GOLDEN AGE OF Beauty

The ageing process is a natural one so it’s only right that treatments should be too. To discover the new cosmetic technology replacing surgery, Georgia Beard spoke with Chereen Mauk, Founder and Head Trainer of Australia HIFU and Zap the Fat.

The older generations often say that confidence is the greatest reward that comes with age. After a lifetime of experience, they’ve discovered what they need to be happy, and it doesn’t matter what others might think.

But it’s easy to care less when you look good doing it. For most women, the ageing process doesn’t give us that luxury. Natural changes to body weight and texture can reduce our confidence dramatically, making it hard to exist in the world as our authentic selves.

Fat clings on in unwanted places, cellulite appears around the thighs and wrinkles replace smooth skin. When we notice these differences, it can almost feel like losing a part of ourselves. But there are ways to get it back – and I’m not talking about surgery.

Growing older is a natural process, so treatments for skin lifts should be just as natural. High Intensity Focused Ultrasound, or HIFU, is one such treatment – organic, non-invasive and stimulating for the skin.

After years of medical use in treating cancerous tumours, HIFU was proven effective in cosmetic procedures, such as smoothing out wrinkles, reducing cellulite and tightening the skin.

The HIFU device targets layers of skin below the surface, heating the tissue between 65°C and 70°C. This temperature damages the cells and prompts the body to repair them with collagen, a protein that gives our skin structure and elasticity.

Since the high-frequency ultrasound beams are focused on a specific tissue site below the skin’s surface, there’s no damage to the upper layers of the skin and surrounding tissue. However, the procedure is only effective in treating early signs of ageing.

This advanced technology wasn’t available on the Sunshine Coast until Chereen Mauk founded Australia HIFU.

From her studio in Birtinya, Chereen uses her vast experience in the beauty and cosmetics industry to bring that lively, youthful glow to local faces.

It should be called ‘the golden years’ for a reason, right?

“I found a space in the cosmetic industry that needed professionals to come in and deliver treatments with real results,” Chereen said. “This is the strongest treatment before surgery in the market in this modern time.”

Alongside HIFU treatments, Chereen also offers cryolipolysis or fat freezing treatments through her second business, Zap the Fat.

“Some women have that stubborn bit they can’t budge, so they want to reduce it. These applicators can be targeted to a specific area – lower belly, upper belly, bra fat, inner thigh,” she said.

“Women can also be large, and I can reduce the fat in the tissue and get them on a good food program.”

Cryolipolysis works wonders on areas of the body that won’t respond to a traditional diet and exercise.

The fat freezing device exposes fat cells to precise cooling until they crystallise and die off, without harming the surrounding tissue. This triggers a process of natural removal that gradually reduces the thickness of the fat layer.

After two to four months, clients will start to notice a naturally smoother body contour without incisions, pain or downtime.

“We also provide emotional support, so when women look good and feel good, their attitude changes,” Chereen said.

“When you come and see us, you are our priority, and you walk out with amazing, stunning results and you’ll be on the right track.”

While performing Australia HIFU and Zap the Fat procedures herself, Chereen is also a trainer and educator within the cosmetics industry. After 30 years of working in day spas and salons and gaining extensive qualifications in non-surgical treatments, she can train, certify and support anyone keen to learn the procedures and launch their own cosmetics business.

“If you don’t want to work for someone, you want to empower yourself and you want to leverage out of one industry into another, this is a good vehicle to do it,” Chereen said. “It’s extremely profitable as well.”

As her business expands, Chereen hopes to reach women beyond the Sunshine Coast. She plans to hit the road in 2024 and has started gathering her crew to perform HIFU and cryolipolysis treatments for women in isolated parts of Australia.

It’s an endeavour she hopes will improve the lifestyles and mental health of women who are losing confidence in their identity and waiting to rediscover themselves, both inside and out.

If you would like to get involved or to talk treatments or explore the training program, text or call Chereen on 0408 200 059.