Singapore clinics present their weight loss treatments and slimming therapies

By Verne Maree
Issue 87 - October 2009

In cooler climes, you can disguise jelly-bellies, dimpled thighs and arms under thick leggings and loose sweaters – but alas, in the heat of Singapore there is nowhere to hide, unless you plan on spending the next two or three years in a succession of over-chilled movie theatres.

I initially thought that I’d have no problem keeping the weight off here. In such a hot place you don’t get that hungry, I reasoned. Hah! The rot set in immediately. I became addicted to chicken rice, laksa, curry, Tiger beer and champagne brunches, and put on 5 kilograms in two months.

It bears repeating: To lose weight or keep it off, the main thing is to eat lightly and healthily. Too much dining out – and especially drinking out – is a killer. And no amount of exercise or salon slimming therapy (bar liposuction, and even that has its limitations) will overcome a surfeit of food and drink. 

Cellulite is a particularly annoying visitation, and as we all know from candid shots in Hello! magazine, even the otherwise thin and beautiful are not immune to the scourge.

What works best is a holistic approach, a multi-pronged attack that includes diet, exercise, and one or more of the varied and effective treatments that are available, including regular massage. Apart from counting calories, here are some approaches to attacking the adiposal adversary, fighting the fat foe, laying waste to the lipids, subduing that sneaky cellulite and eventually eliminating the enemy entirely.

What? A tailored series of cellulite acupuncture, a popular and effective non-surgical treatment to help reduce cellulite.

Why? Cellulite affects 90 percent of women – even supermodels. 

Who? It’s administered only by Dr Ivan Puah, who is trained and certified as an acupuncturist by the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Singapore.

How? It works directly to break up fat and unlock fat deposits in the affected area.  In addition, it helps to detoxify tissues, activate fluid circulation and improve metabolic function, giving you suppler, firmer and smoother-looking skin. The full course of treatment is ten-to-twelve sessions, done once or twice a week for best results.

Nitty-Gritty Expat Living readers who sign up this month (October) for a full course of cellulite acupuncture treatment are entitled to three complimentary sessions of facial rejuvenation acupuncture.

Amaris B

18 Cross Street, #B1-23/24 China Square Central, Singapore

Visit www.amaris-b.com or call (+65) 6536 4211

Advanced RF Slim & Sculpt Therapy

What? An advanced slimming therapy that combines the latest in body slimming and sculpting technology using radiofrequency (RF) waves with lymphatic drainage massage.
 

Why? To achieve a bikini-worthy bod with a slim, taut and defined silhouette.
 

Who? RF-generated heat energy penetrates the dermis to stimulate and increase metabolism at the cellular level, thereby helping the body burn and break down adipose tissue (fat). This is followed by a 40-minute manual lymphatic drainage massage that facilitates the natural drainage of that fat out of the body.
 

Nitty-Gritty This 60-minute treatment targets fat-prone areas such as the thighs, buttocks, tummy, upper arms and love-handles. Expat Living readers pay just $88 (plus GST; usual price $380) at the outlets listed below up to 15 November 2009. SMS your name and spa location to (+65) 9101 3851, or call
(+65) 6220 3415. You must be 21 and not have visited Body Contours in the past 12 months.

Body Contours

www.bodycontours.com.sg

City Hall: 30 Hill Street #01-03, (+65) 6334 5391

Raffles Place: Royal Brothers Building, 22 Malacca Street, Level 5, (+65) 6533 6061   

Raffles Town Club (members only): 1 Plymouth Avenue, (+65) 6251 1205

East Coast I: Grand Mercure Roxy Hotel, 50 East Coast Road, Level 4, (+65) 6344 8633

East Coast II: Roxy Square Shopping Centre, 50 East Coast Road #03-14, (+65) 6346 6812

Body Slim-Touche System

What? Instant inch-loss treatment for cellulite, firming, toning and slimming

How? Three techniques are used for excellent results:

• vacuum massage – massage of underlying muscle
• light technology – using safe infrared light to break down stubborn fat
• cellulite reduction – to reduce dimpling
 

Nitty-Gritty The package consists of :

• 10 x localised Slim-Touche sessions           • 10 x herbal steam treatments
• 10 x localised Slim-Corpulence sessions     • 10 x herbal wraps

The usual price is $360 per session, but Expat Living readers pay a special promotional price of $288 until the end of December 2009.

