When I first heard the word “I-Lipo” I thought that it must mean intelligent Liposuction…. little did I know that, that’s exactly what it is! It’s a non-surgical method of liposuction using a low level laser system. I started on some vigorous research on the internet. They describe it as a “ low dose of light that targets the fat cells in the “treatment area,” creating a cascade of chemical reactions inside the cells that open transitory pores in the cell membrane and convert the contained triglycerides into free fatty acids and glycerol. These molecules can then easily pass through the pores in the cell wall to be taken up and transported by the body’s lymphatic system for metabolism into energy during the subsequent recommended post treatment exercise” – basically what it does is – it melts your fat into tiny particles that releases through your sweat pores or through your urine. (Kind of gross if you think about it).
I had to try it out to get rid of those unwanted love handles and a little jelly belly (I want a flat stomach, I want a flat stomach Dammit!).
I called the Skin renewal clinic in Claremont and inquired about making my first booking. They advised me that I would first need to see a doctor at the clinic and that would cost me R450. After questioning them on this alleged R450 for a doctors consultation, they advised me that because they have registered doctors, it’s legally required for the doctors to evaluate the patient. Cut a long story short, the R450 you pay for the consultation gets deducted off your first treatment. Basically its an advance on your treatment.
I finally agreed to see the doctor. They would then advise if I was a good candidate for I-Lipo. I booked an appointment for 5pm. When I arrived there I completed the usual questionnaire and waited about 30 minutes after 5pm to see the doctor. I was very annoyed at this point.
The doctor finally saw me and the conclusion was basically that am fit for I-Lipo. I felt like it was all a waste of time but i guess I had to go through it!
I booked my first session and they advised me the treatment takes about 20 minutes. After the 20 minutes are done you should do at least 30 minutes of cardio (i.e. burn at least 300 calories). In addition, they advised that you shouldn’t eat about 2 hours before the session and 2 hours after the session. Having about 8 treatments would deliver the desired results. (that would be R370 per session x 8 Sessions = R2960). They tried to sell me this additional I-lipo massage session as part of the package with the I-lipo. This would cost an additional R120. Anyway, it didn’t make sense – so I opted for the I-lipo only. I signed a “contract” outlining that that I will be coming for 8 sessions, etc. I was a bit worried thinking that I am bound to this, but it turns out that it’s just a formality.
Me with the I-Lipo strapped to my waist and tummy
Arriving for my first session, I was super excited because I knew that in just 8 sessions I would have no love handles and no jelly belly. First thing they did was measure the circumference around my tummy area and the area around my love handles. They documented the results in my file. They strapped me in and I basically just relaxed with this machine working its fat killing magic for 20 minutes. After the 20 minutes were over, I got up and looked at my tummy and couldn’t really see a change at all. (Even though they say that after 1 treatment you will notice results). Oh well I thought, just 7 more to go! I left and went straight to gym, cycling 30 minutes and burning off 400 calories. You have to do the sessions in 48 hour intervals (every 2 days), which is valuable information to know before you commit to the treatments because you need to budget to fork out so much money in a short span of time (they don’t tell you this on their webpage). Anyway, I went for the 2nd session and I had a different lady assist me. She put the machine on for 30 minutes instead of 20 minutes because they usually allow you to use the bike for the 30 minutes to do the cardio and as I was going to the gym, she gave me an extra 10 minutes. I enjoyed the 30 minutes because the longer I was on the machine, the more fat melted away.
After my 4th session (R1, 480 later) they did my “half-way” mark measurement. Before she took the measurement I was convinced the machine didn’t work as I didn’t feel any different. But measurements don’t lie. So as she showed me the results I almost fell over because I was so shocked that I lost so much. My measurements around my tummy went down 11cm and my love handle waistline went down 15cm! In just 4 sessions. I decided to call it quits and stop treatment as 4 sessions seemed enough for me. I did feel lighter and thinner than usual , but not as drastic as the loss of between 11-15cm!
If you have some spare cash and you want to get rid of a few cm’s then definitely try it out. However, I would have rather just increased my cardio and watched my diet a bit more to be honest! Is i-lipo the way to go? It’s something to do to speed up the process, so do it if you want to lose in a hurry but I do not recommend it for a quick fix because living a healthy lifestyle is far better than having a quick fix!
Some facts:
Treatment areas include abdomen, love handles, inner and outer thighs, batwings, bra bulges, double chin, knees, ankles and male breast fat reduction.
I-Lipo should not be done on the following patients:
- Pregnant
- Epilepsy
- Thyroid Gland Dysfunction
- Uncontrolled Hypertension
- Cardiac Arrhythmias or Heart Disease
- Pacemakers
- Recent or current history of cancer, or actively undergoing radiation or chemotherapy treatment
- Liver/Kidney Disease
- Photosensitivity to 650-660nm of light
- Immuno-suppressed disorders
Cost – R370 per session ( 4 should be enough)
I- Lipo will not work if you do not follow the very strict rules described in this article like :
- Not eating 2 hours before and 2 hours after the treatment
- Drinking loads of water
- Eating very healthy
- Doing 30 minute of high impact cardio within an hour after receiving the treatment.
If you decide to give it go, please send us pics of your results ! We would love to share it!
– Jee
Deets:
Clinic : Skin Renewal Centre
Website : http://www.skinrenewal.co.za/
Location: refer to website
photos – self-taken , google images