Plastic surgeon and former chairman of the Road Safety Council Dr Christopher Johnson has opened Aura II Medical Spa, a med spa, in the International Center on Bermudiana Road where he is offering a broad variety of non-invasive enhancement procedures.Dr Johnson made the move to the International Center from his former Par-la-Ville Road clinic for economic reasons — to take advantage of falling rents. At the same time he moved his main clinic, where he also performs minor medical procedures, to Union Street.The Aura Medical Spa is in a location that was chosen to accommodate their clients who work in the business sector, many of whom have offices in the area.Dr Johnson’s main surgery is at 38 Union Street. “It’s where we do minor surgeries and we see major reconstructive surgery patients,” she said.Rachel Kempe, an esthetician who works with Dr Johnson, provides many of the treatments at the International Centre med spa.Among the enhancement treatments available is prescription strength Obagi Nu-Derm System which gives similar results to a facial peel, laser hair removal, laser vein therapy as well as an ultra sound treatment for ‘body contouring’.The European ContourVital Medicube treatment literature says the process by which the device works is by facilitating “the natural reabsorption of fat deposits from the target area”.It says: “Physically, the acoustic signal generates high-frequency pressure fluctuations or vibrations, which are transmitted onto the body through a coupling medium (gel). These vibrations stimulate the underlying tissue mechanically and thermally, a process scientists call ‘thermo-mechanical transduction’. The resulting temporary increase in cell activity and metabolism facilitates the natural reabsorption of fat deposits from the target area.“Clinical trials show that a significant reduction in circumference in the targetted areas can be achieved.” Ms Kempe said: “Each treatment is 20 to 40 minutes each, and costs $200. You can get a discount for a course of treatments.”Not available in North American, Ms Kempe explained: “The technology comes from Switzerland. It is the newest, sexiest thing right now.”Other methods of ‘fat melting’ include Zeltig CoolSculpting, which claims to use a ‘precisely controlled cooling method’ called cryolipolysis to: ‘target, cool, and eliminate fat cells without damage to other tissue’, according to its website. Laser lips is another option. This is an invasive procedure, where a laser probe is inserted into the fatty tissue and liquefies the fat cells. Ms Kempe warned there is the danger of slight burning with both procedures.“The Medicube treatment is just 13 seconds only. Once the fat is extruded, the body eliminates it. It is up to the patient to decide which method is best for them.”