The debate over whether cellulite-busting treatments can work has been going on for years – generally between the beauty industry insisting the latest cream or gel is a miracle cure, and disappointed customers saying it doesn’t work. So in recent years, the ante has been upped with the introduction of heavy-duty machinery to bust those pesky dimples. And when we say heavy-duty, we mean it – we were at Serenity Spa by Paris Gallery to test out a machine called the Ak55.
Step by step – Ak55
We’ve rarely been so daunted by the prospect of a treatment as this one. Partly because it shares a name with an automatic machine gun, but also because our therapist, in response to our querulous enquiry about whether it would hurt, nodded, smiled and said yes. (Beauticians, in our experience never admit things will hurt.) We lay down on the treatment table next to a massive contraption with ‘Ak55’ emblazoned across the front, which rumbled with intimidating ferocity when it was switched on. The therapist pulled a large mallet from the side of the machine, which had a series of large, vibrating beads. After smoothing a gel on the tops of our thighs, she rolled the mallet hard over the surface of our skin.
Cellulite is caused when water and toxins build up in the fat cells. The pulsations from the Ak55 aim to detoxify the cells, getting rid of some of the trapped water and lifting and reshaping the dimpled areas. The therapist treated our legs, behind and stomach, taking about half an hour to finish the session. We were told that the more cellulite you have the more it hurts, but while we’ll admit to having our fair share, we found it seriously painful even on the areas where we really don’t have that much of a problem. To finish off, the therapist placed the mallet on our feet, which was the most painful part of all – when we asked why (we don’t have cellulite on our feet – things haven’t got that out of control yet) she said it was just for relaxation purposes.
Pros:
We’ve had slimming treatments before which began with a mortifying examination of our least attractive areas, and we’d been dreading this almost as much as the treatment itself. Fortunately, that doesn’t happen at Serenity Spa – the lights are dim, you’re mostly covered up with a towel and no one scrutinises your body or discusses your ‘problem areas’ with other therapists. Thank goodness for that.
Cons:
It really hurts. The treatment veers between uncomfortable and outright painful, and our stomach felt bruised for days afterwards. There is a slight difference after one session but you’ll need to book a series of sessions if you’re want to see significant changes. However, when you do this, you’ll also be offered lifestyle and diet advice to make sure you make the most of the treatments.
The verdict:
Almost unbelievably, there was a definite effect after just one treatment. Nothing makes cellulite disappear altogether, of course, but after the Ak55 session our legs certainly felt a lot firmer, as though we’d been for a very long run. This feeling had worn off by the following day, but long term there was a slight reduction in the amount of cellulite we could see on our legs, if not on the other areas we’d had treated. Over a prolonged period of time, we’d imagine this treatment would be an enormous boost if you decided to overhaul your health and fitness regime, and used it in conjunction with all the diet, exercise and lifestyle advice
you are offered.
Serenity Spa by Paris Gallery, Khalidiyah Centre (02 667 8880).
