Cartessa/Lutronic physiq

RF body contouring · STEP sequential thermal + electrical muscle pulse

CurrentFDA status under reviewBe the first to review

What it's actually cleared for: Marketed under 510(k) clearance consistent with 1060nm non-invasive lipolysis plus powered muscle stimulation; the K number isn't cleanly attributable under "PHYSIQ" — request the clearance letter from Cartessa and verify before making lipolysis claims.

Last verified: August 6, 2026 · How we verify

New: $90k–$130k|Used: —market estimate, no email required

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Bottom line

Cartessa's answer to Emsculpt NEO at a lower buy-in: four hands-free applicators alternating 1060nm deep laser heating with EMS in a single 30-minute unattended session. The burn-fat-build-muscle story sells itself to patients who've seen NEO ads, and per-session economics are strong: no consumables, minimal operator time. Trade-off is brand — you're marketing the result, not a household name, and the EMS output is a step below BTL's HIFEM in perceived intensity. Solid first body device for a practice that can't justify NEO money.

Overview

Hands-free SDM laser + EMS combo pads

How it works

The science

Each applicator alternates two energies in timed phases: a 1060nm super-luminescent diode matrix (SDM) heating subcutaneous fat to injury temperatures (same wavelength logic as SculpSure — fat absorbs 1060nm preferentially, damaged adipocytes clear over weeks), and EMS contracting underlying muscle between thermal phases. Alternation lets tissue tolerate more total energy per session than either modality continuously. PHYSIQ 360 (2024) upgraded amplitude and programming. Net: measurable fat-layer reduction plus muscle tone over a series, zero downtime.

Patented tech

STEP — Sequential Thermal & Electrical Pulse — firmware sequencing SDM laser phases and EMS phases within one applicator and one session, rather than two devices or simultaneous lower-power delivery.

Origin

Distributed exclusively by Cartessa (Melville, NY); hardware sits in the DEKA/El.En (Italy) family tree per secondary-market listings — verify country of origin with manufacturer.

FDA & regulatory status

FDA status under reviewRegulatory status not yet verified

What it's actually cleared for:

Marketed under 510(k) clearance consistent with 1060nm non-invasive lipolysis plus powered muscle stimulation; the K number isn't cleanly attributable under "PHYSIQ" — request the clearance letter from Cartessa and verify before making lipolysis claims.

Regulatory data is compiled from public FDA 510(k) records and may lag recent clearances. Always confirm status with the manufacturer before purchase.

Treatment economics

What practices charge

Standard protocol 5 sessions per area, 1-2 weeks apart; $300-600 per session, 5-packs $1,500-3,000 (promo 5-packs ~$1,750 in competitive markets). Two-area same-visit treatments are the natural upsell.

Consumables & recurring cost

None — sessions cost room time and a few minutes of setup; that's why unattended-protocol devices pencil out fast. Budget post-warranty service instead.

Ideal for

Best-fit practice

Solo-provider or aesthetician-driven medspas wanting body revenue without staff hours — one room, four applicators, remote supervision. Patients 25-55, BMI under ~30, abdomen/flank/thigh debulk-plus-tone; manage expectations versus NEO-level outcomes.

Compliance

Medical director & delegation

Class II laser/EMS combo; laser classification means some states require stricter delegation (laser safety officer, RN-level operation) than RF — check your state's laser rules specifically.

Contraindications & screening

Implanted electronic devices, metal implants, pregnancy, hernia, tattoos in the treatment field (1060nm absorption), active malignancy, recent fillers in the area.

Ownership

Warranty & service

Cartessa typically includes 1-2 year warranty with a reputation for responsive distributor service, but a smaller service bench than InMode/BTL — get loaner terms in writing.

Resale & used market

Moderate — original PHYSIQ ~$25k-50k used; the 360 refresh dented gen-one values and the pattern will repeat at the next revision.