Apr 24, 2009 by Jennifer Galvan, Editor
It is quite common for women who have experienced childbirth to want their pre-pregnancy body back, specifically in their midsection. Those who have experienced massive weight loss, with bothersome loose skin surrounding their abdomen, typically seek methods that will make their midsection as flat as can be.
Oftentimes, this leads women to tummy tuck surgery ("abdominoplasty") and/or liposuction ("lipoplasty"). But with the economic struggles we are all faced with today, many people must ask themselves: Is this feasible?
Enter Rodial Tummy Tuck Cream - a new, innovative serum to help you tighten and trim the abdominal area. Containing "stomach flattening micro fibers" that are designed to help slim the target area, this formula is intended to break down fat cells and boost cell metabolism. In only eight weeks, this Tummy Tuck product is said to help reduce the stomach by two centimeters.
Sounds like a great product, right? During this budget-conscious time in our lives, it may be a great alternative to undergoing a costly surgical procedure. The media is split down the middle about this "miracle cream" and its effectiveness. While there are many who claim to have lost anywhere from one to eight inches, there are still plenty others who are dismissing the product altogether.
The idea of undergoing a body contouring procedure isn't something I'm considering at this point in my life, but I would definitely like some help in tightening my tummy. It would be a much more wallet-friendly option!
Rodial Tummy Tuck: $130
Apr 22, 2009 by Sara Folsom, Staff Writer
My last post,
Smooth Away Cottage Cheese Thighs with Endermologie ®, focused on how to alleviate and reduce the appearance of cellulite. I previously spoke to Espie Byrd, an aesthetic consultant at the practice of
Burr von Maur, M.D., F.A.C.S. in Mission Viejo. She discussed Endermologie (“connective tissue treatment”), and its method in treating the problem that haunts most women.
Even with medical cellulite treatments, there are no guarantees that an individual is cellulite free from then on out. Byrd says, however, that a “lifestyle change” will promote the maintenance of reduced cellulite, despite there being no actual cure to the problem.
Following a session of Endermologie treatment, Byrd advises her clients to incorporate the following to maintain their results: (These may be done everyday to eliminate the appearance of cellulite, with or without Endermologie treatment.)
Lymphatic brushing: This technique helps get rid of toxins in the body. Using a dry brush in the morning, move it in a circular motion when you first wake up (to jumpstart your body) on a daily basis. Start on your hands and then move all the way down to your toes.
Foam Roller: This helps to increase circulation and flow throughout the target area, helping to break up the cellulite. You move the foam roller across the target area, back and forth. It is a similar feeling to that of a deep tissue massage.
Exercise: Exercise helps bring more oxygen to the surface of the skin, which helps prevent cellulite from forming, on a regular basis.
Nutrition: A well-balanced diet and plenty of water promotes better circulation throughout the body. Byrd suggests drinking 64 ounces of water per day in order to flush toxins from the body.
Creams: Incorporates the “holistic way” by promoting massaging of the target area for increasing circulation and breaking up the fat cells. According to Byrd, there is no such thing as a “magical” cream that will miraculously get rid of cellulite, but specific products help to promote circulation. When choosing a cellulite cream/rub, Byrd suggests looking for the following ingredients: ginger, rosemary, grapefruit, caffeine, and gingko biloba.
In addition to myself, a few of the ladies at PlasticSurgery.com tried out some of the at-home treatments that are intended to reduce and prevent cellulite.
Here are our
thoughts on the products we tried:
Return to Slender Body Contouring Gel, Soap and Glory: Jennifer Galvan, Copy Editor
Price: $12.99
“I used the Return to Slender Body Contouring Gel as directed: twice a day for about three weeks on my tummy. I liked the cool, tingling feeling it gave off when I applied it, which made me think that it was actually doing something! However, after a while, I started to notice that it was causing me to itch and I had to stop using it. I tried the gel again after a week and couldn’t continue, due to the itching. But I did like how my skin felt. It was very soft and smooth.”
Java Junkie, BodiTox.com: Sara Folsom, (me), Staff Writer
“Java Junkie is a combination of a scrub, wrap, and lotion, making it easier to clean and moisturize, while eliminating extra steps. There are two options when using this product; you can either use it as a scrub a few times a week or use it as a wrap (by scrubbing into the skin and wrapping cellophane over the desired area). I decided to use it as a scrub three times a week, which was convenient because I used it while I showered. I made sure to massage my thighs as I used the scrub.
