in the last three months, or with cancer. As with any heat-based treatment, the clinician keeps the skin within its temperature range to avoid a burn. The full EMtone guide carries the complete list.
See it for yourself
Book a free consultation at EMtone Clinic on 0207 099 9641 or through the form below. The clinician shows you the applicator, grades your cellulite, and gives you the course price in writing.
