Health Intelligence | Issue 36

Perhaps this is because of his humanitarian side. Often What about needle-free “Botox alternatives” like one that
working with other philanthropic personalities, like Bono, combines microdermabrasion, LED light treatment and an
Michael Douglas and Jay-Z, he’s started several initiatives to infusion of peptide-rich serums? “The three treatments as a
help needy children across Africa, as well as people in war- combo do have a role, but it’s a marketing trick to call them
torn areas. alternative Botox. LED light with a wavelength of 633 will
take away wrinkles on its own. It regenerates fibroblasts.
An insatiable adventurer, Dr Treacy has many stories to If you used LED 633 light and dermarolling instead of
tell. But I’m after the beauty authority’s verdict on aesthetic microdermabrasion, you’d improve collagen production –
treatments that deliver and trends to watch in 2016. and believe it or not, that’s possibly a better treatment than
Botox. They both take away lines, but with Botox you’re left
What to stay away from with the old skin you had before; this treatment will grow
you new skin.”
We chat about beauty gimmicks, with their enticing
promises and disappointing results, and I get the feeling What works
that this is one man who doesn’t hold back when giving his
take on controversial issues. From dodgy doctors to faux-tox, it appears we need to keep
our eyes wide open when attempting to prettify ourselves.
He gets quite worked up while talking about ineffective To make this less daunting, here’s Dr Treacy’s pick of effective
treatments and the many unscrupulous, fame-hungry anti-ageing and body-contouring procedures:
aesthetic practitioners on the prowl. “An awful lot of doctors • Renew “The top anti-ageing procedures stimulate the
in our industry aren’t that talented, even though some of
them are well known. They’ll do any attention-grabbing body to regenerate itself, through a process we call
procedure just to get in the limelight. Take the vampire biomimetics. We aim to get the body to fix itself by
facelift: the scientific evidence isn’t really there to support it; injuring it. The best technique for achieving this will
those who’re performing it, particularly for rejuvenation, just always be fractional CO2 laser resurfacing; nothing will
want to get their names out there.” ever compete with it.”
• Tighten up “As for body contouring, I see lots of
What also gets his blood pressure up is the mass competing machines – from CoolSculpting (cryogenics)
availability of “faux-tox” (fake – and dangerous – Botox), as to UltraShape (ultrasound). Then we have high-intensity
well as the frequent headlines announcing the discovery focused ultrasound and radiofrequency devices. If
of needleless Botox, with catchy names like “no-tox”. we look at them, UltraShape is nice for a couple of
To avoid bogus Botox, he says, go to only reputable
aesthetic doctors.

HEALTH INTELLIGENCE | 99

ANTI-AGEING

reasons. Two being that it gives quick results, and it’s What’s behind the celeb shockers?
nonthermal, so the patient doesn’t end up with burns. Renée Zellweger, Donatella Versace,
The radiofrequency devices are getting there; no doubt Madonna … Dr Treacy weighs in on
about it when you look at VelaShape III.” celebs’ aesthetic procedures gone
But can any of these machines banish cellulite? “VelaShape wrong: “I think many female celebrities
III works fine for cellulite, but only temporarily. You’ll have body dysmorphic disorder, and
probably need a treatment every six months. Nothing that the sort of look they’re going for isn’t
I’ve seen removes cellulite, takes it away and that’s that. what most people would consider
Maybe we should accept that since about 80% of women aesthetically pleasing. They allow
have cellulite, that’s the way women are supposed to look!” themselves to be overfilled, often by
someone with a poor aesthetic eye.
What’s to come Several celebrities come to me to
reverse bad jobs – I’ve needed to book
Dr Treacy’s beauty forecast? “Treatments using true stem two women into hospital to remove
cells have major potential. Ethical issues have held back this fillers from their faces.”
area of research, but I hope it’ll start picking up. It’s much
better to grow your own fat cells for breast implants, for To find out more about Dr Patrick Treacy’s
example, than to put in implants made of silicone or saline.” colourful life, read his memoir, Behind the Mask. Available
And for everyone who longs for thick, luscious tresses, from Amazon.com
hair cloning may soon be an option. “While still in the
developmental phase, the procedure of extracting healthy
hair follicle cells, multiplying them and then re-implanting
them into balding areas of the scalp, where they would
grow hair, has potential if done by proper doctors
and biochemists.”

The beauty authority has spoken. HI

100 NOV/DEC 2015 ISSUE 36

Healing designed by nature, refined tHrougH science.

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UVO DESIGN & PRINT - 44567

Spa trekBEAUTY
Need to recharge? Indulge in relaxing beauty
treatments at these award-winning spas …

By Tammy Jacks have also found that your
immediate surroundings can
ABy Tammy Jacks have an effect on your mood.
s the year winds Spas and wellness centres
down, it’s time to release any create a peaceful, tranquil
accumulated stress and look environment where you can
forward to some much-needed relax and unwind without any
downtime. Whether you’re distractions. Here’s our pick of
planning a beach holiday five fabulous retreats around
or quiet time at home, one South Africa …
of the most effective ways
to de-stress is with touch
therapy involving most, if
not all the senses. In fact,
studies conclusively show that
massage therapy is a great
way to reduce chronic stress
levels in the body. Researchers

Local sea salt gently exfoliates the
skin, while Baobab tree oil is used to
massage tension away. The South
African seaweed wrap is also popular
for its nourishing, conditioning effects.

