Slimming Treatment Review- Suddenly Slender

Suddenly Slender's 5 session trial at $99 consists of a 20 minute Infrared Sauna, a full-body Mineral Wrap, 1hr on an exercise machine, a full-body Sea Salt Scrub and 20 minute hot blanket. It can be done all on the same day, or over 2 days, with the first 3 sessions done on the first day and the remaining 2 sessions on the second day.



Unlike the picture on their website, the sauna session is not done while wrapped, but as the first step before being wrapped. The infrared sauna at Suddenly Slender is the highlight of the treatment. It is unique and cannot be found in any other slimming centre. The interior of the sauna is only slightly warm, and when you first enter it doesn't feel like a sauna at all! However, the effects are apparent about 5-10 minutes into the session. Heart rate increases as the infrared rays heat the body's tissue from the inside out, simulating cardio activity. Heavy breathing and perspiration follows. This is my favourite part of the treatment.

After that, body measurements and weight is taken, then the consultant(also your therapist) wraps the elastic bandages soaked in their in-house mineral solution around the body starting from the feet up to the shoulders. Plastic bags are put over your hands and feet to keep the floor dry. Passing gas or burping is common during the treatment as the wrap is very tight.

There are a variety of exercise machines like vibrating platforms and treadmills which you will use for an hour, or lie in a hot blanket for 40 minutes. During this time, another 2 more bastings of the solution will be applied. Like a classy fitness club, televisions and a variety of dvds are available in every room. I watched "The Incredibles" during my 1 hour exercise on the vibrating platform.

Suddenly Slender guarantees a minimum loss of 6 inches off the total body. After unwrapping, measurements are taken again.

The sea salt body scrub aids in detox. The large particles make it a little scratchy, but bear with it for 20 minutes in the hot blanket!

I also paid an extra $280 to try the PowerShape machine. It is an RF machine used for firming and contouring. There is heat and suction and the therapist uses it to "mould" and "sculpt" the silhouette. It can get quite hot, and I experienced immediate redness all over my abdomen after the treatment. I had numerous bruises on my tummy that appeared the next day, and took about 5 days to clear.

If you buy a package, the consultant will give you a regular diet plan, and a detox diet plan that you should adhere to 1 day before treatment, in order to ensure optimum results.

Price: $280 for PowerShape first trial, Basic Packages from $899(3 wraps), Comprehensive Package at $8888(about 4 months, 2 visits per week)

Verdict: I did go ahead and purchase a package that cost over $2000. After 6 visits, I did not lose any weight, and had in fact PUT ON 2kg. I was told that it was due to my body's inability to pass out excess toxins, and that lacking in minerals, my body absorbed the solution from the wraps. I did enjoy my sessions there, but the steep pricing and lack of results was unfortunate. I would recommend this place more for relaxing with the added health benefits of the minerals than for slimming or weight loss.

Plus Points: Located at 313 Somerset, with excellent facilities akin to a health spa or fitness club instead of a slimming centre. Good selection of current movies, a variety of exercise machines and of course, the infrared sauna. By far the most comfortable slimming centre. Comfortable treatments and friendly consultants.

Minus Points: The consultant is also your therapist, so if she is busy juggling many customers or unhappy that you are not buying a package, it reflects on the service you are rendered. Moderately pushy sales tactics are employed. Expensive. Long treatment time.

Tip: Wear a watch to keep track of treatment times as therapists occasionally reduce the time if it is late or if there are many customers. Try to visit during non-peak hours or Sundays when it is quieter so your treatments won't be rushed.

Babelicious Medispa

I've been going to Babelicious at Orchard Central for about a year now. Its one of the few places in town that I feel most comfortable visiting because the staff here do not pressure you to buy anything.

Yes, your eyes do not betray you... a spa that does not practise hard-selling tactics in Orchard!




In fact, the prices are comparable to what you would expect to pay in the suburban neighbourhoods. What's more, GST is absorbed!



The waiting area is done up in cheerful orange.



Beauty products used here are by Sothys and SkinCeuticals.




I love that the staff are permanently stationed here so I always have the same therapist. That probably explains why their customer base almost wholly comprises of regular patrons! I myself hold 4 packages here, and have renewed my packages twice, which for me is really rare!

Ah Lian is the one and only masseuse and she does all the body treatments too. KC is one of two beauticians who do facial treatments. Both of them are very sincere, and are even willing to share their beauty tips with you.

There are 2 interconnecting facial rooms, so you and a friend can still chat during treatments!




My 2 facial packages are for IPL(Intense Pulsed Light) and RF(Radio Frequency).

IPL for facial rejuvenation stimulates collagen production and reduces pigmentation for a radiant complexion. After cleansing, microdermabrasion is carried out using a mild suction machine(feels something like a mini-vacuum going over your face), then a cold gel is spread liberally. The IPL treatment itself is mildly uncomfortable. While some areas like the jawline do not feel much of anything at all, others like the forehead and cheekbones do feel similar to ant-bites. Generally, areas with more hair and darker skin will experience more sensation because the light rays target melanin and hair follicles. A customised mask is then applied for 15-20 minutes to soothe the skin.

