All of the original articles listed below can be viewed by clicking here.
Non-Surgical Body Contouring (Dec 2009)
The Ultracontour is a specialised piece of equipment available through Clinic Reju. An ultrasound technology, it breaks up fat cells in a way similar to which kidney stones are broken up.
And it isn’t painful. A 90-minute treatment can target tummy and flanks and will reduce the fat layer by approximately three to five millimetres depth in the treated area.
Two to three treatments will in general decrease you by one clothing size. Skin tightening and Carboxy Therapy are usually done in conjunction to reduce cellulite, improve stretch marks and improve circulation in the areas.
Carboxy Therapy
The Carboxy treatment is extremely versatile. It is used for a large number of different indications, ranging from treating varicose veins, vaginal rejuvenation (and therefore improved libido and function), stretch marks, breast shaping and firming, wrinkles, hair loss - in fact any condition that has its root cause in the interruption of the blood supply and poor oxygen delivery.
This also includes medical conditions like diabetic feet, ulcers and the early stages of gangrene. Clinic Reju has succesfully treated the latter conditions in hundreds of patients.
These conditions are not easy to live with and usually result in amputation if blood supply is not restored. Carboxy treats the cause by regenerating blood supply. And it does so within a few months.
Beauty Treatments at Clinic Reju (Nov 2009)
Currently offered at Clinic Reju is a spectrum of treatments that can be mind boggling. Here is a breakdown of the many services offered:
- Non-surgical body contouring and fat break up through ultrasound. This is NOT the Carte Blanche variety. Look out for summer specials!
- Skin tightening and cellulite smoothing through radio frequency.
- Carboxy Therapy. This is used to treat:
- Poor circulation (especially where limbs are threatened through smoking and diabetes), varicose veins, skin rejuvenation,
- dark circles under the eyes, jowls, double chins and Psoriasis.
- Chemical Peels. These peels are non-invasive and do not require you to stay indoors for weeks.
- Botox and Fillers, administered by a medical practitioner.
- Anti-ageing skin products.
- Personal Trainers and Power Plate.
- Vaginal rejuvenation and relief from dryness.
- Mesotherapy. This treatment is anti-ageing and is used to treat chronic joint pain, back pain and hair loss.
- Hair loss treatment.
Medical Benefits of Carboxy Therapy (Oct 2009)
Are you menopausal? Would you like six free Carboxy Therapy treatments? Clinic Reju is looking for menopausal women prepared to undergo a clinical trial using Carboxy Therapy. After a free assessment and explanation of what is required, treatment begins. Veins are treated with the therapy, which causes the blood vessels to dilate, aiding the growth of new blood vessels.
Whilst Carboxy Therapy is old news in other parts of the world, for instance in Italy it has been used to improve blood flow since 1932, here in South Africa we are only just discovering Carboxy Therapy’s amazing benefits.
Carboxy Therapy is used to treat poor circulation in legs (caused by long-term smoking, diabetes or psoriasis) and which results in varicose veins or Raynaud’s syndrome (where hands are constantly cold, blue and sore).
Carboxy Therapy works by causing the body to sense that the amount of oxygen has dropped in the tissues. This in turn releases a capillary growth factor called ‘Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor’. This means that capillaries grow into the tissues, which in turn re-establishes the circulation. When blood supply is poor, medically we can bypass larger vessels with a graft or synthetic stent. But when blood flow to extremities like the toes is compromised, surgery isn’t possible because the area is too small. With Carboxy Therapy there is hope where there was none before.
Treating Veins, Vascular and Lymphatic Circulation (Aug 2009)
Clinc Reju treats various types of veins and their complications, such as: spider and varicose veins, poor circulation and associated pain and heaviness in the legs (with or without ulcers), hyperpigmentation due to poor circulation, swelling in the legs due to sluggish lymphatics, very early stages of gangrene (this will first be assessed by Dr Roome), and blue hands and feet (due to smoking or Raynaud’s Syndrome).
Treatments will include some or all of the following therapies:
- Carboxy therapy - this releases the spasm in veins, decreasing pressure and improving flow. The effect is immediate. What follows is a strong stimulus to grow new capillaries (in medical terms neo-angiogenesis). This improves the blood supply to and from the peripheries (the hands and feet).
- Sclerotherapy - for cosmetic improvement and to close dysfunctional veins.
