The 'c' word: a skinny girl's confession

The Lipomassage by Endermologie is a patented slimming technique that reactivates the fat-release process while stimulating collagen and elastin production. Put simply, it mechanically stimulates the skin, loosening your fat tissues to erase localised fat and imperfections.

On arrival at Legs Eleven in Green Point on Thursday, 31 July, MD Susan Vaz and therapist Lee Goldschmidt talked me through the process (watch the video below), but what really put my mind at ease is that it's 100% natural. I'm not a believer in invasive slimming or anti-ageing treatments, so hang-ups aside I was mentally prepared to give this massage a try.

After a personalised evaluation and the necessary paperwork, you change into a white skin-tight suit, which is yours to keep for hygiene purposes. Then Lee proposed a custom treatment. We selected the Total Care option, as I was just looking in. Although it's a full-body massage, Lee focused on my problem areas, which she compared to the shape of a horseshoe - from your love handles to your thighs or "saddlebags" (localised fat deposits of the sides of the thighs that resemble saddlebags on a horse) and all the wobbly bits in between. This specific treatment is designed to slim down resistant fat deposits, smooth the orange-peel effect and re-densify your skin.

The treatment wasn't painful, although my stomach felt slightly bruised the next day, as if I had done 100 sit-ups. Certain settings were quite relaxing, though.

To finish off, I applied the Soins Techniques LPG Smoothing Anti-Dimple Complex that contains cellulite-fighting ingredients. For best results, LPG's body care line is to be used post-treatment and soon after exercising.

The secret is consistency

You won't notice results after the first treatment, so Susan recommends a starter programme of 12 sessions (at least twice a week for the first six weeks), followed by once a month maintenance sessions.

Endermologie is a lifestyle: it's as much about going for your Lipomassage treatments as it is moderate regular exercise, a healthy eating plan and a daily water intake of two litres. While sleep itself is miraculous, your cellulite isn't going to disappear overnight.

Treatments start from R420 per session, but Legs Eleven also offers packages: R2100 for six sessions; and R3780 for 12.

Wanting to soften your laugh lines? See Ruth Cooper's review of Legs Eleven's Endermolift treatment.