After giving birth to 2 kids via C-section and putting on a considerable amount of weight, my tummy has gone thru a lot.
I have a very unsightly double bulge and was looking for solutions to help my mum tum. I wasn't open to surgery for now and needed a non-surgical, non-invasive treatment that would not affect my breastfeeding. I read a few reviews from fellow mummy bloggers about CoolSculpting and was super intrigued about it.
I made an appointment with Dr. Terence Tan from Halley Medical Aesthetics located at Orchard Gateway to find out more about the treatment and here's what I learnt.
About CoolSculpting
I met up with Dr. Terence Tan and he shared that CoolSculpting is a non-surgical, non-invasive, no downtime fat reduction treatment. It is the only USA FDA-approved fat freezing treatment that uses the concept of cryolipolysis to freeze and destroy unwanted fat cells, which are then disposed from the body naturally.
He also shared that the treatment removes 20-25% of fat cells in the treated area each time. The science behind it is our body is unable to produce any new fat cells after five years of age. The fat cells that die during the fat freezing process will be gone forever which is why CoolSculpting is ideal to be used to remove unwanted fat which can't be removed through spot toning exercises.
Some areas that can be treated are the abdomen, love handles, inner and outer thighs, arms, bra fat, back, banana roll (butt cheeks), knees, cheeks and even the double chin!
Some of you guys may notice this... Skai has always suffered from acne scars. Even when I first met him about 11 years ago, he had very bad acne and scars back then.
He shared that he has suffered from acne and scarring since his schooling days. He has tried plenty of products but most of them do not work. From medication to pimple creams, he felt that nothing really helped.
I first found out suitable treatments for Skai's acne scars courtesy of William from MyFatPocket. He shared that he had suffered from acne scars back then and recommended the treatments he had undergone.
We were recommended to Dr Justin Boey from Sozo Aesthetics for a consultation.
The clinic
Sozo Aesthetics is conveniently located at One Raffles Place Singapore. Staff were very friendly and professional.
I had tagged along with Skai for his appointment and had brought Davina however she started fussing during the consultation and one of the nurses helped to coax her. Super grateful to them! <3
The consultation
Dr Justin was very friendly. He was also very frank and shared that Skai's condition was quite serious. His scarring was quite deep and one session would not be suitable. A few different treatments was recommended to Skai and it would take plenty of sessions to see results especially for his condition.
Skai and I was very comfortable with Dr Justin and we agreed to proceed.
The suggested treatments
Dr Justin assessed Skai's condition and recommended these treatments to us:
Fractional CO2 Laser - This treatment produces thousands of tiny microthermal zones in the treated areas where the laser targets the scarred areas and old collagen, but also leaves areas of healthy tissue to regenerate through collagen production.
Subcision Filler - Subcision was done with Rejuran S Filler. Subcision specifically treats depressed scars by releasing fibrotic tissues that are responsible for pulling down the skin and creates the indentation. A tiny, hypodermic needle is inserted into the skin which will then be moved back and forth in a fanning pattern while the sharp edges of the needle cut the fibrotic scar tissues. The needle is removed circumferentially around the exit to evacuate any excess blood and to minimise haematoma formation in the area. The scar will continue to heal and stimulate more collagen production.
INFINI Laser Solution - This treatment is used to deliver RF energy, which in turn helps volumize scar tissue. It combines the thermal power of radiofrequency with microneedling.
The combination of these treatments were recommended to help improve Skai's scars. We recommended to try this for 3 sessions first. Each session will happen once monthly. But of course, 3 sessions is not enough to completely heal Skai's skin. This is for us to assess if we are comfortable with the treatments and for us to consider more sessions in future.
The experience
We have gone thru the 3 sessions so far. Honestly, we are very comfy with the clinic and Dr Justin. For every session, Skai would have his skin cleansed and numbing cream will be applied before treatment commences.
