“Why Isabelle’s tummy so big?”

That is one of the most common jabs that, ironically, women remark when they see me in a fitted dress. Give me a break, I’m 38, and I have stubborn fats too, it’s not a problem exclusively to child-bearing women. Since I had the surgery to remove 2 fist-size cysts from my womb back in 2014, I found it very hard to lose the fats around my tummy no matter how much cardio I do. And as I age, it feels like I’m gaining fats faster than I’m losing them.

Although I still love wearing form fitting dresses, it still stings when you hear such remarks and make you reminisce your once lean tummy, *sigh. Before resulting to liposuction, I want to find a non-invasive and non-surgical option first. After researching, I came across CoolSculpting and Halley Body Slimming.

Why Halley Medical Aesthetics?

Halley Body Slimming has specialised in CoolSculpting since 2014. Dr. Terence Tan, the medical director, is also a global advisor for CoolSculpting and has built the company and methodologies to be centred on this US FDA-approved fat removal treatment since day one.

What is CoolSculpting Elite?

CoolSculpting is a non-surgical, non-invasive, no downtime fat reduction treatment. It’s the only US FDA-approved fat freezing treatment that uses the concept of cryolipolysis to freeze and destroy unwanted fat cells, which are then disposed from the body naturally over time.  It removes 20-27% of fat cells in the treated area each time and because our body is unable to produce any new fat cells after five years of age, the fat cells that die after fat freezing will be gone forever. That is why CoolSculpting is used to remove unwanted fat which cannot be removed through spot toning exercises.

CoolSculpting Elite is the updated version of CoolSculpting. It has a wider range of applicators for better fit – a total of seven applicators of various shapes and sizes – to better fit the body contours for the best results. The applicators are also slimmer and have a larger cooling area which increases treatment surface by up to 18% which means more areas can be treated.

Consultation

Concerns: Stubborn fat in tummy and flanks.
Prescribed: Six Coolsculpting Cycles

I went in for a consultation before I left for Tokyo so that I had some time to think it through as it was my first time going through any form of body treatment. I had a few areas in mind and through my consultation with Dr. Terence Tan, I learnt that my tummy and love handles – which are on the top of my list – was suitable to go through with the treatment. Some areas that I thought could use some help, such as the double chin apparently didn’t have as much fats as I thought, so that was comforting to know.

Dr. Terence Tan prescribed a total of 6 CoolSculpting cycles to treat stubborn fats on my tummy and flanks.

Who is CoolSculpting Elite Suitable for?

It’s important to note that CoolSculpting is NOT a weight loss treatment, it sculpts the body so it’s ideal for those of us with stubborn fats that are incredibly hard to shed!

Areas that can be treated include the abdomen, love handles, inner and outer thighs, arms, bra fat, back, banana roll (butt cheeks), knees, and even the double chin and cheeks.

What to Expect During the CoolSculpting Treatment?

It depends on the number of cycles. Each cycle is about around 45mins so I spent almost a whole day on the clinic. You will be given a top and bottom to wear for your treatment but do bring a sweater, your lunch or some snacks and stand by a drama to watch.

How Long Before Results Can be Seen?

It takes around 3 months to see results and it will vary depending on your body condition, the treated areas, how many cycles and how your body responds, so my experience may be different from yours.

Treatment Process

Before treatment, Dr. Terence Tan used the CoolSculpting Elite templates to mark out the areas that will be going under the suction applicator. As we are all unique, the treatment plan has to be customised and personalised for every patient in order to achieve the desired results.

Admiring the masterpiece on my tummy and bidding adieu to my stubborn fats!

Once the CoolSculpting plans have been finalised, the therapist would then apply gel pads onto the treatment area to protect the skin during treatment before putting on the applicators.

When the suction applicator was applied, I could feel a stinging sensation for a few minutes before it slowly subsided and I continued to have snacks and watch my drama.

After each treatment cycle, the therapist would remove the applicator and massage the treated area. This helps to speed up the breakdown of the crystallised dead fat cells, which will be passed out by the body naturally over the next few months.

My tummy felt very cold and very tender. I had to clench my teeth while the massage was taking place but it was bearable as I think of how these now crystalized fats that have been the biggest source of my insecurities are now breaking down.

Post Treatment

1st Week

After the 6 cycles around my tummy and flanks, the area felt numb for a week. I could still do light chores, handle my active dog and still go about work and events but it felt uncomfortable when anything even lightly touches my stomach. I slept facing front for that first week.

2nd Week

Right on the 7th day after the treatment, I decided to go on a girl’s trip to Johor Bahru and a good body massage is a must for us Singaporeans when we enter Johor. I was worried about lying flat on my tummy and if the massage would be painful. Thankfully, it did not. In fact, I enjoyed my spa massage very much and I even spent the rest of my day eating and shopping normally till late.

3rd Week

The following week, I went on an Amazing Race Challenge in Selangor where we were required to do some light physical activities such as run and jump. By this time, the tenderness on my flanks were almost gone whereas my tummy felt slightly itchy. I just rub on some body oil to ease the itch. And, it could be my imagination, but my denim shorts felt loser around the waist! So fast? We have like 2 more months to go to see the full effect.

Results

It’s been 3 months since undergoing CoolSculpting Elite around my tummy and here are the results.

Left: Before, Right: After

Before reviewing the results with Dr. Tan, I did see the difference when I put on figure hugging clothes as it use to bulge out at the sides and especially at the front. As you can see, even though it is not drastic, I notice that most of the fats that were at the top of my tummy and at the sides were slimmer.

How Much Does CoolSculpting Elite Cost?

I went through a 6 Cycle Programme for just my tummy and flanks that cost $790 (before GST) per cycle. Check out the price list and book a consultation to know more.

It’s important to note that my CoolSculpting experience may differ from yours. Some may experience some discomfort while some may find it painless but I’ll take this option before going under the knife which is going to guarantee be painful.

I’m also happy that besides the soreness and tenderness, I’m still able to go about my daily life, continue to run, eat what I like and wear my form-fitting dress without anyone noticing that I’ve undergone a fat reducing treatment, until they read this article! Overall, I’m so happy to be able to wear my form-fitting dresses without too much focus on my belly once again.

I’m very satisfied with the results as it has helped me to gain back my confidence and can take better care of my body.

Address:
Halley Body Slimming Clinic, Orchard Gateway, 277 Orchard Road, #03-16, Singapore 238858
Tel: +65 6246 8806

Opening Hours:
10:00 – 21:00 (Daily)

Reference:
Halley Medical Aesthetics
Halley Body Slimming Clinic