The Lazy Person's Guide To Slimming

High Care Intermittent Compression Therapy (ICT) from Shou Slimming

What it does: This 30-minute treatment uses compression in intervals to mimic air flow and massage strokes to help with lymphatic drainage and water retention, and reduce the appearance of cellulite.
What it feels like: A therapist will wrap your problem areas — mine was stomach and thighs — in an air-pressure suit. For the next half hour, the suit inflates and deflates in relaxing rhythmic movements, which improves blood circulation and speeds up detoxification. It all feels like a really relaxing massage, and I’m lulled into a deep sleep barely 10 minutes into the session.
The results: Alas — my cellulite-ridden thighs have not become miraculously become firmer. They look as wobbly as before. It’s not unexpected, as cellulite is notoriously hard to banish. Multiple sessions are required before the unsightly dimples would disappear, and customers have reported good results.

$180 per session for legs or tummy; $250 for both areas, from all Shou Slimming outlets. For more info, go to www.shouslimming.com.

Z Lipo and Z WavePro (Cryo-Lipolysis & Shockwave) by Zimmer Aesthetics

What it does: Touted as the non-surgical and non-invasive alternative to liposuction, this procedure combines Z Lipo (which targets and freezes fats in the body, subsequently destroying them) and Z Wave (which uses shockwaves to break down the frozen fats, and also helps to tighten skin and reduce cellulite). The dead fat cells will be naturally removed through the lymphatic system, which takes 10 to 12 weeks. The fats apparently stay away — permanently.
What it feels like: An area is marked on my stomach, and a cold gel pad is placed on top of it. The Z Lipo device clamps onto the gel pad and a roll of my skin, and freezes it to -5 degrees. I don’t really feel anything except a strong suction on my stomach during the one-hour session. When the device is removed, I stare in shock at what looks like a thick roll of hard honey baked ham in place of my soft tummy. The therapist explains that my fats have now been frozen and she will now use the Z Wave applicator to break the fats down. I’m not gonna lie — this part is painful. The device delivers pulses to the area, which is already sore from the fat-freezing. It caused bruising on my stomach and a tingling pain which persisted for a few days.
The results: I couldn’t wear fitting pants or skirts for a week, but the bruises gradually disappeared. The effects would show up after a month, as it takes time for the dead fat cells to be removed from my body naturally. While my stomach didn’t look very different (probably cos the fat-freezing was only done on a small area), I did notice that my usual jeans felt slightly looser. Yay!

$500 per area; available at five clinics in Singapore, including Patricia Yuen Dermatology at #20-04 Paragon. For the full list, call NeoAsia at 6552-7787.

PowerSlim Studio by Aramsa Spa

What it does: An infrared treatment which promises to improve metabolism, stimulate weight loss and calorie-burning, and improve skin’s appearance. Also speeds up detoxification and improves overall health.
What it feels like: This is touted as the world’s most comfortable slimming experience. It’s definitely pretty effortless. Just slide into a pod-like machine after getting some gel massaged onto your body, and pretend you’re at the beach getting a suntan, sans UV damage. The infrared lights did get a little hot after a while, but just ask for the air-con to be turned up. Overall, it’s a relaxing experience.
The results: My pants definitely felt looser after the ‘suntan’ (probably water loss) but like all slimming treatments, results are best after several sessions.

$160.50 for one hour from Aramsa Spa, Bishan Park 2, Tel: 6456-6556; http://aramsaspas.com.

Marie France’s i-Laser Sculpt

What it does: This is a treatment that utilises low-level laser therapy to initiate biological stimulation on a cellular level. When laser is fired at the fat cells, stored body fat will convert to fatty acids and glycerol and move out of the pores. They are then picked up by the lymphatic system, ready for use as an energy source by the body.
What it feels like: An elastic band is placed around my tummy and laser pods are placed into the band. For the next 40 minutes or so, laser is shot at my stomach while I rest on a comfortable bed. I expect a burning sensation but there isn’t any. Instead, there’s just a warm soothing feeling around the tummy area.
The results: Measurements at three sections of my tummy were taken before and after the treatment. To my surprise, I lost 5cm in total around the stomach area. I am not sure if it’s fat loss or just water loss, but I’m pleasantly surprised at the results.

$350 per treatment. Launch promo at $128 for 1 i-Laser Sculpt + 1 Accelerated Fat Reduction Machine treatment. More info at https://www.mariefrance.com.sg/i-laser-sculpt.

Bio Sculpture from Shou Slimming

What it does: Combines Eastern and Western methods — electronic pulse waves send Far Infrared Rays (FIR) to stimulate the body’s acu-points, hitting the body’s internal nervous system and endocrine system. The 75-minute treatment targets fatty deposits and stimulates metabolism and detoxification, and promises an immediate loss of up to 5cm.
What it feels like: The first part feels like a pampering deep tissue massage for the tummy. It’s such a good blend of gentle rhythmic strokes and deep tissue prodding that we were snoring five minutes in. Part two is less indulgent but still relaxing — an infrared lamp shines onto the tummy, stimulating fat burning and circulation.
The results: My stomach felt flatter and tighter and definitely less bloated. Over the next couple of days, I felt lighter and slimmer, although the effect was lost the next time I had a biggish meal. Results are better with regular treatments.

$368 per session ($89 for first-time trial), from all Shou Slimming outlets. For more info, go to www.shouslimming.com.

Note: All treatments featured here advocate a sensible and balanced diet and regular exercise for best results.