Style director Louise Hilsz puts the latest in wellness technology to the test. Read on to discover her journey.
In my first consultation at Body Catalyst, we discussed my lifestyle, diet, and concerns. During our chat, I revealed that I had reviewed fat freezing at another Auckland clinic five years ago. With that treatment, my inner thighs were the target, and I did not see results, so I was interested to see how the technology had improved. From that consultation, we decided to target my lower stomach by combining Cryolipolysis fat freezing on four areas of my stomach, repeating once and ten sessions on the TeslaFormer machine. Regarding lifestyle, I was also advised to increase my water intake from 1 litre to 2 litres and start eating breakfast.
What is Cryolipolysis fat freezing?
Cryolipolysis fat freezing is a breakthrough, non-invasive treatment that uses controlled cooling technology to permanently kill up to 20 - 30 percent of fat cells within the first treatment and up to 50 percent from your second session. There is no post-treatment downtime.
What is the TeslaFormer Machine?
Regarding technology, the offering at Body Catalyst is cutting-edge. One standout is the TeslaFormer machine. It promises stronger, more defined muscles from regular sessions. So how does it work? It’s a process called ‘Functional Magnetic Stimulation’ (FMS), a technology that targets deeper than exercise alone for any stubborn, reach hard-to-activate muscles you may have tried to change with diet and exercise but had no luck. It’s a revolutionary muscle strengthening and body sculpting technology that uses Tesla energy to stimulate strong muscle contractions. This machine also helps lift and firm using 72,000 pulses - the equivalent of 72,000 crunches (impossible for most) to tone the inner core, glutes, hamstrings, triceps, and any major muscle groups. At the same time, you lie there for 45 minutes and clear your emails or catch up on a Netflix show.
My Journey
My first session targeted four areas on my stomach using two applicators of the Cryolipolysis fat-freezing machine. As mentioned, I have experienced fat freezing before, so I had an idea of how it works. My stomach is marked with a pen drawing up my fat pockets. Once lying on the bed, a gel-like protective pad is applied to my skin then the suction panel goes on top. There is an initial pinch to the skin, which did hurt, but that doesn’t last long. Once settled in with both panels attached, I felt a little lightheaded, but that soon passed. It wasn’t long before I could feel my stomach area freezing. The first round is 50 minutes, which went by quickly, thanks to me working on emails while waiting. Once the panels are removed, you can see a red lump; this is the frozen fat pocket, which is rock hard. The lumps are soon gone with some gentle massage from the therapist (you need to do that at home in the shower). This process is repeated in the remaining two areas of my stomach. Together there are four areas treated that created a diamond-like shape avoiding my belly button.
I spent 15 minutes on the TeslaFormer machine to end the first session. The Tesla is very different to the fat freezing. A small machine is wrapped around my stomach. Once on, there is a buzzing noise when activated, which feels like small zaps on my stomach. I can feel the muscles contracting. This does not hurt at all.
The next day my stomach felt slightly tender to touch but nothing unmanageable, with no visible signs of bruising or redness. Over the next five weeks, I went back to the clinic twice a week for a 45 minute session on the TeslaFormer machine, this is a commitment, but it’s quite relaxing; I often nod off to sleep in the warm dark room.
I returned six weeks later for my second round of Cryolipolysis fat freezing. My second round was more uncomfortable, an intense pinch, but not agony. Unlike last time I did have some pain in my stomach in the days post-treatment, but again nothing I could not handle.
Before & after
After 12 weeks of combining Cryolipolysis fat-freezing with TeslaFormer here are my before photos.
Results
Unlike my first fat-freezing experience, which was an investment in my time with a disappointing result, this combination of new technology delivered. I would always advise anyone to research before signing up for expensive treatments. While this was an investment in my time and a commitment to increase your water intake from one standard litre to two (expect to be in the loo every 20 minutes), the cost is also up there, $5396, over 12 weeks. If you are looking for a significant transformation, this treatment is not for you, and you need to do the right thing for your body. I run for exercise and watch what I eat, and while this treatment helps budge those stubborn pockets of fat, it will not transform you. However, Body Catalyst is committed to delivering results, their consultation process is realistic, and their attention to detail is excellent; my stomach feels firmer and looks flatter - I am thrilled with the results. The team were so caring and welcoming I felt comfortable and looked after throughout each step of my journey.
Learn more about Body Catalyst and the founder Samantha Barakat Light here.
Cosmetic medicine expert Dr Ellen Selkon explains.