SUBCUTANEOUS fat is stubborn stuff, easy to take on board, difficult to get rid of. Making sure your diet is healthy and that you take lots of exercise will help prevent it building up, but you might need something a little more technical in your fatfighting armoury, especially as you get older.

Saks Northallerton has launched a revolutionary new non-surgical treatment that targets fat and cellulite and is a great alternative to more invasive liposuction, targeting fat and cellulite and tightening up saggy skin. It was a finalist in the Aesthetic Awards for Best New Technology 2012 and is already a hit with A-list celebrities, models and actresses, who cannot spend the time needed for recovery involved with surgery. Coleen Rooney is reported to have resorted to the treatment to help reduce her afterbaby “belly”.

“3D-Lipo offers a number of options for directly targeting areas that diet and exercise are unable to improve,” says Kirsty Jewson, Saks National Beauty Manager and head of Saks Beauty at Northallerton. “It’s great for targeting stubborn fat on the thighs and buttocks and baby bellies and is becoming popular with men too, for targeting excess fat on the chest and stomach.”

Industry professionals describe 3D-Lipo as a safe, pain-free and less invasive procedure. It uses cavitation – a natural phenomenon based on low frequency ultrasound, which produces a strong wave of pressure to shatter the fat cells and turn them into a liquid state.

The system also uses new Cryoelectrolipolysis technology. This unique combination of electro (heating) and cryo (cooling) therapy means that 20 to 40 per cent of the fat cells in the treated area die in a natural way and dissolve over the course of several months.

I tried out Cryolipolysis, which involves the controlled freezing of fat cells. To prevent frostbite, a protective pad was put on the area to be treated – a wobbly bit of tummy – and cold pads with suction put on top. Every 15 minutes the pad temperature was decreased further for 45 minutes in total.

It felt a little odd at first, a bit sore and uncomfortable as the faction was suctioned up, but as the cooling process continued, the area was soon numb. And as there is nothing to do then but wait out the 45 minutes, Kirsty treats clients to a massage, or mini facial, or – in my case – an LVL Lashes treatment. She also dispelled any fears that my vital organs might end up frostbitten.

“It just freezes the subcutaneous fat; it doesn’t impact on anything else,” she says. “The freezing causes the fat cells to die, but doesn’t cause any damage to the surrounding skin, and the body’s lymphatic system naturally disposes of the dead fat cells over the ensuing weeks and months.”

A single treatment does have some effect. I had lost just over a centimetre from around my waist after the 45-minute treatment, but a course of 3D Lipo is recommended for the best results.

“We try out dozens of what are labelled revolutionary or miracle treatments at Saks HQ and only the very best ones are offered in our salons,” says Kirsty. “3D-Lipo really has amazed everyone at Saks and we are thrilled to be able to offer it in the salon.”

Kirsty, a mother of two young children, who lives in Seaton Carew, has huge experience in the beauty business and is fervent that her staff are trained to the highest level. “I am passionate about raising standards of people in the beauty industry and making sure they understand anatomy and physiology, as well as all about skin, in order to get the best results for our clients. The industry has changed out of all recognition since I first started and the technologies which therapists are working with now are very advanced.”

  • 3D Lipo treatments are available at Saks Northallerton from £80 per session (when purchased as part of a course). Saks Northallerton is offering free consultations and body assessments along with taster sessions for all new clients for £20. There is limited availability, so call the salon to book.
  • Saks Northallerton, 84 South Parade, Northallerton, DL7 8SJ. Tel: 01609-770885