A shift is under way in the realm of cosmetic surgery. As trends continue to move in favour of a natural finish, more people are seeking a non-invasive start – why go under the knife, if the latest technology can work from the outside-in?
Statistics by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons show as many as 89 per cent of cosmetic procedures performed are now surgery-free – an increase of 228 per cent since 2000. Welcome to the age of the tweakment.
The same logic applies when it comes to weight loss – sort of. No matter how regimented our healthy lifestyle is, certain pockets of fat seem near impossible to target through workouts and calorie counting alone, which is where non-invasive weight fat reduction treatments come in. More often than not, these come with minimal risks, and little to no downtime. Targeting stubborn thigh fat can, quite literally, be a lunchtime activity.
The kicker? Knife-free options cannot quite generate results close to that of liposuction and, as such, are more effective on those with a relatively healthy body-fat ratio who are looking to sculpt their silhouette.
“There are four main ways non-invasive fat treatments work,” says Dr Jamil Al Jamali, a consultant plastic surgeon at Medcare Hospital. “Cryolipolysis, radio frequency, low-level laser therapy and high-intensity focus ultrasound.”
Onuma Saput, a therapist at The Nova Clinic and Aesthetics International, adds: “Most devices harness some form of energy, and use heat or cold to kill unwanted fat cells. They penetrate the skin and either break down underlying fat or stimulate muscles.”
Here are some options available in the UAE.
VelaShape
A popular non-surgical fat reduction brand, VelaShape utilises a range of technologies to achieve results. “It uses a combination of four modalities: infrared light, bipolar radiofrequency energy, massage and gentle suction,” explains Dr Dany Kayle, founder of Dr Kayle Aesthetics Clinic Dubai.
The suction brings the skin closer to the energy source to enhance effectiveness. Massage then relaxes cells and stiff fibrous bands that appear as cellulite, while the radio frequency and infrared energies shrink or kill fat cells, which are then processed through the body’s natural toxin-elimination system.
Cell shrinking is effective as, unlike most others in our body, fat cells expand rather than multiply to store fat when we consume more calories than we use as energy. Finally, the treatment harnesses heat power to tighten skin and promotes collagen production, which in turn can strengthen and elasticise skin.
“It is [our] most popular non-invasive treatment, and shapes your silhouette and improves skin texture without any downtime,” adds Kayle.
BTL Exilis
BTL Exilis likewise uses a combination of techniques to aid weight loss, in this case bringing high-intensity ultrasound into the mix. Sound vibrations can “shake” fats cell, promoting excess fat to be dislodged and then flushed out by the liver.
As Saput explains: “Using radiofrequency and ultrasound simultaneously, the Exilis heats the affected area to stimulate fat lipolysis [the body’s mechanism for breaking down fats to make them usable and absorbable] and tightens the skin. The pulses delivered help to reduce the volume of fat cells and accelerate collagen production."
As with all non-invasive options, the results are best seen in areas of the body where alpha2 receptors are dominant, such as the thighs, hips and belly. As these receptors tell the body to store fat for a rainy day, areas high in them need a helping hand to get fat moving. Beta-2 receptors, meanwhile, encourage the body to burn fat, and they are more common in areas such as the arms and face. This is why you’ll often see the results of natural weight loss here first.
CoolSculpting
If you’re more drawn to the cold than heat, then CoolSculpting is the leading brand of cryolipolysis in the UAE. Dr Hanadi Al Salama, of Kaya Skin Clinic, explains: “The CoolSculpting device freezes fat cells underneath your skin tissue. The cells are slowly broken down by your body’s mechanisms and eliminated by the liver enzymes.
“We can isolate and target just fat cells by defining the depth we are reaching,” she adds. This explains why a cryolipoysis device is able to target the right cells, say, rather than muscle tissue.
CoolSculpting, along with other non-surgical fat loss treatments, works on subcutaneous fat that sits between the muscle and skin surface. Visceral fat – the more dangerous of the two that surrounds the organs – cannot be targeted this way.
