By: Amy Lindsay
Created on 15th February 2012
From tummy tucks to contouring creams, we've found the best solutions to get you slim and svelte for the Christmas party
If you're keen to get trim so you can indulge in all the festive trimmings, we've hunted out a range of methods to drop a dress size for Christmas. From invasive surgical procedures offering instant results, to the best non-invasive treatments and creams to get your body honed and toned for the festive season...
Instant fix: Mini Tummy Tuck
Get rid of your muffin top for the festive season with a mini tummy tuck. While a full tummy tuck removes large quantities of skin and fat and tightens the deep layer of stomach muscles; a mini tummy tuck only works on the lower stomach area, removing the excess skin and fat that rolls over the top of your jeans.
The benefits of this procedure are that it only takes an hour or two, rather than up to five hours for a full tummy tuck, there is a shorter incision (so a smaller scar), the belly button does not have to be repositioned, and the less invasive nature of the operation means a much shorter recovery time.
You will be a bit swollen and bruised for a day or two after this procedure but within two to three weeks, you'll be all set to show off your new flat stomach at the Christmas party. The effects of a tummy tuck are generally long lasting; just make sure you steer clear of the mince pies so you don't undo the surgeon's good work!
Good for: A quick fix for stubborn stomach fat that does not respond to diet or exercise and a speedy way to snip off excess, overhanging skin. It can also improve the appearance of stretch marks on the stomach. It's ideal for women who carry excess fat on the lower abdomen or for a post-pregnancy mummy makeover.
Inch loss: Expect to drop one to two dress sizes around your stomach area.
Cost: From £2,300 (at least £1,000 cheaper than a full tummy tuck).
Contact: 0800 655 6406, www.transforminglives.co.uk
7-14 days: LipoSmooth
LipoSmooth is a non-invasive contouring treatment that firms, smooths and tones lazy stomach muscles. This non-surgical procedure improves circulation, metabolism and skin texture to reduce the appearance of cellulite and reduce fatty deposits in the treated area without scalpels or scarring. The procedure works in three major stages...
Firstly, large pads emitting Ultrasound waves will be placed on the skin to dissolve the unwanted fat in the problem area. Vacuum Massage then reduces water retention and boosts circulation, which allows the lymphatic system to dispose of the dissolved fat and reduces cellulite. Myo-Stimulation is the final stage of the treatment, stimulating muscles to improve muscle tone, increase metabolic rate and ensure longer-lasting results.
You'll see improvements in skin tone and texture after the very first one-hour session, but six sessions spaced around two days apart are recommended for best results.
Good for: Thighs, stomachs, waists and bums in need of a tough gym workout. LipoSmooth is good for pear-shaped women, who would like to lose fat and tone up over a large surface area of the body.
Inch loss: One to two inches per session. Patients have lost up to two dress sizes after six treatments.
Cost: Your initial assessment is free, then a single one-hour treatment costs £150, with a six session course priced £880.
Contact: 020 7323 3660 or www.drmichaelprager.com
1 month: BodyTer Salon Treatment
For a simple, no surgery solution to toning and tightening those difficult to tackle areas, Janet Ginnings offers the BodyTer system. BodyTer is a brand new non-invasive treatment to slim, smooth and contour the body.
During a BodyTer session, rubber thermal pads will be applied to the treatment area then a termoactif current will be passed through them. This pain-free electrical stimulation raises the body temperature to boost your circulation to help breakdown stubborn pockets of fat and smooth cellulite. The current also stimulates the muscles to give you a six pack without a single sit-up!
The treatment comes with no discomfort and serves to firm, tone and treat cellulite by working on both the skin and underlying muscles. Certainly beats a strenuous gym session! Treatment takes one hour, with 12 treatments over four weeks recommended for best results.
Good for: Tackling stubborn cellulite and toning up slack muscles on the thighs, bum or tum. Best for women with little weight to lose, but who would like to smooth cellulite and tone up.
Inch loss: Expect to drop a dress size after a full course of 12 sessions.
Cost: £55 per session or £605 for a course of 12 with a 10% discount.
Contact: The Janet Ginnings Hair & Beauty Salon, 020 7499 1904/2767; www.janetginnigs.com
8-12 weeks: Elemis Enhancement Supplements
The Elemis Enhancement Program is a two to three month detoxification and revitalization plan. The program includes four capules: Cal-Metab to invigorate; Deep Drainage to detoxify; Silhouette to firm and Vitality to give energy, so that your body will be internally cleansed and revitalized within 12 weeks.
In month one, you will take Elemis Cal-Metab with Laminaria Algae, Ascophyllum Algae and Plantain Seed to supply essential vitamins and minerals to the body, including iodine to maintain a healthy thyroid which helps to burn off excess fat. This will be coupled with Elemis Deep Drainage with Black Radish, Cornsilk, Parsley, Uva Ursa, Cleavers and Peppermint to eliminate toxins and improve sallow complexions.
In month two, you will take Elemis Silhouette with Gotu Cola, Kelp, Klamath Lake Algae to purify the blood and increase the body's fat burning ability. Then in month three, you will take Elemis Vitality with Spirulina Algae, Sarsparilla Root, Siberian Ginseng to revitalise. While the full course takes three months, within one month your metabolism will be boosted, you'll have shed excess water and your skin will be glowing and feeling firm.
Good for: The Elemis program will help you lose excess fat, water and toxins from the body while improving skin tone and boosting your energy.
Inch loss: Expect to drop an inch or two after two to three months combined with healthy eating.
Cost: £102 for the full three-month Elemis course: www.elemis.com
PRODUCTS
We have hunted out the best lotions and potions to get slack skin party dress-ready...
Decleor Sculpt is a 100% natural firming botanical range packed with plant extracts to combat sagging skin and improve tone and elasticity. After a few weeks of use, your body should look more 'sculpted' with skin looking and feeling toned, smooth and supple. £37; www.decleor.com
Rodial Tummy Tuck is infused with stomach-flattening micro fibers and natural proteins to firm the skin while also increasing the body's fat burning metabolism. It comes with the bold claim that you can lose up to an inch from your tum in just eight weeks. £100; www.rodial.co.uk
NUDE Smoothing Body Refiner contains bioactive fig to stimulate the breakdown of fat cells. Mountain ash, ginger and ginkgo then increase circulation to metabolise the fat cells and toxins to reveal visibly smoother, firmer skin. £38; www.nudeskincare.com
Clinique Turnaround Body Smoothing Cream is packed with high-performance moisturising and exfoliating ingredients to remove dead skin cells and leave skin super-smooth, soft and hydrated. £23; www.clinique.co.uk
Champneys Detox Patches are a natural way to rid your body of harmful toxins while you sleep. Simply attach the adhesive patches to the bottom of your feet before bed, then they will get to work drawing out harmful toxins overnight. £19.99 for a one-week course; www.champneys.com
CS&AM
