Review: Lipsonix by Solta Medical (Part 1)

Liposonix is a fat-loss technology that uses soundwaves to break down fat cells. Imagine ultrasound waves blasting your fats without damage to the surface of your skin (i.e. non-invasive). It is not a weight-loss solution but great for scultping problem areas and reducing fat in places like the abdomen. This is of great interest to me because I often have to purchase clothes up to 2 sizes bigger just to get my mid-section into a dress/top with a fitted-waist; then resorting to tailoring to bring in areas like the chest, shoulders and length because really, I’m not equally fat all over (if there’s such a thing). Liposonix is only a one time treatment compared to other treatments that require multiple visits to doctor. Patients may end up paying more because of multiple visits to the doctor for treatments that require more than one session to see results. Also, with over a decade of research, it is clinically proven and safe. Studies have shown that there is an average decrease of about 1-2 inches after 8 to 12 weeks, and really, that’s all I need for now!

When I was contacted to review this technology (created by Solta Medical), T and I did as much research as we could because frankly we were quite skeptical and I have mostly been quite happy being a chubby, rotound fat-shionista. I read many reviews and tried understanding what the procedure involved and before I actually got down to it on 19 May 2013, I was comfortably convinced that it didn’t seem as bad as I initially thought. My attitude towards most things is to try to live life to the fullest by giving everything a good go (unless my gut feel tells me otherwise).

Before the procedure, I read that some people felt almost no pain at all but some had mild side-effects and I also saw some photos of crazy bruising online that made me worry.

I arrived at the clinic just before 11am and was told to change into the sports bra and yoga pants that I brought along. (There’s me looking a little nervous and my hands are there because I don’t know what to do with them while lying on the bed.) They patiently explained to me what was going happen step-by-step, then took a bunch of measurements (oh boy! My waistline was *gulp* a lot more than I thought it is), followed by gridding up my abdomen area and the flanks (sides of the waist). It was quite funny because I haven’t seen my waist in ages. I have been convinced for the longest time that I don’t have one but after some gentle prodding, I was assured that there was an indentation and I do have a semblance of a waist (not that this was a problem for me because I’m great at disguising it and it has never really bothered me as long as I looked good in clothes I love).

And there’s my white, soft, gridded belly! As you can see, the wand they use to administer the waves is like a small square tool. The numbers guides them to ensure that all areas are evenly covered. They started with a 30 joules setting and I thought out loud that it was nice and warm; if this is what the treatment is like, I could probably fall asleep – to which they responded by bringing it up to 45 joules (still okay with some sharp jolts), then 60 joules (which is the maximum). At 60 joules, I felt periodic waves of searing heat. Instead of doing 3 passes (going through the entire grid 3 times), I was given the stacking treatment. That involved going over each square 3 times before moving to the next number.

When it was hurting, I verbalized it, though not to the point of screaming or yelling. The bedside manner of your doctor or clinician is very important in this case. Whenever it hurt, I bimbotically went “OHMYGAWD… THAT REALLY HURTS” and I was given words of encouragement to help me cope. Don’t knock it because it was really comforting! I will not lie, it did hurt like a bitch every so often! Imagine pins and needles x 10 or your worst period cramp coming in multiple waves within the hour (which is how long the entire process took). BUT here’s the thing, before I could kick, scream or jump out of the treatment bed, the pain disssipated. I think each time it hurt, it didn’t last more than 15 – 20 seconds (because I was counting down and doing breathing exercises). To help myself, I imagined swimming in the ocean, flying in fluffy clouds and… erm eating cupcakes. At some point, I was confused as to whether what I was feeling was actually pain. There was definitely discomfort, but because it’s a sensation I have never felt, I don’t really know what to think of it. Like how being tickled is uncomfortable but not painful, you know what I mean?

After the treatment, I was told that I would probably see some bruising for the first few days and the next day, I would experience a pain similar to doing 100 sit-ups. BULLSHIT! 100 sit-ups hurts more!!! I went for a 20min jog the next morning and I even tried to entertain my colleagues at work by dancing/krumping/wriggling. BUT the bruising, I would rather do without. My belly was a little red on the day I did the procedure. On Day 2, it was black and blue in some areas. On Day 3, it became what T called “my poor Andromeda”. In fact, I wore galaxy print leggings just to match my belly! While the bruises freaked my mother and fiancé out, I didn’t feel more than a slight soreness in my tummy area. If I didn’t see it, I wouldn’t have realised it was so “colourful”. Within 10 days though, the bruises completely disappeared.

I would gladly go through this procedure another 2 to 3 times if necessary to get out of doing sit-ups forever – which in my opinion, are the bane of my existance! I can’t wait to see the results and report back in 12 weeks’ time! Watch this space as I present my progress! Will it happen to me too? 1 hour, 1 treatment, 1 pants size down!?

If you are interested, there are 13 clinics in Singapore that perform Liposonix. Here’s a compiled list for your convenience:

– Aesthetic & Medical Clinic

– Calvin Chan Aesthetic & Laser Clinic

– Celevenus Wellness & Aesthetic Clinic

– Chan Plastic & Csmetic Surgery

– Dermacare Aesthetic & Laser Clinic

– Dr. Benjamin Yim Clinical Aesthetics & Laser Clinic

– EHA Clinic

– Dr. Valentin Low Aesthetic & Laser

– Joyce Lim Skin and Laser Clinic

– NU.U Aesthetic & Wellness Clinic

– Pacific Healthcare Specialist

– The Chelsea Clinic

– TLC Medical Practice Pte Ltd