Big Fat Flops

     Some weight-loss and anti-cellulite treatments not only cost a lot of money but could also end up costing you your health.

Some weight-loss and anti-cellulite quick-fixes promise to shave off unwanted kilograms or to remove unsightly lumps - while you do nothing. Tempting, until you realize you're gambling with your money and well being. Before you try any of these treatments, make sure you know the risks.

Unlucky Shot

Mesotherapy targets fat and cellulite with multiple injections containing a medley of ingredients, including medications, plant extracts and vitamins. These are injected into the skin using either a pistol-shaped device called a mesotherapy gun or special syringes.

The treatment isn't cheap. Mesotherapy practitioners insists that mesotherapy is safe. The only side effects are some bruising and swelling at the injection site, and these soon fade.

That, however, isn't always the case. In 2005 The American Society of Plastic Surgeons issued a statement raising doubts about mesotherapy's success and safety. Then last year an alternative-therapy salon in Australia was investigated after several mesotherapy clients developed skin abscesses, with one patient also developing a mycobacterial infection. Other side effects linked to mesotherapy include soft-tissue infections, haematoma (bleeding under the skin) and pigmentation changes.

If you're considering mesotherapy, ensure the ingredients in the injection are approved for use in humans by the Medicines Control Council. It's also vital to find an experienced practitioner.

Full of Air

Another so-called cellulite buster, carboxytherapy, involves injecting carbon dioxide (CO2) through the skin and into the subcutaneous tissue. The CO2 supposedly kills fat cells, stimulates blood flow, improves the skin's elasticity and ultimately reduces the appearance of cellulite.

A session costs from $50, with anything from three to 20 sessions required. There's no after-procedure pain, just a 'crackling sensation' under the skin that lasts until the gas is excreted. However, 'carboxytherapy must be administered under a medical practitioner's supervision' and the therapist must have been trained by 'authorised doctors'.

The treatment has a smattering of science aimed at giving it some credibility. 慔owever, in reality there appear to be no good scientific studies to confirm the claims, and any improvement is likely to be slight and not maintained over time,?says Dr Neil Walker, a dermatologist at Churchill Hospital in Oxford in the UK.

Shock Waves

Madonna allegedly swears by acoustic wave therapy (AWT). It supposedly fights cellulite using a device called a D-Actor to deliver shock waves directly to the skin over the cellulite.

Costs are calculated according to treated areas. Treating your legs and buttocks costs around $180 per session, which adds up to a whopping $1080 for the recommended six sessions. And you'll still need one maintenance treatment every month.

To date no serious complications have been reported, although some patients experience slight discomfort, redness or bruising in the treated areas. Other possible side effects include muscle ache and haematoma. There's no solid scientific evidence to back AWT's claims either.

Foot Notes

Less harmful but also unconvincing are 'fitness flip-flops', which are said to incorporate micro-wobble-board technology to tone the muscles in your legs and butt while you walk. However, even though the manufacturers talk the talk, there's no scientific proof these flip-flops walk the walk. And with Fitflop sandals costing from $59 to $119, that's an expensive disappointment. Remind yourself that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Yes, the websites and TV infomercials assure us these treatments are effective and safe. The smart thing to do, however, is check whether their claims are backed by scientific proof.

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