FORT KENT, Maine — Aroostook’s first fat-cell freezing practice is now open in Fort Kent.
Owner Lynne Oakes launched her cryotherapy spa, “All about the Curves,” less than a month ago and is already seeing return customers.
Oakes was inspired by her own experience with the technique, which is used for, among other things, removal of fat cells, inflammation relief and muscle aches. When she saw results, she wanted to bring the technology home. Hers is the only such shop north of Augusta.
It all started when she saw an ad for a similar spa in Augusta and decided to give it a shot.
“I wanted to try this out,” she said. “I mean, most women struggle with their weight. So I said, “I’m going to take the day off, make an appointment and just go to Augusta.’”
She noticed results after about two weeks.
“I was getting dressed and thought ‘Where’s my stomach?,’” she said. “I was so excited that I reached out to them and said, ‘What do I need to do to bring this to northern Maine?’”
Oakes made this decision while also working two other jobs. She works as a hygienist at a dental practice and is also a bookkeeper at another local business, but was so passionate about the cryotherapy process that she was moved to open the local spa.
She was originally discouraged at the cost of the equipment, which topped $40,000. The owner of the Augusta spa, Karen Wormell, encouraged her not to give up. Wormell also helped Oakes train and obtain certification through CryoSlim, the company that creates the cryotherapy machines.
According to Harvard Health, the fat freezing technique is called “cryolipolysis” and is noninvasive and considered safe. It freezes subcutaneous fat but leaves the skin undamaged. The frozen fat cells die and are eventually eliminated via urination.
The process involves a handheld device and gel that is applied to the desired area, not unlike what would be used during an ultrasound, Oakes said, demonstrating the technique at her clinic.
Multiple sessions are recommended for the best results, but Oakes said someone could notice results roughly two weeks after a single session if they wanted to try it out.
The Fort Kent spa also features a lymphatic stimulation suit, which helps with inflammation, water retention and muscle aches. Oakes said it is like a full-body blood pressure cuff.
And while the spa hasn’t even been open for a month, Oakes already has some loyal customers.
Sandra Pinette, who also lives in Fort Kent, heard about the shop and decided to give cryotherapy a try. Pinette has had both knees replaced, and since then both knees have had swelling and cellulite.
After two sessions, she has already felt a major difference and has more mobility, she said.
“Before, my knees were so stiff, and I had a hard time,” she said. “But now, it’s just unbelievable. And that’s after two sessions.”
Pinette said she is already looking forward to her next session.
“I really believe that after my 10 sessions, I probably won’t have a model leg, but it’s going to be a lot better than it was, and it feels better,” she said. “It feels better, it makes me a better person, and it makes me happier. It’s something a woman, or even a man, should do for themselves.”
The therapy works, but it is not a permanent weight loss solution, Oakes said.
“You also have to continue watching what you eat,” she said. “You can’t be eating junk food and fried foods because you’re going to create more fat cells. It’s up to the individual to do their part, to continue eating well and exercising.”
But the procedure can be a good way to get someone motivated to stick to a weight loss plan, Oakes said.
Looking ahead, customers like Pinette plan to continue visiting the spa and letting others in town know about its benefits.
“Not that I have a big mouth, but I do have a big mouth,” Pinette joked. “I believe in [Oakes] and I believe in this.”