Radio Frequency firms and contours the face. It is used to treat wrinkles and nasolabial lines, plus helps to reduce a double chin and slim the jaw. After cleansing, clear gel is applied and the machine is used to gently massage the face, eye area and neck in circular motions. This treatment is very relaxing.



There is a single room for massage and body treatments.



My 2 body treatment packages are for detox and massage.

The detox treatment consists of an hour-long lymphatic drainage massage followed by a seaweed or slimming body wrap for 20 minutes in a hot blanket. It is recommended to have this treatment done once a week, or at least 7 days after the previous one, and not more often because after the lymphatic nodes have been stimulated, they take a minimum of 7 days to return to their "lazy" state.

My full body massage package comprises a selection of either Deep Tissue, Relaxing or Slimming massage inclusive of head, shoulders and back, for 1 hour 45 minutes.

During the month of June, Babelicious is having a special promotion in conjunction with the Great Singapore Sale.

Lymphatic Drainage Massage Package(Buy 10 sessions get 5 additional sessions free): Original Price- $1280 for 10 sessions, 1 hour each

Massage Package(Buy 10 sessions get 5 additional sessions free): Original Price- $880 for 10 sessions, 1 hour each, choose either Slimming, Relaxing or Deep Tissue

RF Face Treatment Package(Buy 6 sessions get 2 additional sessions free): Price- $1280, 1 hour treatment consists of Microdermabrasion, RF for face, eye area and neck, customised treatment mask for face, eye area and neck

Slimming Centre Review- Marie France Bodyline

Recently, I saw a promotional campaign on Cozycot for Marie France Bodyline which includes a 1 hour free trial for new customers, and a 6-month package at just $133 per month, plus complimentary nutritionist session on every visit, facial treatments, hair & scalp therapies, massage therapies and hand therapies. You may view the online advertisement here.

I went to the branch at International Building. The centre is done up nicely in warm shades of brown and gold, and the staff greeted me with welcoming smiles.



I was handed an information brochure and a form to fill in my details.




After a short wait, I was led to a room where I met with 2 nutritionists. I stood on a machine, similar to the one at Suddenly Slender, which performed a body composition analysis. The nutritionist then informed me that my BMI is 17.5, which classified me as "Slightly Underweight" according to the Health Promotion Board's BMI table for adults. My body fat percentage is 19%, which is in the healthy range of 17%-24% for females. I was advised not to lose anymore weight, and instead focus on firming and toning. Next, I filled up a health questionnaire(Any health problems, constipation, smoking, alcohol consumption etc.) and was asked about my regular dietary habits.

Next, I met my consultant, Iris, who reviewed the information and asked me what were my expectations and goals. She had a look at my problem areas(hips, thighs, tummy, love handles and arms) and declared that the area which required the most attention is my tummy.

I asked her what is included in the free 1 hour trial. It is the consultation and a standard cold wrap- Fat Mobilization System(Marie France's pioneer slimming therapy) for 1 area. The treatment takes 25 minutes. Elastic bandages soaked in a special solution is used to wrap the body, followed by a mild exercise session on a vibrating platform.

The special package promotion at $133 per month for 6 months is based on credit card instalment plans. It consists of 8 FMS cold wraps and 8 sea salt scrub treatments with use of a hot blanket.

As they were closing, I didn't get a chance to try the free cold wrap. Iris suggested I come in the following day to do the treatment, but as I was not free, she promised to follow-up with me and fix an appointment.

Plus Points: Staff are polite and friendly, body fat composition and analysis is comprehensive, and nutritionists are on hand to dispense advice or tailor a diet suited to individual needs. Centre has a relaxing spa ambience and is aesthetically pleasing. My consultant, Iris, is knowledgeable about the treatments and their procedures. Website is comprehensive. Consultants and therapists are distinct.

Minus Points: The centre is unisex, so expect to bump into the occasional male customer(Every treatment is carried out in a private room). Operating hours are 11am to 8.30pm on weekdays, and 11am to 5pm on Saturdays. They are closed on Sundays. Peak hour slots on weekday evenings are usually very busy, and there appears to be a slight shortage of therapists. Closing times are more strictly enforced than in other slimming centres. It is virtually empty by 8.30pm, and you'd have to use the public toilet on the first floor if you end your treatment at closing time. Some hard-selling is to be expected, though prices are somewhat reasonable compared with other major slimming chains. Credit card instalment plans are limited, troublesome to apply, and incur a mandatory service charge(Service charge is not permitted to be deducted off the listed package price, but will be offset by additional treatments given in the form of rebates.)

Average Package Price: Upwards of $3000 for a customised fixed treatment programme(1 session for 1 area only), $10,000 for a 20 session customised free-range treatment programme(all slimming and contouring treatments, all areas, 1 visit equivalent to 1 session, maximum 5 hours per visit), $20,000 for a 40 session "all-in" customised free-range treatment programme(all slimming and contouring treatments, all areas, inclusive of all Bust Treatments and facials, 1 visit equivalent to 1 session, maximum 5 hours per visit)

Treatment Time: 25 minutes for a wrap