A new non-invasive, slimming, cosmetic procedure is becoming popular in spas from California to New York as a quick fix for trimming off pounds.  Yesoterapia, which has been used in Latin America for over 30 years, is a procedure in which bandages are wrapped around the abdominal area using plaster and water to create a firm, corset like cast. 

The cast is tightly wrapped, painless and is used to release excess water and toxins from the stomach area, creating the appearance of a flatter and slimmer stomach.  People have reported losing as much as four inches from their waistline in a matter of hours following one treatment.  The results however, are not permanent and technically only create a false impression of weight loss. 

Dr. David Rapaport, a board certified plastic surgeon in New York is skeptical about this simple procedure however.  “All though I shouldn’t judge anything I don’t have much information about, I have to say that I would be very surprised if this method has any real value,” the doctor commented.  The lack of significant information or documentation available is a primary concern for Rapaport, in addition to the risks associated for breathing complications when a person diaphragm is abnormally compressed, however his primary distrust is that the procedure is simply not effective. 

Nadia Sankar, a yesoterapia client in New York, disagrees.  “ I would never let my vanity get so far as to letting someone use needles and knives on my body,” Sankar commented on the topic of plastic surgery and other surgical cosmetic procedures.  While yesoterapia is not permanent, it is also considered to be a pain free, noninvasive and safe way to achieve a short term, quick solution to trimming the waste line. 

Yesoterapia therapy is a simple and inexpensive cosmetic procedure ranging from $60 to $120 per session.  The results are typically seen immediately but are not long lasting. 

“We all know nothing is forever.  The effects of yesoterapia are no exception.  But because there is no pain, no marks or black and blues lefts on the skin after the cast is removed, and since it’s affordable, for many clients this is almost like doing their nails,” Zoraida Trujillo, a certified cosmetologist and trained administrator of the yesoterapia technique said in a statement on the matter. 

With yesoterapia or any cosmetic or surgical procedure, it is important to be well informed of the associated health risks.