Pollogen
Another brand name in the game, Pollogen, unites two technologies to shrink and sculpt: Deep Muscle Activation and TriPollar Radiofrequency. Skincare expert Rebecca Treston explains: “DMA is a unique and proprietary technology targeting muscle to enhance tone.”
Altering the power and duration of strengthening contractions, DMA can increase muscle tone and density – which long-term can reduce fat, as the more muscle mass you have, the more calories you’ll burn in day-to-day activities. The radiofrequency device then calls upon “deep heating energy to encourage the production of collagen and elastin, resulting in tighter and smoother skin. In addition, heating the fat cells accelerate metabolism and causes them to shrink,” says Treston.
While DMA is available in clinic such as Dynamic Clinic and Pollogen Body Contouring at places such as EuroMed Clinic Centre in the UAE, TriPollar devices are also available to buy for home use.
Treston is keen to remind people that there is no point in having any such treatment “if your lifestyle isn’t healthy. The liver cannot distinguish between fat due to a treatment or your diet, so if it becomes overwhelmed [read: if you consume too many calories] the fat will be reabsorbed into your body.” And although the elimination of fat cells can be permanent (therefore so can results), this is not a get-out-of-gym free card, either.
Lymphatic drainage massage and Pressotherapy
Not all techniques need waves and frequencies. Results may not be as dramatic, but a trip to the spa could also suffice when it comes to body sculpting. Lymphatic drainage massage, for example, can be effective, as it encourages the movement of lymph fluid through the body. Since the lymph nodes play a key role in the absorption of fat by the digestive system, stimulation can enhance this process and help to flush toxins at a faster rate for a slimmer frame.
As well as mildly effective on their own, founder and head therapist at The Branding Room, Mae Romero Do-Thanh, explains: “Lymphatic drainage treatments can be an excellent complement to treatments such as VelaShape for better and faster results." In her clinic, she also offers pressotherapy; a mechanical lymphatic drainage treatment that uses an air pressure machine to squeeze targeted areas in a rhythmic motion, in a similar way to a masseuse.
Fat-loss techniques to try at home
Pre, post or in place of a treatment, why not try these slimming bathroom swaps for maximum effect?
Invigorating scrub
Exfoliation is known to promote blood flow and smooth skin to reduce the appearance of cellulite. Try the Guinot Orange Peel Body Scrub, available at Pastels Salon, which contains caffeine-rich extracts to enhance the process, as coffee bean extracts dilate blood vessels and help to eliminate excess water. Papaya and lemon extracts also offer mechanical and enzymatic exfoliation simultaneously, for an overall smooth finish.
Slimming cream
Switch out your day-to-day body lotion for a cellulite reducing one, such as the Clarins Body Fit Anti-Cellulite Contouring Expert, available at Sephora. The cream-gel formula lifts and firms skin in areas such as the thighs, while redefining the skin texture over time.
Bath salts
Fill your bath with special salts for a short-term slimming solution thanks to their host of powers. Westlab Cleanse Bath Salt with Epsom & Himalayan Salt, available from Life Pharmacy, can help promote the body’s normal detoxification processes, working as an aid alongside other lifestyle choices to promote weight loss.
ESSENTIALS
The flights
Emirates flies from Dubai to Phnom Penh via Yangon from Dh2,700 return including taxes. Cambodia Bayon Airlines and Cambodia Angkor Air offer return flights from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap from Dh250 return including taxes. The flight takes about 45 minutes.
The hotels
Rooms at the Raffles Le Royal in Phnom Penh cost from $225 (Dh826) per night including taxes. Rooms at the Grand Hotel d'Angkor cost from $261 (Dh960) per night including taxes.
The tours
A cyclo architecture tour of Phnom Penh costs from $20 (Dh75) per person for about three hours, with Khmer Architecture Tours. Tailor-made tours of all of Cambodia, or sites like Angkor alone, can be arranged by About Asia Travel. Emirates Holidays also offers packages.
