Does the thought of wearing a bikini on the beach depress you? Some people think that cosmetic surgery could give you back both the figure of your dreams and an improved morale. At least, that’s what the Swiss online magazine L’Hebdo revealed on 11 March 2013. It says that Jürgen Margraf, a psychologist at the University of Rurh in Bochum (Germany), wanted to find out whether we feel psychologically better after cosmetic surgery. The results? As well as having a much better perception of their own beauty, women who have undergone surgery have better morale and self-esteem. A more attractive body and improved morale. Does this mean we should rush into it? Not for sure. In any case, non-invasive techniques are on the up. Alternatives to liposuction, lipocavitation and cryolipolysis use high-tech equipment and deserve a spotlight.
The dream of destroying fat cells!
Lipocavitation breaks down the membrane of fat cells using ultrasound vibrating at a specific frequency to destroy the fat. This is particularly important because, once emulsified, fat residues are eliminated by the lymphatic system. Hence the need to follow each lipocavitation session with a lymphatic massage. And all within 24 hours. Counting an average of 8 lipocavitation sessions, at a rate of one session per week, followed by a lymphatic massage to obtain the full effects of the treatment, we can say that this treatment is aimed at the most patient and the most available.
That said, there are two potential pitfalls associated with this technique. The first is to be faced with a device that has been “restricted” to be soft and therefore totally ineffective. The other is to allow cells to be destroyed that should not be. So always make sure you know the practitioner is serious before taking the plunge.
Cold to reduce localised fat?
Well-known for treating pain, cryotherapy can also combat dimpled skin. So let’s be clear: once again, we’re talking about localised areas, not obesity or generalised excess fat. So how does it work? Cryolipolysis also destroys adipocytes (fat cells) by exposing them to cold for about 1 hour. You need to be prepared to stay at 3 to 5°C during this time. So you have to put up with staying at 3 to 5°C for that length of time. Then you need a little patience. This is because the session will trigger a process of inflammation before the phagocytic process begins. The results will be visible after 45 to 60 days, generally with a loss of 1 cm per session.
Liposculpture and liposuction
Here too, it takes around two months to see the results. But unlike the other two methods, this is a surgical procedure, even if the scars are virtually invisible. As this is a surgical procedure, the amount of fat lost can be better defined beforehand, but there is no unlimited margin for manoeuvre: certain criteria must be met to avoid unpleasant surprises. Liposculpture or liposuction is suitable for those who have localised excess fat without sagging skin. Here too, patience and availability are required, as you will need to wear a support girdle and avoid exposure to the sun as long as you have haematomas. On the other hand, to put an end to a common misconception, it is wrong to think that surgery cannot be envisaged in summer. In fact, in our temperate climates, there is no one season more favourable than another for liposuction.
Now you’re better informed to choose the method that’s right for you. But whatever your choice, always be careful about your choice of practitioner. Find out beforehand! It’s your guarantee of a morale boost…
