By: Amy Lindsay
Created on 20th September 2011
For those who’ve over-indulged over the festive period, and no
amount of calorie counting or cycling will shift those stubborn
pockets of pesky fat, Amy Lindsay investigates the latest noninvasive
treatments to trim and tone
1 OSYRIS
Best for? While invasive liposuction might be very effective, if you’re not keen on undergoing general anaesthetic and lengthy recovery periods, laser lipo may be more suitable.
The Osyris system delivers similar results to invasive liposuction but with little discomfort, bruising or side effects. Suitable candidates are generally of average weight, with pockets of fat in areas such as the stomach, thighs and buttocks.
How does it work? A local anaesthetic is administered to numb the area, before a fine cannula is inserted beneath the surface of the skin to deliver a safe, powerful laser to heat fat cells, causing them to break down.
The cannula is then used to suction out the broken down fat for an immediate result.
At the same time, the laser seals-off minor blood vessels and stimulates collagen production to give a smooth finish.
Treatment time? Up to three areas can be treated at a single session, taking from one to two hours.
A dramatic improvement is usually seen immediately with best results after two weeks once mild swelling has subsided. The results will improve over the next six months as skin continues to tone and tighten.
Downtime? The local anaesthetic means the procedure is virtually painless. Minor bruising or discomfort may occur in the short term and antibiotics may be given to prevent infection, but most candidates can return to work within a couple of days.
Cost? The procedure can range from £1,500 to £5,000 depending upon the size and number of areas to be treated.
Expert opinion: “I have been doing liposuction in its various formats since its first introduction in 1984 and for the last three years I’ve been using the Osyris Laser to break down the fat before aspiration. I feel that the advantages of this are huge. I see a significant number of patients who have had other treatments in which they have been disappointed and I have been able to achieve good results for all of them.”
Dr Alan
Kingdon, The Cosmetic Surgery
Clinic
Contact:
The Cosmetic Surgery Clinic,
The Hogarth Club, London,
020 8747 4746; www.
cosmeticsurgeryclinic.co.uk
2 VASER
Best for? VASER liposelection uses ultrasound energy to significantly reduce stubborn areas of fat and precisely sculpt areas of the body with less bruising and downtime than with traditional liposuction procedures.
It’s ideal for removing stubborn fat from larger areas, such as the stomach, chest and thighs, although it can also be used under the chin and on the neck.
How does it work? VASER uses a minimally invasive technique called Liposelection to selectively break apart and gently remove unwanted fat.
The target area is injected with a special saline solution known as ‘tumescent fluid’, which numbs the area, shrinks local blood vessels and temporarily expands the volume of the area, making fat cells easier to remove.
Small-diameter probes are then inserted into the body through tiny incisions. By resonating at a high ultrasonic frequency, the probes literally shake loose fat cells — while leaving blood vessels, nerves and connective tissues unharmed.
The loose fat cells mix with the tumescent fluid, which is then removed from the body using gentle suction.
Treatment time? Depending on the area you are having treated, it can take between one and two hours.
Downtime? You may be required to rest in the clinic for an hour or so following treatment, but normal light activities can usually be resumed after a couple of days.
It is best to avoid vigorous physical activity for at least two weeks after this procedure.
Cost? Prices start from £3,500.
Expert opinion: “I first used VASER about eight years ago. I have tried several machines since and I still think VASER is the best on the market. It’s gentler and more precise than the competition, and we can remove a better quantity of fat in a much smoother way. However, it is an invasive procedure and it is a powerful tool, which means it has to be handled by a very experienced practitioner.”
Dr
Roberto Viel, London Centre for
Aesthetic Surgery.
Contact:
London Centre for Aesthetic
Surgery, 020 7636 4272,
www.lcas.com, or to find your
nearest practitioner:
www.soundsurgical.com
3 LIPOLIGHT
Best for?
LipoLight is the
new, natural light,
body sculpting treatment for
eliminating problem areas of fat
on the bra line, stomach, thighs
and bottom.
It is ideal for candidates who don't have a lot of time to spend in recovery, as there is no downtime. It is also perfect for those with loose skin in the treatment area as this procedure stimulates collagen formation to result in tighter, smoother skin.
How does it work? LipoLight causes the fat cell membranes to lose their round shape by altering the permeability of the cell. The body then releases the fat cells with no damage to the surrounding tissue or cells. It also stimulates and strengthens the collagen and elastin fibres which helps tone and tighten the skin.
Before treatment, three measurements are taken in the area that you wish to target and then six paddles with the LED lights are applied to the skin, with two placed in the groin area to facilitate the fat removal through the lymphatic system.
Treatment time? It takes 20 to 30 minutes per session depending on the severity of the problem. It is possible to do multiple areas in one procedure, but most patients choose to have one area treated at a time to get the best results.
Results are instantaneous after one session, but patients often book a course of four treatments.
Downtime? There is no downtime and patients are encouraged to exercise 12 hours after their treatment to assist the body in flushing out the broken down fat cells.
Cost? The cost varies around the UK – between £50 and £100 a treatment. Expert opinion: “News of LipoLight is growing by word of mouth. When someone achieves these amazing results, they can’t wait to tell their friends and family”
The Slim Partnership
Contact:
Go to www.theslimpartnership.
co.uk to find your local clinic
