Even with advances in cosmetic technology, beauty ultimately depends on a healthy lifestyle.
MORE often than not, for many, beauty is defined by dress or shirt sizes. Men pride themselves in wearing a size S while women strive for a size zero.
Losing weight is hardly about having the optimal body mass index. It is about looking “hot”. Ask the young and they’d say these days looking “good” just does not cut it anymore.
Going to the gym is no longer for the privileged. In fact, it has become a trend among students and fitness centres now offer student packages.
The braver ones even opt to go under the knife to get the much- desired hourglass figure.
MODERN, SAFER
Cosmetic procedures by qualified surgeons are not without risks and the recovery period is sometimes more painful than the procedure itself.
Dr Ko Chung Beng of KO Skin Cosmetology and Dermatology Medical Centre says with more than 40 per cent of the local population being overweight, the liposuction market is just the tip of the iceberg.
However, people are becoming more aware of the risks and downtime for nip and tuck procedures. “Nine in 10 patients request for non-invasive body contouring.”
NO SHORT-CUT
Ultimately, there is no such thing as a short-cut to beauty. We can’t live a sedentary lifestyle just because we can afford to cut the extra fat out. There has to be a balance between eating habits and exercise.
Aesthetic physician and cosmetic surgeon Dr Alice Prethima Michael agrees that “no matter what technology we have, a holistic management of fat is important”.
But for many, despite hours on the treadmill, countless sit-ups and a healthy diet, stubborn fat remains.
“Some of us have the tendency for fat to accumulate at certain parts for genetic reasons,” explains certified mesotherapist Dr N. Sutina Nordin.
Zeltiq Coolsculpting, a new non-invasive fat-eliminating procedure, complements a good diet and healthy lifestyle.
“Patient selection is important for good results,” she says. Patients with good metabolism show better results.
WITH CAUTION
Cosmetic procedures are meant to supplement, not replace, a healthy lifestyle and good diet. Above all, we should put health before beauty, because looking good is about being healthy.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai cautioned last month that only trained doctors such as skin specialists or plastic surgeons have the qualifications, skills and experience to perform cosmetic procedures.
He said all beauty procedures such as laser treatment, slimming treatment or plastic surgery should only be carried out by qualified professionals.
What is Zeltiq Coolsculpting
• A way to eliminate stubborn fat
• Not skin tightening or to lose weight, but for aesthetic appearance only
• Non-invasive, no cutting, no anaesthesia
• Suitable for patients aged above 16, with body mass index less than 28
• Requires a minimum of two-inch “pinchable” fat at the desired area
• Costs between RM2,500 and RM3,000 per cycle (i.e. one side of love handle is one cycle)
