EVEN AS AN UNDERWEIGHT teen I had problems with cellulite. Now that I am older and gained significant weight, it has gotten worse. I?m now an overweight woman with major cellulite on the buttocks and thighs. I promised my husband there would be no more liposuction. Besides, that gets rid of only fat?not the big C.
Desperation and word-of-mouth led me to Dr. Marianne Chua Simeon, whose clinic had a machine-based treatment called Ultra Lipo.
How it works
The machine emits a powerful double beam of low frequency ultrasound waves which yields an effective and safe cavitational effect. Cavitation is when the ultrasound emissions rupture the adipose (fat found directly under the skin) cells, starting a metabolic process that leads to the body?s natural elimination of fat waste, previously trapped fluids and toxins.
Scavenger cells in our bodies then round up and remove the debris from the treated area, then bring them to the liver where they are processed for elimination in the lymphatic system.
The instrument also has a device for performing immediate lymph drainage of the treated area to accelerate the removal of residue. This results in a significant reduction of fat mass and an obvious improvement on the cellulite-ridden area, giving it a more toned and smooth look.
One session alone significantly improved the appearance of my cellulite. Some patients who were overweight have lost up to 25 lbs, five to eight inches off the tummy area and cellulite after the second week alone, but they started a sensible diet.
Pros: 1. Treatment takes only 45 minutes so it can be squeezed into your lunch break.
2. Painless to slight discomfort (depending on tolerance), non-surgical and scar-free
3. If you sign up for the five sessions, you get a discount.
Cons: 1. A session is actually divided into two parts. After the 45-minute ultrasound cavitation and lymph drainage procedures, one has to come back after three to five days for the 10- to 15-minute lymph drainage vacuum and multipolar RF to tighten the skin. Fat loss may be a bit too fast, making skin sag, so RF is necessary. Five sessions actually means 10 visits total but charges stand at five sessions.
2. The price. Although still cheaper than liposuction, charges per session are in three categories: P25,000, P35,000 and P45,000 per area per two-part session, depending on the amount of fat per area that needs to be removed.
3. Frequent urination after the treatment well into the evening, disrupting sleep with urine ranging from brown to very yellow signaling the release of fat, toxins and excess liquid making up the cellulite
4. If you don?t watch what you eat and continue a sedentary lifestyle, the cellulite and fat bulges will come back over time.
Contraindications
Not for those who are pregnant, or have skin disease, vascular or malignant lesions, capillary fragility, diabetes, metal implants, heart ailment, autoimmune disorders and vascular illnesses.
Side effects: Possible severe heating and superficial burns, which would be the operator?s mistake. That is why they start at very low frequency and increase according to patient?s comfort.
Dr. Marianne Chua-Simeon is a Philippine Dermatological Society Diplomate. Board Diplomate: Passed July 2008. Clinics: 832 Paseo de Roxas, Makati (8187469), and El Jardin de Presidente, Sgt. Esguerra Ave., QC (9277756).
