I chanced upon ClearSK Aesthetics at Orchard Central and saw an information leaflet about Accent Ultra, a slimming and body contouring treatment only available at aesthetic clinics.
The reception and waiting area
After reading up on it over the internet, I fixed an appointment with Dr Shiau Ee Leng, Medical Director of ClearSK. During my consultation, Dr Shiau assessed my dietary habits, recorded my weight and BMI, asked me about my concerns, took my blood pressure, and did a body check.
She suggested a course of 10 Accent Ultra treatments to be done on the back of my thighs, assuring me of good results, but advised me to consider if I would like to do a similar course of treatments on my tummy, as the lack of skin tone and elasticity meant that an improvement in appearance of only 30% could be expected.
She prescribed me Xenical, a fat blocker, to aid in weight loss.
The treatment room
Before the treatment, I changed into disposable underwear and had my weight taken. The circumference of my thighs was measured and recorded, and a photograph of the back of my thighs was taken.
Accent Ultra is an ultrasound and radio frequency treatment, which reduces fat and tightens the skin. My therapist suggested applying an optional set of 3 fat-burning ampoules and massaging it into the skin to enhance the treatment's effectiveness.
A clear gel is applied onto the area to be treated, then ultrasound is administered using alternating cold and hot waves for 20 minutes, to reduce fat layers. The machine incorporates a temperature sensor that automatically switches back and forth between the cold and hot functions.
Next, Unilage radio frequency is applied for a further 15 minutes to firm and tone the area. This part of the treatment can be quite uncomfortable as the heat is quite intense. The therapist uses a handheld thermometer to measure skin temperature throughout the treatment, and there are breaks every minute to allow the area to cool slightly.
After the treatment, thigh circumference is measured and recorded again, and another photograph taken.
I had lost 1 cm off the circumference of my right thigh, and 0.5cm off my left. Over the next few days, the broken-down fat will be passed out of the body naturally through the lymphatic drainage system.
Plus Points: Relaxing spa ambience, short treatment time, immediate and lasting results. GST is absorbed(a HUGE plus, but only at the Orchard Central branch), and progress is medically supervised, so you are assured of results. Accent Ultra can be used on difficult-to-tone areas like the bra-line, back and love handles. A feedback form is given to monitor client satisfaction after every visit.
Minus Points: Slight discomfort during the second part of the treatment(Unilage RF). Operating hours are 10.30am-8pm from Monday to Wednesday, 11.30am-9pm on Thursday and Friday, 10.30am-6pm on Saturday, closed on Sundays and public holidays. Dr Shiau is usually in on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. There is only 1 machine, so make your appointments in advance, or visit during non-peak periods. Accent Ultra is only available at Orchard and Tampines branches. Occasional hard-selling by consultants(a minor inconvenience), packages expire after 1 year.
Price: $80 for a consultation with Medical Director- Dr Shiau, Xenical(by prescription only)- $3 per capsule, Panbesy(by prescription only)- about $30 for a month's supply of 30 capsules, Accent Ultra- about $3500 for 10 sessions, 1 session for 1 area only, including 3 reviews(consultations) with Dr Shiau after your 3rd, 6th and 9th visit.
Verdict: Good value for the price. Results are obvious, constant and lasting.
Note: Accent Ultra produces the best results on areas with "soft" fats. Dr Shiau does not hard-sell any treatments or packages. Occasionally, consultants may try to upsell certain treatments or products. I usually check with Dr Shiau if these are necessary before I purchase.
Tip: I usually go for a lymphatic drainage massage and a body wrap a couple of days after my treatment to enhance the detox process. While these services are available at ClearSK, I choose to go to Babelicious Medispa(located on the same floor, just a few units away) or Bella Luna(across the road at Cuppage Plaza) as the prices are lower.
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