Even slim people have that inch or so of stubborn fat called love handles, puson, muffin tops, saddle bags, thunder thighs, buttocks or bra line flanks that just won’t go away. It becomes really frustrating when these pouches of fat ruin the perfect dress or swimsuit despite all the dieting and exercise.
Liposuction is too drastic, time-consuming and expensive for such a small spot. But there’s this new treatment called CoolSculpting which may just be what we all have been waiting for.
Developed by Harvard University scientists Dieter Manstein and R. Rox Anderson, CoolSculpting was born when it was observed that some children got dimples due to eating popsicles. From this observation came Cryolipolysis, the science on which CoolSculpting is based.
CoolSculpting uses controlled cooling to target and crystallize fat cells. Once crystallized, these cells gradually die and are then eliminated from your body. After two or so months, the remaining fat cells condense and the fat layer is reduced.
Pampanga clinic
Although it takes two months for the effects to become noticeable, improvement goes on up to the sixth month. Most people are content with the results after just one session and do not come back. Men actually begin to see the six-pack abs they have been working on for hours a day, as these are no longer hidden under stubborn fat layers.
So far, only three doctors/clinics have this machine: In Metro Manila it’s Belo and Marie France, and in Pampanga it’s E-derm.
E-derm is owned by dermatologist Aenelle Dizon, who was born and bred in Quezon City but settled in Pampanga when she married cosmetic surgeon and business partner Eder Dizon, after whom E-derm was named.
Their Marquee Mall branch has the high-ticket machines like Thermage, Zeltiq CoolSculpt, Ultherapy, Laser 360 and Fraxel, while the surgical operating rooms are in San Fernando. The advantage of going to these clinics are the provincial rates; treatments are noticeably cheaper than in Metro Manila. Those living in the nearby provinces need not travel too far as well.
Limitations
What it’s like: Every fat portion is counted as a cycle, which also pertains to the one hour it takes to treat that area. Imagine an ultra-powerful vacuum cleaner administered to the area to be treated.
I opted to have the layer of fat over my ribcage, right under my chest, subjected to this treatment. The strong suction felt like someone grabbed your fat and tried to rip it away from your body. It was the longest 30 seconds of my life—that’s the amount of time it takes for the area to get numb due to the cold.
After an hour, the suctioned skin was red, cold and elevated. It looked like two to three pieces of tuna sushi in a line. It is then massaged flat, and you can expect to see the results after two months. After that, you can repeat the treatment if you feel you need to burn more.
However, the treatment can’t tackle your face, neck and arms. According to the Dizon couple, those who are overweight are better off doing liposuction, as it will come out cheaper. So if you have fat loaves instead of pockets, liposuction may be a better option!
E-derm is at L/2 Marquee Mall, Angeles City, Pampanga. For appointment and inquiries about Silk Peel and CoolSculpt, call +6345 6360147 or 0922-8223892. It also has branches in Guagua; tel. 0922-8223890; and San Fernando, 0922-8223891. Visit www.edermcenters.com
For Metro Manila and Southern Luzon residents: Marie France, tel. 894-BODY (2639), visit www.
mariefrance.com.ph; Belo medical group hotline 819-BELO (2356), visit www.belomed.com
E-mail kinnyski@gmail.com