Considering Liposuction? Read This First!

Many people who are struggling to lose weight at least consider the possibility of liposuction, even if they never make an appointment. Liposuction is an invasive procedure, comes with risks, and it can be pricy. Then there is that hanging skin problem. If you are considering liposuction, read this article first.

What is Lypossage?

Lypossage is a type of massage therapy that targets toxin laden cellulite and fatty deposits beneath the skin. It incorporates deep tissue massage and lymphatic drainage.

What does it do?

Due to a variety of causes, our bodies do not always effectively remove all the toxins from our system. These toxins collect in the fatty tissues in our body and can create visible dimpling and bulges. Lypossage helps to stimulate blood flow through these areas and 'encourage' the toxins to be released and flushed from the system. Lypossage also tones muscle and helps firm skin.

Who can benefit from Lypossage?

Massage in and of itself has a variety of physical and emotional benefits for most people. Lypossage is most beneficial for individuals who have toxin build up in fatty tissues. Cellulite is an obvious sign. However, lypossage is not a replacement for exercise and good nutrition, nor is it a quick fix. Individuals with loose skin in particular, I am told, can benefit significantly from lypossage. Lypossage is safe for most individuals. However, if you have specific medical conditions you should consult your physician first.

Who performs Lypossage?

A massage therapist who is trained and certified in lypossage should perform your treatment. You can find certified lypossage therapists in your area by going to lypossageusa.com.

What is it like?

In a word: wonderful. I love a good massage and I like to be touched. So, for me, the experience was exceedingly pleasant. If you have ever handmade bread you are familiar with the concept of kneading. Lypossage is much like kneading dough. My massage therapist, Jessica, is very caring and skilled and under her hands I have seen results. I find I am unhappy when the session ends--it feels so good. If it didn't do anything else, it relaxes me and that is worth millions as I have a very stressful life. But I have found it does much more than relax me.

How long will it take to see results?

Since everyone is different and we all have different problem areas, the time it takes to achieve results will be unique to each individual. The optimal number of session that I have seen recommended is 18 30-minute sessions over a 4-6 week period. Personally, I am going once a week for a 30 minute to 1-hour session, depending on my time and my budget. This is obviously less aggressive than what may be recommended, but constraints require that I be patient and persistent.

How much does it cost?

Cost will depend on where you live and who you use. Obviously, a large organization with many employees and high overhead is likely to be more expensive and less 'accommodating' than an individual. Sometimes the larger organization will require you to sign a contract for a specific number of sessions and want to take beginning and periodic body dimension measurements. This may be to ensure your success, protect their reputation, or to make money. You will have to make that judgment call. I recommend checking for certified lypossage therapists in your area and call around. Don't be afraid to negotiate. That is the nature of our current economy and the worst they can say is 'no.'

What can I do between sessions to help?

Taking care of your skin by stimulating circulation, moisturizing, and exfoliating can augment lypossage therapy. The market is full of products that offer these results, but if you are frugal--like me--here are some of my recommendations:

• Use Dr. Woods Shea Vision Black Soap with Shea Butter as a gentle, natural exfoliant and skin softener. Inexpensive and also can help with acne and wrinkles. Glycolic and alpha hydroxy acid products also help to exfoliate.
• Use raw shea butter or a coco butter product such as Palmers to moisturize the upper layers of skin and help with stretch marks.
• Ensure you are taking in the good skin vitamins and minerals such as a, e, c and copper.
• Drink plenty of water. Add a bit of lemon or lime juice to encourage flushing.
• Rehydrate and treat deeper skin with hyaluronic acid and collagen products.
• Read my article Home Cellulite Treatment and leverage those leftover coffee grounds.
• Read Repurpose Unwanted or Old Body Butter or Lotion to make an inexpensive scrub.
• Read my article My Five Favorite Face Exercises to help tone facial muscles.

I was struggling with my last few pounds which were stubbornly hanging on to those areas we all know well: upper arms, thighs, hips and belly. I was considering liposuction, but just couldn't get past the idea of having fat vacuumed out of my body through a tube inserted through a cut in my skin. I have had three major surgeries so far in life and didn't like any of them. I decided lypossage was something I wanted to explore first and I am glad I did. I started to see a difference after about four sessions. After eight sessions, the results were obvious to many. I'm not finished with my therapy yet, but I have great expectations for the end result.

For more information on lypossage read this article at massagetherapy.com, The Evolution of Lypossage By Charles W. Wiltsie III, Originally published in Massage & Bodywork magazine, June/July 2003. There are a number of other interesting weight related articles in the sidebar.

Note: I strongly recommend using the restroom before and after your session. Before, because it will make you more comfortable. After, because your body will already be flushing toxins and you'll need to go. Drink plenty of water after and between sessions.

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Sources (I have no affiliation with these companies, I simply like and use their products and choose to share with you.):

Vitamins and Dr. Woods Shea Vision Black Soap - www.swansonvitamins.com

Raw shea butter - www.sheabutterhut.com

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