Get in Shape for Summer!

Created on 31st July 2008

Clinics are now offering revolutionary techniques such as Velashape and SmartLipo that can give you the figure you want in no time at all. Olivia Young investigates...

The shops are full of the latest summer fashions and every glossy magazine is giving diet and exercise tips to achieve the best bikini body. But what about the bulges that just won't budge, no matter what you eat or how many hours you put in at the gym. Now, new to the UK, are a number of techniques that can give you a streamlined figure and, unlike more drastic surgical options, barely impact on your busy life.

Dr Rupert Gabriel, Medical Director at Snowberry Lane Clinic has pioneered the use of SmartLipo in the UK, a nonsurgical liposcultpure procedure. The treatment is particularly good at removing stubborn pockets of fat that won't shift with exercise or diet, and can be performed within a lunch hour. He believes that, "higher powered SmartLipo lasers and the addition of gentle aspiration of the lasered fat, produces quicker and better results with improved contour and smoother, tighter skin. SmartLipo is achieving consistently excellent results with no increase in risk or downtime. Also because it is done under local anaesthetic, there are immediate palpable results and patients can still go straight back to everyday activities and exercise as soon as it is comfortable to do so."

Using Laserlipolis (interstitial laserlipolysis), this treatment works best to remove localised fat (adiposity) and cellulite in areas normally resistant to dieting and physical exercise. With no general anaesthetic required, the procedure uses a 1mm instrument with a laser head that provokes breaking up of membranes and fat (adipose) cells - transforming them into an oily substance that is absorbed and naturally removed by the body. The intense pulses of laser work in three steps; firstly to break the adipose membrane; the second pulse seals off surrounding blood cells - aiding a virtually blood free procedure; and finally the third pulse stimulates collagen production and skin tightening.

The treatment minimises post-procedure side effects and is much less invasive and traumatic compared with more traditional and aggressive liposculpture procedures. Clients see some immediate benefit, with optimum results about four months after the procedure.

"While we recommend that clients rest immediately after the procedure, there is no reason why they shouldn't return to work the following day," commented Dr Gabriel. "SmartLipo produces better, smoother results than traditional liposuction on areas such as around the bottom, upper arms and around the waist. It can also be used to effectively remove fat and tighten the skin around the chin to make a more lean pronounced jaw line. There is no baggy-skin effect and now with low level aspiration immediate effects can be seen."

Another innovative procedure to give you the body you've always dreamed of is VelaShape, the new non-surgical body contour procedure. This treatment results in a smoother, tighter figure through circumference reduction and transformation of cellulite affected areas.

VelaShape uses a unique and highly effective technology called elos. The advanced technique harnesses both bipolar radiofrequency (RF) and infrared light energies in order to precisely heat fatty (adipose) tissues. The combination of these energies increases the metabolism of stored energy, increasing lymphatic drainage, at the same time shrinking the size of the targeted fat cells. Additionally the vacuum and mechanical roller device used, massages the specific areas to tighten and smooth out the skin. The devise enables the treatment of both large and small surface areas, facilitating a safe and efficient heat energy delivery.

Designed to accommodate patients' different sensitivity levels, the method is best described as a deep tissue massage. With VelaShape there are no short- or long-term side effects. An immediate reddening of the area can be expected but soon fades in an hour or two. VelaShape offers long-term results providing a balanced diet is maintained.

Dr Rupert Gabriel explains, "VelaShape provides a very attractive body contour option; not only does it achieve dramatic results, it is free from drugs and surgery of any kind. VelaShape is a comfortable and safe procedure, which can be performed within a lunch hour."

Now, the body you've always dreamed of can be within your grasp.
CSMUK