'I went for carboxytherapy with an aesthetic specialist in Bedok last year. I signed up for 20 sessions and did them over three months.

I had very visible cellulite on my thighs although I'm not fat. A friend went and lost some weight.

Needles were inserted into my thighs and carbon dioxide was pumped in. Like a balloon, you will feel your thigh expanding until it cannot expand anymore. It leads to a sharp, prickly pain and is quite intense for the first 10 minutes. After that, your leg goes numb and the pain subsides.

I can safely say that was the worst pain I have ever felt in my life. There was bruising sometimes at the spots where the needles were inserted.

Immediately after the treatment, my thighs would be very swollen and a bit sore. The swelling subsides by the next day and for about four days after, my skin would be quite tight. But invariably, that taut look would fade.

I pressed on as I had read that most people need at least 20 sessions before seeing an improvement. By the time I hit the 15-session mark though, I was quite sure this was getting nowhere and my money was wasted.

I regret putting myself through all that suffering for something so superficial.'

Ms S. Das, 27, is a teacher who spent around $1,200 for 20 sessions of carboxytherapy