Here are some of the latest non-surgical aesthetic procedures that take under an hour to get you primped, preened and ready to go.
No time? No worries. These centrally located establishments have under- 60-minute treatment sessions for one to freeze, zap and stroke the imperfections away. We test out some of the most cutting-edge of medical aesthetic technologies, designed especially for those who are rushed for time.
CoolSculpting @ Calvin Chan Aesthetic & Laser Clinic
Selectively reduces stubborn fats
CoolSculpting by Zeltiq just got better with its second-generation range of CoolAdvantage applicators, which boast a larger surface area than its predecessor, hence halving the original treatment time from about an hour to just 30 to 35 minutes. The new applicators feature interchangeable cups with different contours, allowing them to address almost any part of the body, including the neck and underchin. However, CoolSculpting is not meant for weight-loss purposes; rather, it is to help patients who are close to their ideal weight “sculpt” their bodies through the removal of stubborn fat pockets that cannot be resolved by regular exercise and a balanced diet.
This non-invasive procedure is said to permanently and noticeably reduce fat within the treated area by 20% to 24% after “killing off” fat cells by freezing them at about -11 degree Celsius using cryolipolysis technology. Calvin Chan Aesthetic & Laser Clinic also allows patients to undergo treatment with two Zeltiq machines at one go, so that patients can have two areas covered within a single session.
The procedure itself is comfortable enough to even snooze through. However, do expect a whole lot of pain while the treated areas are being massaged right after. The bruising, soreness and swelling that take place over the next few days would be perfectly worth it if I were to effortlessly drop a pant size as a result — but only time will tell, as I was told it takes about one to three months for the body’s lymphatic system to fully remove the dead fat cells.
Excel V @ Stephanie Ho Dermatology
Promotes radiance; reduces pigmentation, redness and vein visibility
Meant to zero in on facial blemishes, this aesthetic laser treatment can be administered at three distinct operating modes — high-energy pulsed, long-pulsed and microsecond — to treat nearly 20 unique dermatologic skin concerns ranging from superficial brown spots and red port-wine stains to rosacea and varicose veins. While the laser treatment involving all three modes takes about 15 minutes, patients are advised to have numbing cream applied to their face about 45 minutes before the session to reduce the sting.
Some swelling is to be expected right after, but this will typically resolve within a couple of days. So be sure to plan your social schedule accordingly. My face’s natural redness does appear less patchy a week after the treatment, and the pores on my cheeks and the side of my nose seem to have shrunk significantly. My skin also feels smoother to the touch, such that cream/ concealer application has become a lot easier.
High Care ICT @Shou Slimming
Enhances lymphatic drainage
Shou Slimming has just introduced a new addition to its arsenal of high-tech slimming and weight-loss equipment: a spacesuit-inspired air compression system from Korean manufacturer Daesung Maref. High Care Intermittent Compression Therapy (ICT) is a mechanically assisted drainage process that uses compression in intervals, releasing waves of air pressure to massage the legs and/ or tummy.
According to Shou, each 30-minute session helps accelerate the body’s natural lymphatic drainage process, which contributes to reducing the appearance of cellulite when administered frequently and while paired with the slimming centre’s proprietary treatments. Shou’s consultants add that ICT is also ideal as a post-natal treatment to flush out excess water retention.
It was an uncanny experience having to wear a layer of plastic “pants” before being strapped into a full lower-body suit of air compression sleeves, which tickled at times when inflated but otherwise felt like a massage that was a bit too gentle for my liking. A single session on its own made no difference to my girth and cellulite-filled hindquarters, but it was definitely the most pain-free, albeit forgettable, treatment of the lot.
This article appeared in Issue 773 (April 3) of The Edge Singapore.