ELIO
Starring: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldana, Brad Garrett
Directors: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina
Rating: 4/5
THE SPECS
Engine: 1.5-litre
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Power: 110 horsepower
Torque: 147Nm
Price: From Dh59,700
On sale: now
UK-EU trade at a glance
EU fishing vessels guaranteed access to UK waters for 12 years
Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products
Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries
Smoother border management with use of e-gates
Cutting red tape on import and export of food
Cricket World Cup League 2 Fixtures
Saturday March 5, UAE v Oman, ICC Academy (all matches start at 9.30am)
Sunday March 6, Oman v Namibia, ICC Academy
Tuesday March 8, UAE v Namibia, ICC Academy
Wednesday March 9, UAE v Oman, ICC Academy
Friday March 11, Oman v Namibia, Sharjah Cricket Stadium
Saturday March 12, UAE v Namibia, Sharjah Cricket Stadium
UAE squad
Ahmed Raza (captain), Chirag Suri, Muhammad Waseem, CP Rizwan, Vriitya Aravind, Asif Khan, Basil Hameed, Rohan Mustafa, Kashif Daud, Zahoor Khan, Junaid Siddique, Karthik Meiyappan, Akif Raja, Rahul Bhatia
In Full Flight: A Story of Africa and Atonement
John Heminway, Knopff
Fringe@Four Line-up
October 1 - Phil Nichol (stand-up comedy)
October 29 - Mandy Knight (stand-up comedy)
November 5 - Sinatra Raw (Fringe theatre)
November 8 - Imah Dumagay & Sundeep Fernandes (stand-up comedy)
November 13 - Gordon Southern (stand-up comedy)
November 22 - In Loyal Company (Fringe theatre)
November 29 - Peter Searles (comedy / theatre)
December 5 - Sinatra’s Christmas Under The Stars (music / dinner show)
Q&A with Dash Berlin
Welcome back. What was it like to return to RAK and to play for fans out here again?
It’s an amazing feeling to be back in the passionate UAE again. Seeing the fans having a great time that is what it’s all about.
You're currently touring the globe as part of your Legends of the Feels Tour. How important is it to you to include the Middle East in the schedule?
The tour is doing really well and is extensive and intensive at the same time travelling all over the globe. My Middle Eastern fans are very dear to me, it’s good to be back.
You mix tracks that people know and love, but you also have a visually impressive set too (graphics etc). Is that the secret recipe to Dash Berlin's live gigs?
People enjoying the combination of the music and visuals are the key factor in the success of the Legends Of The Feel tour 2018.
Have you had some time to explore Ras al Khaimah too? If so, what have you been up to?
Coming fresh out of Las Vegas where I continue my 7th annual year DJ residency at Marquee, I decided it was a perfect moment to catch some sun rays and enjoy the warm hospitality of Bab Al Bahr.