- Lymph drainage massage - manual, full body massage to remove long term extracellular fluid and waste products in and around the lymph nodes. The first treatment is painful if circulation is poor, as the stasis causes inflammation in the nodes and they are therefore tender. Sensation is more in the lower legs and feet where the problem seems to be at its the worst.
- Mesotherapy - added when the skin has atrophied so as to supply vitamins and minerals needed for healing and speed up the regeneration process. It is also good for pain management in arthritis. The treatments are done every second week for three sessions followed by another three sessions done monthly. Please phone for a consultation with Dr L. Roome so that an individual treatment protocol can be designed according to your needs and budget.
Lifestyle Change or Treatment? (July 2009)
In order to achieve weight and body goals should we use a) lifestyle changes or b) treatments? The answer is both: without lifestyle changes no treatment will be permanent. What you eat daily controls 80% of your programme outcome. Exercise contributes 20%.
Many clients want technologies that will take away the need to change their lifestyles. Logic tells us, however, that this makes no sense. The technologies are merely there to help with things that lifestyle and exercise cannot do, such as tightening skin and dealing with fat pockets that have poor blood supply.
You can check if you have a fat pocket (such as saddle bags and love handles) that will not respond well to exercise. Do this by feeling the temperature of the skin and compare it to an area just below the ribcage in the centre of the stomach. A large difference in temperature can indicate that you will struggle to lose volume in that area. This is because when you exercise you take energy from areas where blood supply is rich. We cannot effectively extract energy from areas with poor blood flow because we do not have efficient access to the area.
In these cases people find they lose centimetres easily from other areas when losing weight but that the problem area does not change much. This is where technology offers a solution. The ultracontour can break up layers of fat cells (with ultrasound) and tighten the skin (through radio frequency). Power plate then tones the muscle and improves circulation. In some cellulite types, carboxy therapy may be needed. These treatments are long lasting and can be maintained through lifestyle as opposed to continuous, indefinite weekly treatments.
Anti-Ageing Treatments (May 2009)
Clinic Reju is happy to welcome Sr Rene Lessing onto the staff. Rene has 13 years of Mesotherapy experience, a treatment which will add to the clinic’s arsenal of anti-ageing weapons.
Mesotherapy is a painless injection containing different vitamins, minerals and trace elements needed as building blocks to regenerate the skin. It is combined with carboxy therapy, which is an uncomfortable injection, hence the application of anaesthetising cream if necessary, and which stimulates the growth of new blood vessels (to supply oxygen and nutrition). These two therapies cause extremely powerful anti-ageing effects. Be sure not to confuse these therapies with the injection phosphatidyl choline.
But why bother to have injections? Why not merely take a supplement? Well, only 1% of what is ingested actually reaches the skin’s surface. Most of the goodness is used for bodily function in general. When it comes to combating ageing on the face we want the vitamins available to the actual skin cells so that new cells are healthier and plumper. This means wrinkles form with difficulty. And replenishment of the elastin and collagen layers makes everything lift and tighten beautifully.
When combining mesotherapy (skin food), with a resurfacing treatment (gentle removal of the dead and dull surface layer), radio frequency (to firm up and tighten quickly) and carboxy therapy (to re-grow the capillaries you’ve lost through ageing) you receive a very powerful non-surgical facelift that actually restructures and rejuvenates from within the deepest layers of the skin.
We live in a truly amazing day and age.
Carboxy Therapy (Feb 2009)
Clinic Reju now offers Carboxy Therapy treatment for cellulite of all grades, for wrinkle reduction, skin tightening, treatment of stretch marks and scars, psoriasis and unsightly veins. Carboxy Therapy is a nonsurgical procedure used to infuse CO2 gas below the skin through a thin 30G (insulin size) needle. Treatments are quick and effective with no down time. CO2 gas has the following effects: skin elasticity improvement, cellulite reduction, localised fat reduction and collagen stimulation. Carboxy Therapy works in two different ways: first, it breaks down fat cells - even in difficult to reach areas, second, CO2 leads to blood vessel dilation in the specified area and stimulates the production of new blood supply. The end results are: fewer fat cells and skin tightening with improvement of stretch marks and cellulite. On the face the regenerative properties are long lasting and very pleasing. It has been said that CO2 will take over from Botox.
