The promise
To reduce the circumference of a chosen area through the use of infrared light, radio frequency and a vacuum massage.
The experience
There are many reasons to enjoy visiting Silkor – the staff are always chirpy and never forget a name, the villa is large and airy, and the treatments are enjoyable and carefully conducted by their well trained therapists.
Going for the Velashape treatment is no exception. Our therapist escorts us to the treatment room and explains the procedure, ensuring we are comfortable and that we understand what to expect.
The Velashape machine looks like a clothing steamer – it’s a large handheld piece attached by a tube to an upright machine. As we lie back on the bed, the therapist explains what’s going to happen: we might feel some heat, as the radio frequency that the machine emits to break down fat cells can produce heat – and she tells us that if it becomes uncomfortable we should say, and she will begin work on a different section.
The treatment comes in three parts: firstly, infrared light heats the fatty tissue to 5mm deep, a radio frequency also heats the tissue and the vacuuming motion that ensures precision also assists with the removal of the fat cells. The heat and motion combine to break down the fat stores and toxins, which the body works to expel.
The machine uses suction, and is dragged over the relevant area – in our case, our stomach. The movement pushes and pulls our bare flesh, and it tickles sometimes. The feeling is like a squeezing massage and we don’t mind it at all. It does get a little warm, but the therapist frequently checks how we are feeling to make sure it is not too hot. She systematically drags it back and forth over one area at a time, making her way around our torso.
It takes around 30 minutes to do the back and front, and afterwards we definitely feel a little lighter. And the bonus is that the heat has also helped to ease our achy lower back.
The results
It definitely helps with water retention and we do feel slimmer, but whether the loss is water or fat is to be determined. We only had one session so weren’t expecting to see dramatic results – but we were still impressed.
The pros
It’s a great way to narrow your waistline fast – a good quick-fix to use before an event. Afterwards, we feel better about ourselves and our trousers are slightly looser.
The cons
For significant improvement, several sessions are needed. The treatment is also more expensive than some similar treatments.
4/5
From Dhs900, Silkor Laser Hair Removal, next to BMW Showroom, Al Khalidiyah, www.silkor.com (02 681 6070).
