From The Straits Times    |

Photo: Lady Raffles/Facebook

Don’t get me wrong, I’m a firm believer of celebrating your body and loving the skin you’re in but I’m pretty sure most of us will admit that we want those dimply patches of skin to be gone for good. It has been estimated (based on figures from the Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy) that some 90 per cent of women will experience cellulite at some point in their life. Some of the common causes include hormonal factors, diet and lifestyle.

A diet rich in fat, salt and carbohydrate coupled with a sedentary lifestyle has also been tied to cellulite. Genetics is another factor that can lead to cellulite formation. So if your mum has cellulite, chances are you might have gotten it from her.

Cellulite isn’t pretty – and it won’t go away without a fight. Cellulite occurs when fat deposits through the connective tissues underneath the skin. Even when you lose weight (have less fat), the connective tissues will still be there. That is why weight loss can reduce the appearance of cellulite but not get rid of every dent.

Photo: 123rf

Since the good old-fashioned work it off method wasn’t going to banish those dreaded dimples, I figured it’s time to get a little extra help. I started to research less invasive procedures and decided to give the LPG (lipomassage) Endermologie at Lady Raffles International a go. Lady Raffles International is a beauty wellness lounge which specialises in facial and body treatments.

 This treatment uses a machine that has a treatment head that combines a motorized roll and flap with sequential suction action to stimulate in-depth tissues to eliminate fat cells, reduce cellulite, firm the skin and improve lymphatic drainage and tone your body – without the invasiveness of traditional aesthetic nips and tucks. It works on the basis that when you improve the lymphatic drainage, you are also eliminating waste from your body which can in turn help to prevent diseases like breast cancer.

 

The treatment experience

Photo: Lady Raffles/Facebook 

You will first be asked to fill up a form and you will be asked to state your medical history and discuss your concerns. Also, you will be asked to take pictures of your body (at different angles – side and front profile) which will be used to monitor your progress as you go for more treatments. After which, you will be ushered into the treatment room. When you enter the treatment room, you’ll be asked to change into a translucent tight fitted bodysuit (think the red spandex catsuit from the iconic Britney Spears “Oops! I Did It Again” music video with the opacity of her sheer sparkly number from the 2003 “Toxic” music video) and you’re not allowed to wear anything underneath except a disposable thong (which they provide).

To be quite honest, I felt quite self-conscious in that bodysuit but my therapist, Lyvien, helped to put me at ease with her friendly banter. For each treatment session, you can choose three target areas like your face, bum, thighs, tummy and arms. After a discussion with my therapist, we decided to work on my arms, thighs and tummy for that session. Lyvien started on my arms. Not going to lie – even though this treatment is supposed to be painless, you definitely would experience some discomfort especially when the rollers knead and press against your skin. I personally only experienced discomfort on my arms but even so it wasn’t unbearable. In fact, when the treatment head rolled over my tummy and thighs, it actually felt quite relaxing, almost like an invigorating massage.

 

Did I see results?

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I have to say that my body felt a little lighter and slimmer after my first treatment, just like how you would feel after a good run or workout. While I don’t see any visible results because I’ve only had one treatment. I could definitely see my arms and especially my thighs were more toned and firmed and less bloated and squishy. If I pinched my thighs, it definitely looks a lot smoother and less like an orange peel. Maybe it was only a slight body change that only I would notice but it is enough to make me an endermologie convert.

 

Pointers to note:

Photo: 123rf

Engage in some moderate activity to cell metabolism – when you engage in moderate exercise soon after the treatment, it helps with cell metabolism and you get better results

You might need to hit the loo after the treatment – My therapist told me that some of her patients who suffer from constipation actually get some help in this department from the treatment because the rolling and kneading motions (if on the abdomen region) help to stimulate the colon (large intestine) to improve bowel motility to get you “moving”.

Be patient – I was told that most patients will take about 7 to 12 sessions (each about three to five days apart) before they can see visible results

 

Should you go for the treatment?

Photo: 123rf

This treatment might be pricey but I definitely would recommend it if you need a little boost to get toned but want something that not as invasive. Also, if you’re a busy individual, this treatment that last up to 30 minutes per session won’t take too much time and can even be done during your lunch time.

Prices for LPG Endermologie treatment package start from $229. Lady Raffles International is located at 290 Orchard Road, #14-09 The Paragon Tower 1, S238859

 

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