Cellulite is probably the only thing that Naomi Campbell and Mother Teresa (God bless her soul) had in common — besides their sex, and by that, we mean gender.

The first sign and sight of cellulite ridden skin is obviously no joking matter to many of us. It is one of the things that keeps us from having a perfect life or meal ever again.

Unfortunately, it is something that starvation and moderate exercise will probably not help. Liposuction is a thought, but awfully drastic.

Nevertheless, there is an alternative now called carboxytherapy. The only treatment of its kind approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA ), carboxytherapy is an anti-ageing treatment for cellulite reduction by improving local tissue metabolism.

Treatments are said to be quick and effective for a high percentage of patients. "There are various uses for carboxytherapy.

It can be used for cellulite elimination, stretch marks, excess local fat-targeted weight reduction and even the treatment of penis erectile disorders," said Dr Michael Ng of XCELDERM.

According to Dr Ng, it is not a miracle of God but instead, a non-surgical cosmetic procedure that involves the injection of carbon dioxide into the subcutaneous tissue through a tiny needle. "The carbon dioxide mechanically breaks down fat cells.

This results in the release of the contents of the fat cells, cholesterol, triglycerides and fatty acids into the tissue interstitium.

"These return to the systemic blood circulation via the lymphatic channels and are taken up by the liver, which converts them into soluble bile salts which are then excreted into the intestines and passed out in the stool."

He also added that the carbon dioxide also causes dilation of the blood vessels in the injection area. "Wider vessels mean bigger and stronger blood flow to the area, which means more oxygen.

The increase in oxygen is important because it eliminates the built-up fluid from between the cells. The end result is fewer fat cells and firmer subcutaneous tissue." What is the damage then? Both to the body as well as to your bank account.

"There is a slight pricking discomfort felt on insertion of the 30G needles followed by a mild to tolerable discomfort during the instillation of the CO2. Massaging the area will ease most of the discomfort. There will be a warm sensation during and after the CO2 gas has been instilled. This should last for up to 12 hours. There is no downtime and you can return to work," said Dr Ng.

If you didn’t feel the pinch yet after that explanation, read on. The good news is that the cost per session of carboxytherapy i s a mere RM300 to R M400 .

The bad news is that you would need 15 to 20 sessions to (hopefully) eliminate the cellulite! "On average, patients enjoy the results of carboxytherapy for five to six months, but your individual results will depend entirely on you.

"If you follow a healthy diet, choose the right nutritional supplements and take regular exercise, the effects could be visible for years.Otherwise, the cellulite and fat will return much quicker."

So perhaps there is no such thing as a miracle cure after all, but a quick fix is always good nonetheless.

For more information, call Dr Ng at 03-61416772 of XCELDERM, located at 29-1, PJU 5/12, Dataran Sunway, Kota Damansara , 47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.