Body Ballancer review the Jennifer Aniston-approved body contouring treatment
The benefits of lymphatic drainage massage are well known. It can boost circulation, reduce water retention, and generally help to contour the body. Hence why many A-listers will book in for this transformative treatment in the days leading up to a red-carpet event.
Previously only accessible via expert practitioners (like Flavia Morellato, who often has a months-long wait list), you can now reap the rewards at home. Enter: the Body Ballancer. A high-tech device, Body Ballancer uses compressed air to mimic the techniques of manual lymphatic drainage, increasing circulation and accelerating the removal of toxins and waste.
Approved by the famous and lauded, Chrissy Teigen, Lady Gaga, Paris Hilton and Jennifer Anniston have all bought a machine to use at home. In fact, you may have seen the picture of Aniston zipped up in the device – that looks a little like inflatable ski salopettes – circulating on social media.
While you can follow suit and buy your own, you can also experience Body Ballancer in-clinics and salons where it’s often combined with facial treatments like the Hydrafacial for 360-results. But before you book in (or go to checkout), find out everything you need to know about Body Ballancer, from how the technology really works to what results you can expect to see…
What is the Body Ballancer?
Body Ballancer is a medical machine that was originally developed to treat lymphatic problems like lymphoedema (swelling caused by a build-up of lymph). Now available outside of hospitals, it’s become a popular treatment choice in-clinic. “The Body Ballancer is a fantastic compression therapy treatment that targets the lymphatic system,” says Mr Michael Mouzakis, consultant plastic reconstructive and aesthetic surgeon at Harley Street’s The Private Clinic.
“There are two Body Ballancer garments; a jacket which is used for the upper body and trousers which are used for the lower body,” continues Mouzakis. You can wear either or both depending on your goals. By imitating the techniques of manual lymphatic drainage (specifically, the advanced massage 'Dr Vodder Method'), the suits boost blood circulation and lymph flow which, in turn, “improve the appearance of cellulite, skin tone and reduce areas of swelling”.
Other benefits include that: “it can boost the immune system, aid relaxation, improve sleep, speed up recovery after exercise and help promote a healthier gut. It’s also extremely helpful in managing pre- and post-surgical recovery,” adds Dr Sophie Shotter, aesthetic doctor who offers Body Ballancer at her Illuminate Skin Clinic in Kent.
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How does the Body Ballancer work?
Unlike the cardiovascular system that has a heart to pump blood around the body, the lymphatic system relies on movement and muscle contractions to make the lymph flow. “If the lymph becomes sluggish – due to lack of exercise, illness, poor diet or stress – it can result in bloating, congestion, headaches, cellulite – and worse, inflammation and infection,” says Dr Shotter.
Alongside regular exercise, Body Ballancer can be used to reawaken a sluggish lymphatic system, flushing away excess fluid. So, how does this buzzy device work, exactly? “Each garment contains 24 individual air chambers which are overlapped to apply flowing compression to the areas being treated.” By inflating and deflating, the air chambers deliver a compression and release massage that moves the lymph fluid up the body.
“You’re zipped into the trousers or jacket which are then attached to the Body Ballancer machine, which has special protocols to inflate and deflate them,” explains Dr Shotter. You can choose the length of your treatment (from 30 minutes to 60 minutes) as well as the program. “The version we use in the clinic [606 Ballancer Premium] is state-of-the-art and can be programmed to suit exact specifications for patients with up to 100 bespoke massages,” says Mouzakis.
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The massages vary in intensity levels. A long, deep and slow wave-like motion is ideal for a sports massage, while a more rapid massage is great for treating tired legs. “The number of Body Ballancer sessions required will depend on the type of treatment being performed and the condition being targeted,” notes Mouzakis. For improving skin tone and reducing cellulite, he recommends a course of 12 treatments spread over three-to-four weeks.
Not designed to replace activity, “Body Ballancer is a good add-on that offers a much more intense focus on lymphatic drainage,” says Dr Shotter. “For me, the ideal routine incorporates regular exercise as well as Body Ballancer.”
Body Ballancer: the results
According to both experts, you will likely see improvements after a single session – but best results come from a course of treatment. To see the results for ourselves, we tried the 606 Ballancer Premium in-clinic for a 45-minute treatment that focused on general lymphatic drainage. After lying down, slipping into the trousers, and being hooked up to the machine, the rhythmic massage began.
Utterly relaxing, the massage melts away all tension and leaves you feeling drained (in a good way) and lighter. Floating out of the clinic and feeling re-energised by home time (an hour commute later), we didn’t see any dramatic changes to overall skin tone, however ankles and lower legs looked less puffy. With continued use, “clients tend to notice an improvement in the appearance of cellulite and a more streamlined leg,” assures Dr Shotter.
“Other results include detoxing and overall gut health improvement, stress relief, aiding with weight loss and improving skin tone that looks dull and tired,” adds Mouzakis. The drawback? If you want your own, the Ballancer Premium will set you back £15,00 + VAT (other versions, like the Ballancer Gold, cost £8,500 + VAT). But as there’s no ‘quick fix’ for lymph health, this machine is the ultimate investment in your wellbeing – though it can also be experienced in salon for £70-to-£150 per treatment session.
Visit the Body Ballancer website to find your local clinic.
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