De Beaute

Singapore Shopping Centre #B1-00/10, Singapore

http://debeaute.com

(+65) 6334 1133

Fitvibe

What? Fitvibe vibration plate to increase metabolism, reduce body fat, increase muscle tone and strength, increase bone density, balance  hormones and improve blood circulation to reduce cellulite and get you glowing.
 

How? Holistic, healthy living is promoted as the way to beauty, through goal-oriented health programmes to achieve optimal fitness. Weight-loss is achieved through weight management advice, diet management, monitoring of bodyfat parameters, and referral to an affiliated doctor’s clinic if necessary. In conventional exercise, only 40 percent of your muscle fibres are used. With Fitvibe vibration training, up to 100 percent of muscle fibres are activated, resulting in a more thorough workout.
 

Nitty-Gritty Just 15 minutes of training on the Fitvibe is equivalent to 60 minutes in the gym, so this is a convenient, efficient and time-effective activity.

Dermasolutions Medifitness

18 Cross Street, #B1-17 China Square Central, Singapore

www.dermasolutions.sg

(+65) 6536 6138

Regulat

What? A natural, fermented liquid concentrate made in Germany from organically grown fruits, nuts and vegetables.

How? It is cascade-fermented over several weeks with the aid of microorganisms. The preparation method produces tiny, micro-molecular enzymes that can be absorbed even via the mouth’s mucous membranes. The product helps with absorption of nutrients, alkalinises cell tissue and strengthens enzyme activation points. It helps the body’s regulatory, immunity modulating and antioxidative abilities.

Why? For those desiring to lose weight, taking Regulat causes rapid weight-loss – an average rate of about 500 grams a week – without a change in diet. It does this by boosting the metabolism and improving colon activity and nutrient absorption. The effect can be accelerated by spraying diluted Regulat into the nostrils, which conveys to the brain the message that hunger has been satisfied.

Nitty-Gritty A healthy spirit thrives in a healthy body. $89.90 per bottle.

Four Seasons Organic Market

Great World City #B2-07, (+65) 6836 1855

Suntec City Carrefour #01-199, (+65) 6235 6816

Ion Magnum

What? A non-invasive treatment that stimulates your muscles to burn fat, delivering the benefits of an intense, professional workout without any pain or inconvenience – helping you tone and lose inches fast.

Why? You’re having difficulty shedding weight and improving your health. In addition to burning fat, Ion Magnum builds muscles, strengthens immunity and improves core strength. It also boosts metabolism and stamina, kick-starts your body’s detoxification process and enhances your well-being.

Who?  This treatment is suitable for anyone trying to lose weight and gain fitness and promises to help you achieve your beauty and fitness goals. A single 25-minute session is said to be equivalent to a few hours at the gym.

Nitty-Gritty A course of 10 sessions, two-to-three times a week, is recommended for best results, along with a healthy diet and exercise regime. $600 per session, or $2,000 for five sessions.

IYAC Aesthetic & Anti-Aging Clinic

Camden Medical Centre #06-03, Singapore

www.iyac.com.sg

(+65) 6738 9989

Firm Up Now

What? The Body Firm’s unique treatment tones the body quickly, using state-of-the-art waveform technology to stimulate the nerves to move the muscles.

How? The treatment works your abs, waist, thighs, buttocks and arms. Not only does it promise to give you the shape you want, it also works to reduce cellulite by improving blood circulation.

And? The Body Firm has a pool of personal trainers who can develop a good training programme for you, and it offers the BioHCG diet to help you achieve your ideal weight.

Nitty-Gritty? Packages for both men and women are available at reasonable prices.

The Body Firm

www.thebodyfirm.com.sg

Contour

What? A body-contouring treatment that uses acupressure point massage technique, micro-current treatment and a hot body mask to specifically tackle inch-loss. This total body toning experience breaks down fat and restores elasticity and tone to the muscles.

Who?For those with problem areas such as the arms, thighs and the abdomen, which can be particularly difficult to tone, especially after childbirth or surgery. 

