Non-surgical shape-up

If you have a trouble spot that just won't budge, despite sensible eating and hours of exercise, consider a non-drastic, non-surgical cosmetic solution. There are many clinical procedures now available that can help to slim and firm your body.

Non-surgical body lift

What is it? Thread lift techniques are used to address sagging skin on inner thighs and belly.
What is involved? A clear, suture-like material is threaded under the skin and pulled up to ensure flabby skin becomes firmer, or a stomach flatter.
Is it painful? A local anaesthetic is administered to dull any discomfort.
Is there any down time? There's some swelling and bruising, which subsides within one week to 10 days.
What results can I expect? Results are immediate with an improvement over three months, as scar tissue grows over the threads, lifting them further.
How much does it cost? $3000 per treatment.
Where do I get it? Call The International Centre for Cosmetic Medicine, (02) 9233 3303.

Lipodissolve

What is it? A non-invasive procedure used to break down fat cells in stubborn spots such as a double chin, potbelly, hips or thighs.
What is involved? A solution is injected into trouble zones to dissolve the cell wall, allowing fat to be metabolised and eliminated by the body.
Is it painful? There is a needle, but patients are given gas to calm them.
Is there any down time? No. Some bruising and swelling, which lasts for about a week.
What results can I expect? Once swelling subsides, you'll notice the size of the area has reduced. The number of treatments required is individual. Most patients require between two and four sessions, six to eight weeks apart.
How much does it cost? $770 per treatment.
Where do I get it? Call Lasersmooth, 1300 666 244.

Refirme Skin Tightening

What is it? Uses Elos technology (a combination of laser technology and electrical energy) to address post-baby belly and underarm, knee, facial or inner thigh sag.
What is involved? The 45-minute procedure uses a combination of electric current and optical light energy. It stimulates and plumps up collagen, while rejuvenating and refirming.
Is it painful? There's some slight discomfort.
Is there any down time? Some bruising and swelling, which subsides in a week.
What results can I expect? Expect a firmer, more youthful appearance in one to three treatments.
How much does it cost? A stomach treatment is $1210, or $2999 for three. Underarms, $990, or $2475 for three.
Where do I get it? Call Lasersmooth 1300 666 244.

Ultra Shape Slimming Treatment

What is it? An ultrasound device is used to break down fatty tissue on trouble spots such as tummy, hips, thighs or arms.
What is involved? Focused ultrasound waves are applied to trigger the destruction of fat cells.
Is it painful? No.
Is there any down time? No.
What results can I expect? Patients have reported up to a 2cm loss.
How much does it cost? Upwards of $500 per session. One to three sessions are required for best results.
Where do I get it? Call Shire Cosmetic Medicine on (02) 9526 8600.

Mesotherapy

What is it? An injectible cellulite treatment technique.
What is involved? A series of microinjections of a compound that actively dissolves fat cells. This is followed by treatments to improve microcirculation.
Is it painful? There is some mild discomfort.
Is there any down time? You can resume non-strenuous, normal activity.
What results can I expect? After one treatment, less dimpling is evident, after two, a loss of centimetres becomes apparent. Ten to 12 treatments over five to six months are recommended.
How much does it cost? $495 per treatment.
Where do I get it? Call Simply Beautiful Cosmetic Surgery and Laser Clinic on (02) 9363 0060.

Botox calf reshaping and resizing

What is it? Botox injections are used in the calf to add shape and definition.
What is involved? A series of between 15 and 20 injections are administered to the calf area.
Is it painful? There is some stinging, however, a topical local anaesthetic cream minimises this, and gas relaxes the patient.
Is there any down time? Non-strenuous activity is okay afterwards.
What results can I expect? A reduction in the size of the calves within three weeks. Lasts up to twelve months.
How much does it cost? $1400 per treatment.
Where do I get it? Call Dr Anoop Rastogi on (02) 9362 1426.

Posture enhancement — breast and shoulder lift

What is it? Botox is used to improve posture, lift slouching shoulders and reduce breast sagging.
What is involved? A series of injections to the muscles on the outer side of the breasts to relax the muscle that pulls shoulders downwards and inwards. This corrects stooped posture and lessens sagging of the breast.
Is it painful? There is mild discomfort, but a topical local anaesthetic cream and gas help.
Is there any down time? No. Patients can resume non-strenuous activity immediately.
What results can I expect? Within three weeks, patients will see a more relaxed and at-ease posture, with breasts lifted.
How much is it? $1200 to $1400 depending on how much Botox is used.
Where do I get it? Call Dr Anoop Rastogi (02) 9362 1426.

VelaSmooth

What is it? An anti-cellulite treatment.
What is involved? Infra-red light, massage and suction combine to help heat fat beneath the skin and increase stimulation of cellular energy to break down fibrous bonds.
Is it painful? No.
Is there any down time? No.
What results can I expect? Eight treatments over four weeks are required. Results can be seen in two to three weeks: a firmness of skin, a reduction in cellulite, and a slimmer appearance of the area.
How much is it? $1600 for eight treatments.
Where do I get it? Call Simply Beautiful Cosmetic Surgery and Laser Clinic on (02) 9363 0060.