Slimming Treatment Review- Marie France Bodyline

Having bought the $68 voucher on Deal.com.sg for 2 sessions of Silhouthermie Wraps, 1 Power Sculpt Slimming Treatment, 2 Thermojet Lymphatic Detox Treatment and 1 Anti-Cellulite Fat Burning Serum at Marie France Bodyline, I was keen to find out what the treatments entailed. View the deal here.

Are these just fancy names for simple treatments like those at BodyPerfect?

Entrance to Marie France Bodyline's International Building Branch



Pot of tea at the waiting area



Corridor leading to the treatment rooms



Classy restroom facilities




The Thermojet Lymphatic Detox Treatment machine is a more sophisticated type of hot blanket. A cold gel is applied onto the arms, abdomen and thighs, covered with clear plastic and wrapped with large pads. The pads feel warm, but not warm enough to make me perspire, and the treatment lasts for 20 minutes.



This was followed by the Power Sculpt Treatment, which is a 15 minute massage on 1 area, followed by a 15 minute cold Orange Mask.

As they were about to close, my consultant, Iris, canceled my 25 minute Silhouthermie Wrap. This treatment is what is given during the free trial session, and consists of an elastic cloth bandage soaked in a mineral solution and wrapped tightly around the body. You will then stand on a vibrating platform or you may choose to lie down.

Verdict: Very basic treatment, more like a spa session than a slimming treatment! The Power Sculpt massage and mask was enjoyable. Acceptable for the price.

Package Prices: $1000 for a "Taster" Package, consisting of 1 trial session each of 7 different types of machines, V-pro included. $1988 for a 96 session(around 40 visits) Basic Plus Taster Package, which comprises the Taster Package and a Basic Package with a mixture of body wraps.

Tip: Ask to have a look at all the listed package prices in the menu(usually in the consultant's file) to get a rough idea of the various treatments and prices. Bear in mind that the listed prices have already been inflated to allow for some modification.

Slimming Treatment Review- Marie France Bodyline

Yesterday, I went to try Marie France Bodyline's newest body contouring machine, V'Pro Advance, which combines 4 treatments into 1 session. Featuring infrared, radio frequency, vacuum and mechanical tissue manipulation, this 30-minute premium intensive treatment packs quite a punch!

Infrared rays deliver heat into deep tissue layers, while radio frequency tones and firms loose skin, enhancing collagen production. Vacuum aids in draining excess fluids and detoxifying, resulting in less cellulite and skin dimpling, plus mechanical tissue manipulation disperses and reduces the size of fat cells.

A series of 15 treatment sessions is recommended for long-lasting and measurable results. Significant improvement to skin tone and appearance is evident from the first session.

I must admit that having tried the radio-frequency machine, PowerShape, at Suddenly Slender previously, and the Unilage RF as part of my Accent Ultra treatment at ClearSK, I was a little apprehensive since the heat is generally quite intense.

Before the treatment, my consultant, Iris, confirmed with me that I had no metal implants(eg: IUD, heart pace monitor) in place. This treatment cannot be administered on people with metal implants. Satisfied that it was safe to proceed, I was directed to a dimly-lit room where I changed into disposable underwear and removed my belly piercing.

My therapist applied a thick layer of clear gel onto my tummy, adjusted the intensity of the machine, and commenced with the treatment. The machine was applied to my tummy in smooth strokes, and I could feel the rollers and the suction. It felt similar to the pinching techniques used in slimming massages. It was not painful and the heat was at a comfortable warmth. In fact, I felt like I was being "ironed" and "vacuumed"!

Immediately after the treatment, my tummy was warm and slightly red. My skin was noticeably firmer and smoother in appearance and texture. The redness had subsided by the time I got home.

Today, my tummy is a little sore, like the day after I've just had a slimming massage done. I've been assured that it is normal and that the slight discomfort will dissipate in a few days.

Plus Points: Relaxing and comfortably warming massage-like treatment, immediately visible results after 1 session, short treatment time.

Minus Points: Slight soreness and discomfort the day after treatment, requires many sessions done regularly over a period of time(about 2 months) for significant results, quite expensive for a salon treatment

Treatment Time: About 30 minutes per area

Treatment Price: $600 per session, 1 area(A La Carte)

Verdict: Comfortable treatment, visible results. Excellent potential to deliver what it promises over multiple sessions. Too pricey(for a salon administered treatment) to purchase without a package though.

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