Carboxy Therapy has been used for over 70 years in Europe where it was discovered. No major side effects were reported during this period. Other conditions treated include: localised fat and weight reduction, post surgical procedures, liposuction to even out irregularities, arterial diseases associated with diabetes, skin ulcers, some erection problems due to vascular disorders, as well as vaginal rejuvenation, dark circles and thinning facial skin. The number of sessions required differ according to the treatment, e.g. localised fat reduction typically requires six to 20 sessions, cellulite six to 10 sessions. What is CO2? Carbon dioxide is naturally produced by the cells in our bodies every day, transported as it is in the blood and exhaled. Treatment side effects are minimal and resolve very quickly. These include: a crackling sensation of the skin and possible bruising. The injections are manageable and quick.
Varicose Veins (Nov 2008)
Varicose veins are veins that have lost the functionality of their valves, resulting in backward flow, pooled blood, swelling and bulging within and around the area of the vein. The veins can appear purple, green, blue or red. The very small veins visible just under the surface of the skin are usually called spider veins.
Factors that cause or worsen varicose veins:
Ageing, genetics, hormonal influences, pregnancy, and sun damage (causes little spider veins around the nose or on the cheeks).
How can you limit their formation?
Sunscreen daily, exercise, and staying at goal weight, do not cross legs when sitting, and elevate the legs during resting, avoid standing and sitting for extended periods, limit salt intake, drink lots of water and eat foods rich in fibre.
When are they dangerous?
Veins can get large clots (deep vein thrombosis), or inflamed (thrombo-phlebitis), and these are potentially dangerous conditions with possible complications. If the leg or vein has become swollen, red or very tender and warm to the touch, please see your doctor as a matter of urgency.
Various treatments are available for varicose veins.
Non-Surgical Lipo (Oct 2008)
What is non-surgical lipo and how does it work? Previously, the Ultrashape machine worked with focused ultrasound to emulsify layers of fat cells but was limited to only large areas of the body such as the abdomen. Arms, inner thighs and knees could not be treated due to the machine’s large transducer heads. However, our country has seen the recent entry of a new technology - the Medixsysteme Ultracontour from France, something that has been the buzz in Europe since its launch in 2006.
This new award-winning device introduces a whole new world of possibilities for body contouring without undergoing surgery. Only one is available in South Africa - at Clinic Reju situated in Umhlanga Rocks, Durban. Now, inner thighs, knees, arms and even the male chest is an easy target for the new arrival. Because of the new Ultrashape machine larger areas can be treated in an hour and a half session, at half the time and cost. Each treatment breaks up a layer of between four to six millimetres of fat in the treated area. In six sessions you could lose between one and three dress sizes.
A second phase to the unique treatment includes ultrasound massage drainage which stimulates elimination of the emulsified fats and waste products via the lymphatic system. The treatments are not painful, no recovery time is needed, and, unlike surgery, will leave no scars!
Molemate (Aug 2007)
South Africa is a sun drenched nation. Durban in particular has high rates of ultraviolet exposure. The incidence of skin cancer is therefore high; one in 75 people will develop malignant melanoma before the age of 50. Malignant melanomas are some of the most aggressive cancers known to man. It is therefore imperative that skin be checked regularly for tell-tale signs. Most people do not follow a rigorous enough check-up regime, however. Also, up until now effective tests had not been developed. Other than per-forming a biopsy, treatments had not been devised enabling clinicians to look under the skin to see whether cell changes had taken place.
Fortunately a new technology has been developed. It is called 'Molemate'. The technique uses a siascope device which can look 2mm into the skin, by means of infrared and polarised light. It can detect whether there is penetration of the melanin through the dermis and whether the collagen layer is still intact without any trauma to the patient. This therefore makes for more accurate monitoring of skin blemishes. Biopsies will only be performed if necessary. Decision making is much simpler as a result and unnecessary costs for the patient are reduced. The good news is that you can claim the cost of this procedure back from your medical aid.
Clinic Reju also offers a “skin analysis” by means of “Beau Visage”. This procedure shows patients the amount of sun damage their skin has suffered. The skin age is then compared to patients’ historical age, and a personalised anti-ageing programme is developed to rejuvenate the skin.
Looking after one’s skin is vital. During the month of August Clinic Reju will make it easier for clients to do just that. Come in for two facial treatments and choose a third for free. Start looking after your skin today!