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
The biog
Name: Marie Byrne
Nationality: Irish
Favourite film: The Shawshank Redemption
Book: Seagull by Jonathan Livingston
Life lesson: A person is not old until regret takes the place of their dreams
The specs
Engine: 5.2-litre V10
Power: 640hp at 8,000rpm
Torque: 565Nm at 6,500rpm
Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch auto
Price: From Dh1 million
On sale: Q3 or Q4 2022
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE’s revised Cricket World Cup League Two schedule
August, 2021: Host - United States; Teams - UAE, United States and Scotland
Between September and November, 2021 (dates TBC): Host - Namibia; Teams - Namibia, Oman, UAE
December, 2021: Host - UAE; Teams - UAE, Namibia, Oman
February, 2022: Hosts - Nepal; Teams - UAE, Nepal, PNG
June, 2022: Hosts - Scotland; Teams - UAE, United States, Scotland
September, 2022: Hosts - PNG; Teams - UAE, PNG, Nepal
February, 2023: Hosts - UAE; Teams - UAE, PNG, Nepal
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
T20 WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS
Qualifier A, Muscat
(All matches to be streamed live on icc.tv)
Fixtures
Friday, February 18: 10am Oman v Nepal, Canada v Philippines; 2pm Ireland v UAE, Germany v Bahrain
Saturday, February 19: 10am Oman v Canada, Nepal v Philippines; 2pm UAE v Germany, Ireland v Bahrain
Monday, February 21: 10am Ireland v Germany, UAE v Bahrain; 2pm Nepal v Canada, Oman v Philippines
Tuesday, February 22: 2pm Semi-finals
Thursday, February 24: 2pm Final
UAE squad:Ahmed Raza(captain), Muhammad Waseem, Chirag Suri, Vriitya Aravind, Rohan Mustafa, Kashif Daud, Zahoor Khan, Alishan Sharafu, Raja Akifullah, Karthik Meiyappan, Junaid Siddique, Basil Hameed, Zafar Farid, Mohammed Boota, Mohammed Usman, Rahul Bhatia
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
UAE tour of the Netherlands
UAE squad: Rohan Mustafa (captain), Shaiman Anwar, Ghulam Shabber, Mohammed Qasim, Rameez Shahzad, Mohammed Usman, Adnan Mufti, Chirag Suri, Ahmed Raza, Imran Haider, Mohammed Naveed, Amjad Javed, Zahoor Khan, Qadeer Ahmed
Fixtures:
Monday, 1st 50-over match
Wednesday, 2nd 50-over match
Thursday, 3rd 50-over match
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Company%20Profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENamara%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EJune%202022%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounder%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMohammed%20Alnamara%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDubai%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMicrofinance%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECurrent%20number%20of%20staff%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E16%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESeries%20A%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFamily%20offices%0D%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Our legal consultants
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Sole survivors
- Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
- George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
- Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
- Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
2018 ICC World Twenty20 Asian Western Regional Qualifier
Saturday results
Qatar beat Kuwait by 26 runs
Bahrain beat Maldives by six wickets
UAE beat Saudi Arabia by seven wickets
Monday fixtures
Maldives v Qatar
Saudi Arabia v Kuwait
Bahrain v UAE
* The top three teams progress to the Asia Qualifier
Company Profile
Company name: OneOrder
Started: October 2021
Founders: Tamer Amer and Karim Maurice
Based: Cairo, Egypt
Industry: technology, logistics
Investors: A15 and self-funded
Read more from Aya Iskandarani
Under-21 European Championship Final
Germany 1 Spain 0
Weiser (40')
Specs
Engine: Electric motor generating 54.2kWh (Cooper SE and Aceman SE), 64.6kW (Countryman All4 SE)
Power: 218hp (Cooper and Aceman), 313hp (Countryman)
Torque: 330Nm (Cooper and Aceman), 494Nm (Countryman)
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh158,000 (Cooper), Dh168,000 (Aceman), Dh190,000 (Countryman)
Read more about the coronavirus
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
Race card for Super Saturday
4pm: Al Bastakiya Listed US$250,000 (Dh918,125) (Dirt) 1,900m.
4.35pm: Mahab Al Shimaal Group 3 $200,000 (D) 1,200m.
5.10pm: Nad Al Sheba Conditions $200,000 (Turf) 1,200m.
5.45pm: Burj Nahaar Group 3 $200,000 (D) 1,600m.
6.20pm: Jebel Hatta Group 1 $300,000 (T) 1,800m.
6.55pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round 3 Group 1 $400,000 (D) 2,000m.
7.30pm: Dubai City of Gold Group 2 $250,000 (T) 2,410m.
Emergency phone numbers in the UAE
Estijaba – 8001717 – number to call to request coronavirus testing
Ministry of Health and Prevention – 80011111
Dubai Health Authority – 800342 – The number to book a free video or voice consultation with a doctor or connect to a local health centre
Emirates airline – 600555555
Etihad Airways – 600555666
Ambulance – 998
Knowledge and Human Development Authority – 8005432 ext. 4 for Covid-19 queries