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New fat zapping treatments
ELLE explores some of the non-invasive new fat busting treatments out there!
By Malena Harbers
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Fat chance
Fat and cellulite: they are the reason most women dread swimsuit shopping and, aside from liposuction, have historically been the most difficult to target with cosmetic intervention. But new, less-invasive technologies are making it easier to blast away problem areas.
•Best for...STUBBORN FAT: UltraShape.
You're fit and healthy, but no matter how many hours you log at the gym, you have stubborn pockets of fat that won't go away with diet and exercise. Sound familiar? UltraShape was designed with you in mind. This non-invasive treatment uses ultrasound technology to target and break up fat cell membranes and release the fat into the body to be metabolized by the liver. The hitch? You'll need to exercise to mobilize the fat and get rid of it. "Think of it as if you were to eat a big steak," says Dr. Lisa Kellett, a dermatologist in Toronto. "You want to burn off the extra calories you ingested - otherwise, they will be restored in the body." Results are permanent after about three sessions (about $1,000 each), with no downtime. Expect to lose two to four centimetres or go down a pant size, says Kellett.
•Best for...ARMS, BACK AND KNEES: SmartLipo.
Recently approved in Canada, this treatment works by inserting a Yag laser (about the size of a strand of angel hair pasta) into fat tissue via a one-millimetre tube. Pulses of laser energy work to stimulate collagen (generating skin contraction) and "liquefy" fat deposits, which are removed through a syringe. While it may be a safer alternative to liposuction (it doesn't involve major blood loss or nerve and tissue damage), you can still expect some bruising and swelling. Usually, only one session (from $3,000 to $5,000) is needed, and results are permanent. Count on a couple of days of downtime before you can return to normal activities.
•Best for...CELLULITE: VelaShape.
Besides common problem areas, such as the buttocks and thighs, this new laser system can target cellulite on the arms and underside of the chin using a combination of infrared light and radio frequency waves. "The heat energy penetrates beyond the skin into the fat layers to change the structure and size of the fat cells, making cellulite less visible," says Dr. Gerald Boey, a cosmetic physician in Vancouver. Four to eight sessions (about $125 to $200 each) are necessary, and there is no downtime. You'll see results within the first three or four treatments, but maintenance sessions are usually needed every two months to stay cellulite-free.
No matter which procedure you choose, ask your physician for help in finding a reputable dermatologist or cosmetic plastic surgeon, or visit www.csaps.ca.
Click here to read more!
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