On the entire, it’s a more progressive world through which we live in relation to body positivity. While truly loving one’s own body image is, for many of us, a lifelong journey of ups and downs, there appears to be extra space than ever before to simply accept ourselves as we come – form of. 

As we track and have fun the bo-po movement and body-neutrality push, we can also’t deny that non-invasive and surgical procedures to switch our appearance are more in demand than ever. Based on The International Medical Travel Journal, the UK cosmetic surgery market was estimated at around £273m in 2018, with non-invasive cosmetic treatments predicted to exceed £3 billion over the following five years. It’s ignorant to consider that the bo-po movement has left us all satisfied with our natural bodies and shapes. At Dazed Beauty we prefer to confront, examine, and have fun each ends of the needle, from natural to surgically enhanced (and every thing in between); in relation to divisive conversations around body image we consider in your body your selection. 

Whether we prefer it or not, fat reduction procedures notably on the increase. Enter CoolSculpting, an FDA approved non-invasive treatment that’s shaking up the non-invasive cosmetics industry. With minimal downtime, and little to no discomfort it’s being spoken off because the lunch-break alternative to liposuction. Areas that could be treated include; the chin, upper and lower abdomen, male chest, bra and back fat, flanks, inner and outer thighs, knees, and calves. You simply need one treatment (a rare thing) and the outcomes are everlasting unless in fact, you place on a substantial amount of weight through which case the fat may not return to those areas but will evenly distribute. Results, as at all times are depending on plenty of aspects reminiscent of age, medical history and lifestyle, but it surely’s clear to see why the treatment is so popular.

We headed right down to Cavendish Clinic in South Kensington, who’ve overseen 10,000+ CoolSculpt procedures, to trial the treatment, ask all of the questions and offer you our verdict. 

At The Cavendish Clinic, which is pristine, I’m greeted by Joelle, and her fellow technician Gaila. Each Joelle and Gaila are keen to emphasize that the treatment is on offer due to incredible results, minimal downtime, and in addition due to sheer demand. Each are super informed, skilled, and welcoming – I feel in very protected hands. I ask what sort of persons are in search of the treatment out. “It really varies but often it’s individuals who can’t shift a small little bit of weight and this procedure means they will” explains Joelle. “Treatments like this work best when paired with a healthy lifestyle and exercise. It’s not a few shortcut to being ‘thin’ it’s about balancing procedures like this out with an lively life. It’s fine-tuning, it’s not a radical overhaul of the best way someone looks.” 

It’s evident that on the clinic they’re not desirous about promoting one idea of what a ‘good body’ looks like. “We treat people of all sizes and we’ll turn people away in the event that they’re not good candidates for the procedure,” says Joelle. “You will have to have enough fat in anyone area for it to be effective.” I undress and pop on a fetching pair of paper shorts and bra. A part of the prep is to be weighed-in and photographed. I put them to the test, and ask to have my upper arms treated in addition to my stomach. They flat out refuse to do my arms but agree the treatment should work on my flanks and tummy area. In my experience, it’s at all times an excellent sign when a practitioner refuses to treat candidates it shows discretion and professionalism, something that’s becoming increasingly scarce within the land of lunchtime tweakments.

I’m asked to fill out the same old sorts of consent forms and start to ask what to anticipate. The room looks like all other boujie treatment room in a spa, bar the presence on the enormous cool sculpt machine that has large tentacle-style suction applicators. I’m told that two suction pads will likely be applied to 2 areas at a time at some stage in 35 minutes each. All in all, I’ll be there for 2 hours. I ask what it should feel like. “The pads will grab onto your body, and create a vacuum,” Gaila explains, “you’ll then begin to feel an icy sensation because the targeted fat cells within the body begin to cool down and begin the strategy of a natural, controlled elimination of fat cells” she smiles. “Will it hurt?” I ask. “Most individuals only complain concerning the bit if you take the applicator off and we now have to massage the frozen area”. I pull a frightened face. “It’s not that bad I promise and we now have chocolate and Netflix”. I feel reassured. I ask concerning the downtime. “No exercise for 48 hours and the areas will feel numb for 3 weeks or so. Chances are you’ll also feel an itching sensation, but that won’t last.” Finally, I ask concerning the promise of ‘everlasting fat removal’ in a single treatment which sounds bonkers. Joelle doesn’t miss a beat “Yep. The treated fat cells are gone for good. You’ll begin to see a change after around three months. Adding exercise into your routine is an excellent method to speed up the method too” she adds “but when you placed on weight again, it’s possible you’ll see fat construct up in those areas again.” 

I feel confident about starting the procedure, but mainly just really curious. Gel, after which applicators, are applied one after the other to areas on my abdomen. I’m sat handheld remote control in hand, under a set of duvets. The feeling is bizarre, first a sucking because the applicator glues itself to your body. Then the freezing begins, which kind of looks like stomach cramp (hence the chocolates which can be there to alleviate any nausea) however the tummy-churning weirdness quickly fades off into numbness. I quickly zone out and begin to deal with Netflix, making calls and sending emails. I’m actually on a call when Gaila is available in and releases one in every of the nozzles from my stomach and starts to massage what looks like an icy lump in my lower stomach. As she needs my stomach proficiently I feel barely uncomfortable but it surely’s over quickly. By the point the fourth nozzle is removed, I’m used to the sensation.

Two hours later I emerge a bit swollen and quite red, but otherwise relaxed. I’m told the swelling will last every week or two. Joelle tells me I can text her at any time when I like, and that I’m to not take paracetamol or anything that reduces the swelling – the swelling is nice and proof it’s working. Once I get home I undress and examine my little bowling ball of a tummy. The subsequent week or so I find myself scratching my stomach every so often to substantiate that, yes, I’m still completely numb. It’s weird but not as odd as being swollen for the following ten days, which makes wearing my old jeans pretty unimaginable. 

Three weeks later I feel completely back to normal. I’m frightened because it’s been a particularly sedentary period (Christmas) and I can’t see any changes but I mentally mark three months time in my diary. 

With prices ranging from £450 and a single cycle for the belly being £600 a session it’s an expensive treatment and it’s also not for the impatient, but… it really works. My stomach is flatter, and my waistline more defined (two were attached to my lower back/waistline as a way of sculpting the waist). I’m more comfortable with how contoured my waist looks than I anticipated. I quite like my little pouch (I believe they’re sexy) but didn’t anticipate how far more feminine my silhouette could look. I look more hourglass, like I’ve had a waist trainer on,  which is certainly a bonus, not necessarily “slimmer” but my jeans feel nicely looser and my waist looks neat. I’m not a dieter or a gym bunny, but the outcomes have inspired me to be more lively. I’ve taken to heart what they said at The Cavendish about no shortcuts to a healthy body and the procedure was more an experiment than anything, but it surely’s been a positive reminder to cherish the body I even have, for greater or smaller.