Painwise, Skai said he doesn't feel anything at all. Numbing cream rocks! The only after effects were that his face looked a bit sunburnt the next few days but it faded quickly.
Our thoughts
I do see some slight improvement. His scars do not look as deep as previously. However, I do agree with Dr Justin that Skai has many more sessions to go if he would like to have smooth skin. After all, it took years for these scars to form, it won't be possible to improve miraculously. Thank you Dr Justin and Sozo Aesthetics for the experience!
Hopefully Skai can achieve baby smooth skin like Davina's in due time!
As some of you guys may realise, I had put on more weight during my pregnancy with Davina as compared with Aidan.
Heck, I didn't even lose all of my pregnancy weight with Aidan back then. With Davina, I gained about 15kg. This time, I worked harder to lose the weight as compared to the first pregnancy. I did a 2 months confinement, ate healthier food, cut down my portions and did very light exercises. Surprisingly i lost all of my pregnancy weight! However, I couldn't shed any more weight. I've reached a plateau. Basically a standstill.
I up-ed my efforts but I couldn't lose any more weight. At that time, Aimin Acupuncture contacted me and asked if I would be keen to try out TCM slimming. Visited them and they shared more about their their acupuncture and weight loss treatments.
They shared the difference between Aimin's TCM methods as compared to pill popping. TCM is a healthy and more sustainable way of losing weight. Weight loss is actually a benefit of acupuncture as the main aim is to improve overall health and digestive issues.
After what they shared, I decided to try out Aimin despite my insane fear of needles. As I'm still breastfeeding (and I intend to continue for as long as I can), i needed to find a more sustainable and healthy weight loss way.
Chloe from Aimin worked out a package for me where I would undergo Weightloss Acupuncture twice a week, Slimming Cupping once a week alongside a Meridian Slimming Massage once a week. I also had the opportunity to sample out their RF treatments.
Yes, I won't deny it. I can feel the needles when they insert, however after that, it's really fine. But that being said, I am one of the more sensitive ones who fear needles. Even when I had my fillers done back then, I could also feel the pain. Cupping to me isn't painful at all however I have heard that other people find it extremely painful. Guess, it's really up to individual!
Here's a video interview of my experience!
How long has Aimin been around?
Aimin has over 24 years of experience! Their acupuncture weight-loss treatment has helped over 2,300 customers lose weight & maintain the weight loss effectively!
How is the process like?
For the acupuncture session, needles will be inserted at various acupoints on the tummy and legs. A heat lamp will be placed on the tummy and the needles will be left for 40 minutes.
For slimming cupping, cups using heat will be placed on front & back of body for about 10 minutes.
What does it do?
It improves my digestive system, also helps suppresses my appetite a bit. I have also been recommended a simple meal plan on things to avoid eating and items great to eat. Honestly, I'm not so guai with my diet. Breastfeeding mamas are ALWAYS hungry HAHHAA. It's a slower method of weightloss but we are looking at a more sustainable and long term approach.
How do I feel?
Great! I used to suffer from constipation problems. With Aimin, I go everyday. HAHAHA. My milk supply did dip a bit due to me eating lesser but it's okay now! I do feel healthier, lighter and less tired these days.
How much weight have i lost?
Considering the fact that I'm still eating rubbish (SORRY AIMIN!), I think my results are amazing. I have lost over 7kg. I'm now at my pre-pregnancy weight before Aidan! Woohoo! Back to 2015 weight!
Are you satisfied with your results?
Am i satisfied? Of course! Just look at the results for yourself. Same dress from Jump Eat Cry. One taken before any treatments at Aimin and the other after.
Any promotions currently?
Aimin is offering a FREE trial currently to new customers. Try it for yourself and see the results. You can select any 2 treatments from: 1) Meridian Slimming massage (worth S$69.90) or 2) Slimming Acupuncture (worth S$159.90).