How?A body cleanse is followed by the application of a slimming cream, then the aesthetician uses a special massage stroke to warm up the muscles before deep-tissue effleurage, a therapeutic and relaxing massage that helps to soften and break down fat cells. A body masque is applied and you rest beneath a heated blanket to encourage fat-burning and enhanced blood circulation. Lymphatic drainage follows: soft pads are placed at the accupoints and a fine micro-current stimulates the lymph nodes to eliminate toxins, combat fluid retention and revitalize the skin.

Nitty-Gritty? Contour is a 60-minute treatment ($250). In just one session, lose an inch or two and feel refreshed and light. A session is said to be equivalent to two hours in the gym, or 300 sit-ups. A course of 10 to 15 sessions is recommended for best results.

Vedure Clinic and Vedure MediBoutique

Wheelock Place #04-06, 501 Orchard Road, Singapore

www.vedure.com 

(+65) 6235 9101/ (+65) 6732 6448

Differentiated Cellulite Treatment (DCT)

What?  Weyergans’ High-Care cosmetics has more than 20 years of research and experience in this field. Its products, methods and procedures are in line with the latest medical and cosmetological findings.

Why?  Cellulite is fat cells that become bloated because of additives in food, lack of exercise, metabolic and hormonal changes. Poor circulation and fluid retention causes waste products to be stored in the cells, and the skin looks puffy, dimpled and saggy. Cellulite is not only unsightly but it can become a medical problem.
 

How?  DCT equipment is used to decongest tissue using a gliding stroke massage; perform a suction-pump massage to stimulate collagen and elastin; and apply sound waves to break through fatty tissue and electric pulses to eliminate fatty deposits.

Nitty-Gritty?  A first-trial price of $90 for a tummy or thigh treatment is available through to the end of November.

Beauty Empire

The Scarlet Hotel

(+65) 6536 6002

Thermage

What? A non-surgical treatment that promises to tighten and gently lift skin to smooth out cellulite and renew skin contours. Thermage works by heating up the skin and breaking down the underlying fatty tissue. The incision-free procedure is fast and easy, and requires no downtime from normal activities.

Who? Anyone who would like to change something about their body: flabby upper arms, a barrel tummy, or cottage-cheese thighs.

How? It delivers energy to break down unwanted fat deposits and improve body contours. It is painless, has long-lasting effects and requires no downtime. It is effective on the abdomen, flanks, arms, inner and outer thighs and inner knees, as well as the breasts of male patients.

Nitty-Gritty? This quick treatment can be carried out during lunch time, so you can resume normal activities immediately. A series of treatments is recommended.

Dr Valentin Low Aesthetic & Laser Clinic

290 Orchard Road, #08-03 Paragon Medical Suites, Singapore

www.drvalentinlow.com

(+65) 6720 3323

Tummy-slimming Massage and Wrap

What? A natural post-pregnancy slimming massage and wrap using traditional Javanese herbs such as ginger root, black pepper, capsicum and piperis betle folium.

Who? Anyone who wants to slim and flatten their tummy, particularly after giving birth.

How? After a special massage using pure essential slimming oil, a slimming paste is applied and you are wrapped with plastic and covered with a thermal blanket. The natural herbal poultice helps firm and tighten the stomach muscles and skin and restore your figure after pregnancy. A very popular treatment! 45 minutes, $120.

Le Bella Spa

#05-04 Delfi Orchard

(+65) 6732 2303

Power of the Sea Thalasso Kur

What?  A 90-minute spa experience using Kerstin Florian products and expert massage techniques to detox and firm the entire body and face.

How?  The therapist applies a body mask of pure spirulina to the entire body, then wraps you up in plastic and covers you with hot towels and a duvet. While you rest and the mineral- and protein-rich algae goes to work, be treated to a wonderful accupressure facial massage and scalp massage. Then soak for 20 minutes in a state-of-the-art hot whirlpool bath laced with therapeutic mineral bath salts. Finally, be anointed with a thalassotherapy marine firming body crème and float out feeling as light as air.

Nitty-Gritty? For the whole of October, this treatment is available at the price of $209+ (usual price $249+).

Willow Stream Spa

The Fairmont, Level 6

(+65) 6431 4500

www.willowstream.com/singapore