After a couple days of use, I could see the difference. My skin was a lot tighter and smoother. I am sure, however, if I had used the product as a wrap, my results would have been more dramatic. Overall, I was satisfied with the results, and I was impressed at how soft my skin was within a weeks time.”
Bootcamp for Butts, Mama Mio: Jacquie Fischer, Project Coordinator
Price: $160
“This is a great four-step process to help your skin look and feel more firm. This is a must! I used it for almost four weeks and started noticing a difference in my skin texture within the first week of use.
The process consists of the following:
Step one: A three-minute exercise routine designed to tighten and firm up your muscles. (There is a little card to keep with you for quick and easy directions.)
Step two: The Body Buff wash to use in the shower. The wash does not feel super rough or grainy; it is more of a light exfoliator, while leaving my skin feeling soft and moisturized.
Step three: The Tummy Toner is a gel that you rub and massage into you skin; it leaves the skin feeling cool and refreshed.
Step four: The Shrink to Fit Cream was my favorite. You massage this into your skin after the toner. Overall, I thought it has a nice, clean smell. The end result will leave you feeling cool, but warm at the same time.
Due to my daily use of the products, and incorporating the three-minute exercise routine along with it, I noticed a difference in my overall skin texture and tone. The key to this four step process is massaging your skin, which activates and creates blood flow to your cells. When I looked in the mirror after using the product, I noticed less dimples and way less visible, creepy skin on my arms. I personally don't like trotting around in the buff but I am more confident with my body as swimsuit season is quickly approaching.”
Slimwear Body Cream, Soap and Glory: Elana Pruitt, Senior Editor, Price: $12.99
“I was so excited to get a product, the Slimwear Body Cream, that is designed to fight the battle of cellulite. Right below my bottom and on the outer sides of my hips (“saddlebags”), the cottage-cheese appearance makes me insane. I understand that all women, no matter their size, has some sort of cellulite. Yet, this doesn’t mean we have to just let it be without trying to eliminate it!
The pink cream especially got me because it was so feminine and made me feel like this is specifically for a woman. It had a nice consistency, not too watery and not to thick. Sara told me that when I try it, be sure to really lather it in and massage at the same time. So, I did so right after the shower. Consciously, I made it a point to start at my ankles and move up, so that I am loosening up the cell formation. (This was another helpful tip that Sara gave me, which she received from Byrd.) At some point, I got a little too rough, and my skin reddened. So, it took me a few tries to achieve the right motion. Because I exercise regularly, I couldn’t tell if the appearance of my cellulite improved because of the cream, the exercise, or a combination of both. For the most part, the Slimwear Body Cream is a nice addition to a healthy lifestyle.”
With the combination of the holistic way, as well as Endermologie treatment, an individual can significantly reduce the appearance of her cellulite. However, for the best results, consistent maintenance is crucial. As Byrd says the ever-binding solution to preventing and getting rid of cellulite is all about a “lifestyle change.”
Apr 14, 2009 by Jennifer Galvan, Editor
Summer is almost here and women everywhere are doing everything possible to tone up their bodies. Whether they want to flatten their tummies, build more leg muscle, or slim their arms, all options are being considered. Although many decide to undergo a cosmetic procedure, such as tummy tuck surgery, liposuction, or arm lift surgery, it is difficult for many others to afford plastic surgery.
How about checking out shapewear instead? From body contouring store brand products to SPANX, we’re constantly looking for the next new items. This leads me to the latest of these – Trés Sleek, formerly known as FLABuLESS. This arm slimming shapewear is intended to help women of all ages and sizes achieve better-contoured arms in a matter of minutes.
Trés Sleek comes in two shades – nude and black; three styles – long sleeved, cap sleeve and three quarter sleeve; and seven sizes – small to 4X. With such variety, it’s hard not to find the right fit for your body. Elana, Sara, and I tried on the large; Elana saw a difference in the shape of her arms. However, with unique shapes among all three of us, Sara and I didn’t notice too much of a difference. Still, we felt more toned.
Take a look at our results (top to bottom - Sara, Jennifer, Elana):
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Trés Sleek can also be worn by those who have undergone a surgical procedure, such as liposuction or arm lift surgery as a compression garment. So with the current economic issues surrounding all of us, this is an excellent alternative. You can get the slim, trim arms you’ve been wanting in a matter of minutes!
If you would like to purchase Trés Sleek, check out their website.
Cost of product: $26.95 - $31.95