Considering non-surgical body contouring with Tone by InMode? This proven muscle-toning treatment is generating buzz for good reason: it delivers real, visible results without surgery, needles, or downtime.
Below, we answer some of the most common—and most specific—questions we hear from patients.
What Exactly Is Tone by InMode?
Tone uses electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) to strengthen, tone, and define your muscles. Unlike traditional workouts that rely on voluntary muscle contractions, Tone uses hands-free applicators to deliver controlled electrical impulses that trigger involuntary contractions deep within targeted muscles—far more intense and frequent than what you can achieve on your own.
Over a series of treatments, these contractions can help build real muscle mass and enhance overall body contour.
Can Tone Help With Postpartum Diastasis Recti (Abdominal Separation)?
Yes! Tone can be moderately effective for postpartum women dealing with the separation of the abdominal muscles (diastasis recti) that often occurs during pregnancy.
Research shows that neuromuscular electrical stimulation (the technology behind Tone by Inmode), combined with targeted abdominal exercises, reduces the inter-recti distance (the gap between the separated muscles) and restores abdominal strength.
One such study reported that women who used neuromuscular electrical stimulation with exercises showed a 14.3mm reduction in inter-recti distance compared to 7.3mm with exercise alone.
We ask that you wait at least 8-12 weeks after delivery before starting Tone to allow natural recovery and get clearance from your OB/GYN, especially if you’ve had a cesarean section.
How Should I Prepare for My Tone by Inmode Session?
Proper preparation can significantly enhance your results and ensure a comfortable treatment experience. Here’s what we recommend:
Before Your Session:
- Drink plenty of water in the 24 hours before treatment to ensure your muscles are well-hydrated and responsive
- Skip alcohol for at least 24 hours prior (alcohol dehydrates tissues and can interfere with muscle response)
- Arrive with clean, product-free skin on treatment areas
- Avoid heavy meals that might cause discomfort during abdominal contractions
- Empty your bladder before treatment
After Your Session:
- Continue drinking water to help flush metabolic waste from the lymphatic system
- Avoid high-sodium foods for 24-48 hours (salt can cause water retention that may interfere with results)
- Limit alcohol for 24 hours post-treatment to support healing and reduce inflammation
Should I Massage the Treated Area After Tone? Will It Help?
Yes! We recommend gentle self-massage or professional lymphatic drainage massage 24-48 hours after your Tone session to help ease muscle soreness and enhance your body’s ability to clear metabolic waste. However, always discuss massage timing and technique with your provider, as recommendations may vary based on your individual treatment plan.
Our Ballancer Pro lymphatic drainage therapy is an excellent complement to Tone and can be scheduled as a follow-up treatment to optimize your body contouring results.
Can Tone by Inmode Replace My Regular Workouts?
Think of Tone by Inmode as a way to enhance and accelerate the results you’re working toward in the gym, not as a substitute for staying active. Here’s how they compare.
What Tone Does Better:
- Reaches deep muscle fibers that are difficult to activate through voluntary exercise alone
- Produces more intense, frequent contractions than you can achieve on your own
- Targets specific muscle groups with greater precision
- Provides consistent muscle engagement without physical fatigue
What Traditional Exercise Does Better:
- Builds cardiovascular endurance and overall fitness
- Improves coordination, balance, and functional movement patterns
- Burns more calories during the activity
- Engages multiple muscle groups simultaneously for compound movements
Research shows that EMS combined with voluntary exercise produces superior strength gains compared to either method alone.
I’m an Athlete or Bodybuilder. Can Tone Help Me Break Through Plateaus?
Absolutely! Because Tone activates a higher proportion of Type II (fast-twitch) muscle fibers—the fibers responsible for power, strength, and muscle growth—it can help you achieve more pronounced muscle development and target lagging muscle groups that haven’t responded as well to traditional training.
Many athletes use Tone as part of their periodization strategy or during deload weeks to maintain muscle stimulation without the mechanical stress of heavy lifting.
“I recently had an appointment and couldn’t be happier with the entire experience. The appointment itself went smoothly, and I’m thrilled with the results. The provider was skilled and professional, and I appreciated the time they took to explain everything and tailor the treatment to my needs. Overall, it was a great experience. I’ll definitely be coming back and recommending this place to friends!”
What Should I Do to Maximize My Results Between Sessions?
Your lifestyle choices between sessions play a crucial role in the quality and longevity of your results. Here’s how to optimize your outcomes:
Nutrition:
- Eat adequate protein (0.8-1g per pound of body weight) to support muscle recovery and growth
- Stay hydrated with at least 8-10 glasses of water daily
- Minimize processed foods and excess sodium to reduce inflammation
- Include anti-inflammatory foods like leafy greens, berries, and omega-3 fatty acids
Physical Activity:
- Continue your regular exercise routine to complement the muscle-building effects of Tone
- Focus on compound movements that engage your core
- Avoid overtraining the treated muscle groups immediately after sessions
Recovery:
- Get 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night for optimal muscle repair
- Manage stress through meditation, yoga, or mental wellness treatments like EXOMIND (high cortisol levels can interfere with muscle development)
- Consider supplementing with collagen, vitamin D, and magnesium to support muscle and connective tissue health
Can I Use Tone During My Menstrual Cycle?
Yes, you can safely use Tone during your menstrual cycle. There are no contraindications related to menstruation, and the treatment will not negatively affect your hormones or cycle regularity.
Some women prefer to avoid abdominal treatments during the heaviest days of their period due to increased sensitivity in the abdominal area and cramping (which might be exacerbated by muscle contractions).
Can I Use Tone by InMode If I Have Metal Implants or Surgical Hardware?
The answer depends on the type and location of your implant. Patients with active electrical implants—such as pacemakers, defibrillators, or neurostimulators—are not candidates for Tone.
Passive metal implants—such as hip or knee replacements, surgical screws, plates from fracture repair, or spinal hardware—are generally safe for EMS treatments like Tone. However, you should always:
- Disclose all implants (including the type and location) during your consultation
- Provide documentation from your surgeon if possible
- Wait at least 6 months after implant surgery before starting Tone to ensure full healing and integration
If Tone is not the best option for you, we will recommend an alternative body contouring treatment at our office to help achieve your goals.
I Have Varicose Veins or Lymphedema. Is Tone Safe for Me?
Tone may still be appropriate, but requires careful evaluation to ensure it’s the safest and most effective body-contouring treatment.
Mild to moderate varicose veins are generally not a contraindication for treatment. We avoid placing electrodes directly over prominent varicose veins. EMS may actually improve circulation and venous return in some cases.
Mild lymphedema may benefit from the circulatory effects of EMS, though severe or uncontrolled lymphedema requires medical clearance.
For those with lymphedema who are candidates, we often recommend pairing Tone with Ballancer Pro for comprehensive lymphatic support.
Still Have Questions About Tone by InMode?If you have additional questions about Tone that weren’t covered here, we invite you to schedule a consultation with our expert team at Integrated Aesthetics. Call us at (281) 404-5454 to speak with a member of our team at our Spring or The Woodlands, TX locations.