Do take note that you will have to be a new customer, first timer visit to Aimin. Only applicable for Singaporeans, PR, EP & SP above 21 years old. Simply contact Aimin hereand quote 'nadia' to redeem the free trial by end of March 2019.
Do check out Aimin at their Central Branch conveniently located at 51 Cuppage Road #01-05 Singapore 229469.
While the treatments were sponsored, all opinions are my own and I am not obligated to write a review.
Do check out my pregnancy and baby blog posts here:
I first heard about D'Elegance Shapewear during one of the prenatal talks I attended back when I was pregnant with Aidan. I got a set of the long vest and girdle and have been wearing it ever since! Well, till I got pregnant with Davina that is.
I had wanted to share my experience with D'Elegance (seeing how many mamas like me are struggling with their postnatal bodies) but honestly I totally forgotten to do so till recently one of my mama friends shared that she visited D'Elegance.
Here's my honest review on my experience with D'Elegance. D'Elegance is a Singaporean shapewear brand conveniently located at International Plaza.
I spoke to my consultant Angie who shared that the USPs (unique selling points) of D'Elegance compared to it's competitors.
As D'Elegance is a Singaporean brand, the shape wear is specially catered to the Asian physique.
Also bearing in mind, D'Elegance knows Singapore's climate, they developed this special technology called WinCool that makes use of light, cooling and airy fabrics suitable for our very warm and humid climate.
While D'Elegance's price point is more on the higher side, it is because it is long lasting, doesn't stretch (with proper care) and will last you for at least 3 years which is pretty much 6 times longer than other such products in the market.
Also with a boutique, you can try D'Elegance shapewear and see which is more suited to your body type. Time is saved as compared to blind buys. Fitting sessions are also free (for a limited time currently), without any obligations!
Each consultation is a comprehensive discussion and fitting service to help one find what suits best.
I took a look around the boutique and Angie shared the various products to me.
One of the more popular items as it helps to maintain one's posture and also tuck in the tummy. Angie shared that this was a hot favourite with cabin crews, make-up artistes and breastfeeding mamas.
The bodysuit is D'Elegance's superstar item. It helps work against gravity to help prevent sagging and is very suitable to sleep in. With the open bust design, it is great for nursing mums when paired with nursing bras. It also helps to 'hide' the unsavoury lumps especially for postnatal mamas like me. Basically it helps firms up the tummy, lift up the butt and hide the bulge from popping out. I have this piece and I wear it with my bodycon dresses all the time!
A personal favourite of mine as it's the most comfy item for me! It's easy to be slipped on and helps with thigh shaping, tummy slimming, waist shaping and most importantly improving ones posture. For the ultimate combo, I use the bodysuit with the long girdle!
If you are looking for something to focus on the tummy without the straps, the waist slimmer will be your product of choice. Use it with ease with your tube/offshoulder tops. Another hot favourite for postnatal care, it helps to provide support for the back while taming the unruly tummy. Bonus: You get a great posture! it also helps with hip shaping!
Last but not least, the only item I didn't manage to try as I'm still breastfeeding. Their bras help with an instant bust life, reduce saggy boobs and also gives maximum support for the chest. It also helps with back smoothening.
The items I got two years back were the Bodysuit, Long Girdle and Short Girdle. They have lasted for more than 2 years and served me very well. Here's an example of the difference with wearing shapewear and without.
Do take note: Shapewear does not help with weightloss nor is it a miracle product. Shapewear helps shape back the body and improves one's posture.
To really reduce weight, you'll have to diet and exercise! Shapewear are my go to for body hugging dresses and to improve my posture. Especially for caesarian mamas like me, I need help keeping the pooch in!
As you can see from the images above, D'Elegance shapewear (I wore the long girdle and bodysuit) helps to 'hide' unsightly lumps like my mumtum.
Thank you D'Elegance for the great experience back then and now! I actually went back recently to have a look and see if I need to get new items! I'll definitely be wearing them when I head back to work soon!