The One&Only Spa, Elevate”, there’s no doubt this spa Verdict
Western Cape experience will make you feel calm If extravagance and five-star
and rejuvenated. pampering are what you’re after, this
Setting spa offers it all in a very professional,
Set against the backdrop of Table private setting. Plus, it’s situated in the
Mountain, this urban chic resort perfect spot for a quick treatment in
offers an unprecedented level of your lunch hour.
luxury in its award-winning spa.
Offering 12 treatment rooms, vitality X factor Cost
pools and relaxation areas, with the Inspired by local Bushmen who relied Treatments start from R400; a half-
philosophy of “Unwind, Restore and on seashore provisions, the One&Only day package costs R5,000. Signature
Cape Town Essence of Earth and treatments cost R1,695 for 120 minutes.
Ocean Experience treatments make Capetown.oneandonlyresorts.com;
use of indigenous African ingredients. 021 431 5810

102 NOV/DEC 2015 ISSUE 36

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The Saxon Spa and
Studio, Johannesburg

Setting

If you’re looking for a quiet retreat

that offers peace and harmony,

Prana Lodge Wellness Spa, escape the busyness and head to
Eastern Cape
Saxon Spa, situated in the heart of
Setting
Prana is a Sanskrit word meaning “life force” and “breath”, so Johannesburg’s northern suburbs.
this should give you an idea of what the spa’s philosophy
is all about. Surrounded by a natural dune forest, with lush Experienced therapists use various QbtRuhosR2pooeotas,rnat2kpsdeee0iuraeinis“-0lttcgHhcmuRifoofIoaiaiteuSculnru,nnartdfiatnxahthleo,cyaceodsionnlautpfu”-dulpdas*w’lrtlislllnio-kuchpdgnienenaaecnaoy-yhf ,
green, indigenous vegetation, you can’t help but relax and combinations of aromatherapy,
leave all your daily stresses behind. The destination spa plus colour and scent treatments
incorporates eco-friendly principles into all its treatments. with ancient and modern healing
Facilities include couples treatment rooms, scenic spa techniques.
pavilions with outdoor showers, plus an outdoor Jacuzzi
with a deck, and relaxing steam rooms and saunas. X factor treatments include
Custom-made
X factor
If you’re looking for an advanced facial treatment, the signature therapies and therapy journeys
spa offers the reviving Coconut Infused Facial. Therapists
blend virgin coconut oil with other natural ingredients like using a holistic approach to promote all-over wellness.
aromatic essences, honey, lemon, brown sugar and selected
spices to invigorate the senses while treating the skin. The spa is known for its Sound Therapy Treatment, where
Ingredients are handpicked according to your skin’s needs.
gongs, cymbals, Tibetan singing bowls and bells are used
Verdict
Best for nature lovers, this spa offers a real escape from to balance and restore the body’s natural energy centres
city life. Another bonus is that all professional products are
predominantly natural or organic. through the vibration of sound. The treatment features a

heated waterbed and colour therapy to help you unwind

even more.

Verdict
This wellness centre is designed with your well-being
in mind, which means that each treatment (whether 50
minutes or five hours) is geared towards total relaxation
with no intrusions or interruptions.

Cost Cost
Treatments start from R250 for a head/neck/shoulder Treatments start from R120; a seven-hour full-body treatment
massage to R2,500 for the Prana full-day package. package costs R4,800.
Pranalodge.co.za; 043 704 5100 Saxon.co.za; 011 292 6000

HEALTH INTELLIGENCE | 103

BEAUTY

Karkloof Safari Spa, Pietermaritzburg

Setting
Hailed as Africa’s best-kept secret, you might just find yourself
wanting to spend as much time as possible at this award-
winning spa. Built to embrace the natural environment,
Karkloof’s 17 treatment rooms all have wonderful views of
the bush and surrounding gardens. Other facilities include a
manicure and pedicure lounge, Moroccan Rassoul chamber,
plus flotation pools, outdoor Jacuzzis and steam rooms.

X factor Illyria House, Pretoria
This spa is known for its signature massage therapies. For
instance, the Thai Poultice Massage is great for easing tension Setting
and loosening tired, sore muscles. A selection of Thai herbs, Tucked minutes away from the hustle and bustle of Pretoria’s
warmed in a muslin poultice, is applied directly to the body busy city, Illyria House – with its five-star Aquarius Wellness
in a kneading action. Heat and herbs are absorbed by the Spa – is the perfect pit stop for weary bodies. Whether you’re
body to help reduce aches and pains, increase lymphatic a guest at Illyria House, or just have a few hours to spare, the
drainage, assist blood circulation and condition the skin, spa has specific packages to suit your needs.
leaving your muscles feeling relaxed.
X factor
Verdict Thanks to the boutique hotel’s romantic setting, this tranquil
Besides the extensive list of treatments on offer, guests haven is the ideal spot for a special anniversary or occasion
can also take part in tai-chi, yoga or Muay Thai classes, or
bamboo dancing exercises – what a bonus! with loved ones. If you’re in the mood for some
serious pampering, book a six-night stay
Cost where you’ll be treated to specialised facials,
From R700 for a body exfoliation in the a variety of massages and beauty treatments
Rassoul chamber to R4,000 for a full-day
spa package. such as manicures, pedicures and eyebrow
Karkloofsafarispa.com; 033 569 1321 tints daily.

Verdict
Illyria House has built a reputation of affordable
luxury you can enjoy with family and friends.
After just a night or two at the hotel and spa, you’ll
be ready to face the world again.

Cost
Starting from around R200; a six-night stay including spa
treatments costs R16,000. Illyria.co.za; 012 344 6035 HI

* Reader offers valid until 31 December 2015

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104 NOV/DEC 2015 ISSUE 36