New Treatment for Cellulite (Jan 2007)
Cellulite affects nearly all adult women of all races. Characterised by a dimple ‘cottage cheese’ look, cellulite appears most commonly on the thighs and buttocks. The body’s muscles are wrapped in a padding of fatty connective tissue. The fatty cells of the padding, bathed in a liquid medium, are held in place by a net-work of fibres, nourished and cleansed by body fluids. When this process is slowed down, the tissue is flooded with waste materials that thicken into a gelatine-like substance, forming pockets which migrate closer to the skin’s surface.
Cellulite is far more common among women than men, which indicates that hormonal differences play a major role in its formation. While cellulite tends to appear in parts of the body where excess fat is deposited, it is wide-spread among both thin and overweight women.
While it does not represent a health threat, cellulite is aesthetically unappealing, and a source of embarrassment to many women.
Despite its prevalence, and repeated attempts to find a surefire treatment, no solution has adequately countered cellulite. Purported treatments include topical solutions, massage-based techniques and surgical procedures, such as liposuction - most with less than optimal results. Topical treatments do not penetrate the skin, and can render only temporary and superficial effects. Obviously invasive surgery is accompanied by risk, relatively long recovery and doubtful results.
Radiofrequency therapy represents the newest method in cellulite treatment. By selective dermal heating that stimulates the production of new collagen, this method has been shown to improve skin surface texture. It is able to change the shape of fat cells and shrink and remodel the connective tissue.
Depending on the size of the treated area, treatment may take from 20 to 50 minutes and is well tolerated by most patients. This technology presents a non-invasive, effective and long-lasting way to reduce the appearance of cellulite.
Been There, Done That... (Nov 2006)
Who would not be tempted at the offer to reshape their body, in a painless, effortless manner? I was intrigued by Dr Liesl Roome’s suggestion that I try her new Ultrashape procedure as a non-surgical, non-risky way to improve my body shape. At that stage the word “liposuction” was not mentioned, as I would have run a mile. My traditional view of liposuction is a lot of pain for very little pleasure, and the risks thereof are numerous.
Dr Roome had assured me that my “body shaping” procedure would be a walk in, walk out process that would “zap” my fat, allowing my body to metabolise the constituents. This particularly appealed to me due to my hectic schedule. She went on to say that the treatment is so revolutionary that within one hour, you can experience a loss of up to 2.5cm in circumference (a whole pants size). She told me that it is not a painful process (thankfully, as I am a real baby when it comes to pain), leaves no scars and doesn't bruise you.
With these assurances in mind, I headed off for my treatment. We decided that the area that most needed “zapping” was a little roll of skin just above my caesarian section scar. I have had two caesars and no matter what I try to do, there is still a little “bump” of skin that protrudes above my scar. No matter how much weight I lose or how much exercise I do (or don’t do!), the roll stubbornly re-mains.
The consultation started off by Dr Roome punching in my age (yikes!) and height onto a “scale” like machine. I then had to step onto it, placing the balls of my feet onto two metal plates. This amazing machine cal-culated my weight, my bone mass, my muscle mass, my body fat percentage, how many calories I should consume per day to maintain my current weight and what my body’s age is in relation to all the factors measured. I am happy to report that my body thinks it is five year’s younger than it actually is. Now if only my brain would think the same way...
Dr Roome then measured the area she was going to “zap”, from every imaginable angle, marked it off with a black marker and taped off the area that would be treated. Oil was applied to the area, and then she started the procedure that uses ultrasound tech-nology at specific frequencies and amplitudes (similar to that used on kidney stones, but targeted to fat cells). It works just below the skin, so not much penetration takes place. The technology is focused and tissue-selective, so non fat tissues are not affected. The treatment really is quite pleasant and relaxing, and not at all painful. It did get a bit itchy towards the end, but Dr Roome merely added more oil and it was over in a matter of a few minutes.
Afterwards, she told me to press down on the area she had “zapped” and it felt very “mushy” under my skin. She explained that the fat cells had been targeted and that the cell walls had been disrupted and would be cleared away by my lymphatic system. The cell contents are actually metabolised in the liver and I was surprised to learn that a single treatment releases approximately the same amount of fat as is contained in a hamburger! A major advantage of this treatment, over others, is that blood vessels, connective tissue and nerves stay intact. The procedure can also be repeated until the desired effect is achieved. The cost of the treatment, compared to surgery, is favourable. There is also no need for repeat, maintenance treatments. I will return in two weeks’ time to measure my results, so watch this space!