Dr. Mohan Rangaswamy, Specialist Plastic Surgeon, Welcare Hospital, Dubai, responds:

Dear Doctor,     

I was wondering about the cost of fat transfer and uplifting, as my breasts are of two different sizes and I wish to change into one. Please let me know the approximate cost inclusive of hospital charges. I was thinking about transferring fat from my arms, as they are too fat. Anonymous, Dubai

Breast lifts may cost 18-22 depending on the case, fat transfer to breast is not recommended for everyone, due to some concerns. It is possible to address the asymmetry in other ways as well. Fat graft may also have a limited role. Arm can be a donor area for fat, no problem there. 

Dear Doctor,   

I am a 33 years old woman. In my adolescence, I had large pimples, which resulted in lot of scars on my face. Until now it did not matter much to me as I had not looked that repulsive. But now, due to rising age my pores have enlarged and those scars really look ugly. Is there place in Abu Dhabi where this can be treated, if so, please advise. I had also consulted at the NMC in Abu Dhabi for the same, with no avail. Deeksha, Abu Dhabi

Treatment is certainly possible by using various combinations such as resurfacing, fat injections, skin treatments and home care. Please send in your photos to me before coming over for a consultation. 

Dear Doctor,     

My daughter is 8yrs old; she is beautiful but has a slightly thick nose. I would like to know if plastic surgery could come in aid for her. Kumar, Dubai

Nose shape can be improved by rhinoplasty, but this is usually done after 14 years age. So you will have to wait.

Dear Doctor,   

Is there any treatment to remove or minimise stretch marks, which are broad and white in colour due to pregnancy? Please Advice. Subhashini, Dubai

If stretch marks are in lower abdomen and if this area is bulging as a pouch, a tummy tuck operation gets rid of the skin as well as the pouchiness. Other than that stretch marks are notoriously difficult to get rid of. Some improvements is possible with mesotherapy, radio frequency heating by thermage and even a cream called strivectin. Alternatively browsing about the subject on the Internet can give you useful information.   

Dear Doctor,   

I had been under Roaccutane treatment for 3 months from July 2005 to October 2005. My skin had cleared much since then, but due to stress, pimples have come back. I have fewer pimples but a lot of scars and minor pits. Is it possible to get rid of the pits? Please advice. Vaishaly Pattani, Dubai

Skin resurfacing procedures can help vary much but we can only do those 6 months after stopping Roaccutane. Acne activity also should have stopped or should be under good control by then. So you are okay for a consultation now, surgery will have to wait 3 months.

Dear Doctor,   

I'm 27 years old woman, I weigh 70 kg. I always exercise and watch what I eat. But the weight lose has been very slow. Is a tummy tuck or lipo better for me? Are there any side effects and also how much does it cost in UAE dirhams for performing the same? Manar, Abu Dhabi

If you have difficulty losing fat form a particular area lipo is very good to correct that, tummy tuck is needed if there is a lot of loose skin or weak muscle or muscle hernia. The cost varies from 10 thousand to 18. Sometimes we advise you to continue with diet/exercise only and consider surgery much later if at all. It all depends on the case.

Dear Doctor,   

I weigh 111kgs. As per a physician’s diagnosis, water content in my body is more than flesh – it is in 60:40 ratio. I would like to know which is the cheapest and most affordable liposuction method? Is it possible for me to make the payment on installment basis and how many months does it take for this liposuction procedure? Bella, Dubai

Liposuction is not for weight loss but is for removal of unwanted fat form specific areas of body to change the shape. If water accumulation is one of your problems, you need to follow your medical doctor's advice. Lipo will not change your 111 kg weight much but will bring about good shape change in suitable individuals. So it is best to arrange for a consultation with me or another surgeon and decide after that.

Dear Doctor,   

I'm 25 yr old male, working in Dammam (saudi arabia). The size of my Adam's apple is very big and it looks very odd. Is this a simple surgery and what are the procedures involved in the surgery? How many days should one stay in the hospital after & what are the side effects after the surgery? Please advise. Also it would be great help if u could suggest a good surgeon here in Saudi Arabia. George, Saudi Arabia

This surgery can be done as an outpatient day surgery under local anesthesia without affecting voice; in this the extra large part of the cartilage is shaved or levelled through a small skin incision. Of course there will be a small horizontal line of scar, which tends to fade with time. The cost is in the region of 5-6 thousand Dirhams. On finding a surgeon in Dammam, I will not be able to advise you.