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

Dear Doctor,
I am 16 years old and I have a fat nose, which looks very weird from the sides. I am willing to go for a surgery but I am afraid that it might be risky. Is it safe? And will it leave a mark? Anonymous, Dubai


Surgical correction of fat nasal tip is safe and effective. The surgery is done from inside the nose and does not leave marks on the outside.

I would suggest that you come for a consultation and get a clear idea of the possibilities before deciding. You may be able to leave hospital the same day after the painless procedure.

Dear Doctor,
I am a female, 24 years old. I would like to know if it is possible to do something about the laugh lines that can be seen. Do you think it is too early for such a procedure? Cristina, Abu Dhabi


There are different possibilities such as Botox, filler injections and limited brow lift surgery, which can be used to improve laugh lines. It is now not considered too early to do these things.

The trend is to do smaller procedures at frequent intervals starting early so that you do not allow the face to go all 'saggy' before doing something about it. Skin care is also important.

Dear Doctor,
My age is 19 years, weight is 82 Kg and my height is 5'3. I have heavy hips and thighs, which make me look really bad. I would like to know whether liposuction will work on them or not and what's the cost of this treatment? Hetal, Dubai


Please realize that liposuction can change contours in particular areas but cannot reduce your weight. You are significantly overweight and need to do proper diet and exercise programs to gradually reduce your excess weight over 1-2 years.

Meanwhile you may come for a consultation to determine the best time to do liposuction to reduce the heavy hips and thighs. I work at the Welcare hospital.

Dear Doctor,
I would like to have liposuction on my thighs, hips and buttocks. I am very active and have no problem with other areas of my body. I am just unable to shed the cellulite in these areas. I am 28 yrs old/ young, 176cm in height and weigh 68. I'd like to know more about it and what costs etc are involved, how many sessions and how long it takes. Robyn Parker, Dubai


Liposuction is a good procedure to correct localized fat excess and to re-contour the said areas. The skin will have to shrink down to the new contour. Most of this happens quickly but the remaining skin retraction takes several months. Smoothness and freedom from dimpling after surgery depends on your skin tone before surgery; this will be assessed during consultation.

All these areas mentioned in your query can be done in a single session. Depending on the way the skin retracts, minor corrective contouring may or may not be necessary after 1 year. The recovery is reasonably straightforward, you will have to wear a special compression garment for 3 weeks after surgery 24/7.

Cellulite is a much misunderstood term and until I see your skin it is difficult to comment if the 'cellulite' will get corrected. If it is dimpled orange peel skin that you are talking about then lipo will have to supplemented by endermology sessions. If it is body disproportion that is your concern then certainly lipo is your answer.

You may contact the Welcare hospital in Dubai to make an appointment for consultation.

Dear Doctor,
I have 2 big moles on my face. How can I remove that? Chetna, Maywood


Moles can be removed by surgical excision by normal knife technique or be shaved off using radiofrequency device. Small ones may also be destroyed by freezing with liquid nitrogen. You need to see either a plastic surgeon or a dermatologist.

Dear Doctor,
I am considering lip augmentation using body fat as the medium. Would you say that this method would last longer than say, restalyne or perlane? Sandi Fryer, Abu Dhabi


Absolutely. Restylane and perlane last only 8 months on average but fat is likely to last several years and more. However it has to be done as micropellets and using very gentle fat extraction techniques. There is a bit of absorption and so a little over-correction is needed.

An additional session may be needed in 6 months to fine tune or further augment the results. I take fat from inner part of the knee so as to avoid later increase in size in case the person becomes overweight in future.

Dear Doctor,
I would like my wife to have plastic surgery on her hips, thighs and abdomen. Kindly advice. Sam, Dhahran, KSA


Unfortunately your question is not specific about the problem. I presume you mean either liposuction or tummy tuck or both. These procedures can be combined in one operation in suitable cases. all these areas can be improved by liposuction provided the person is not very obese and provided the skin condition is favourable. There are only very tiny scars [3mm long].

If the skin is very loose, then she will need "lift surgery" like tummy tuck OR thigh lift. In these surgeries there will be long scars but we keep these hidden in the panty area. The hospital stay required is also a bit longer.

Dear Doctor,
I have done liposuction, and I have dog ears and scar...what should I do now? Bushra, Florida


If it is more than 6 months, you need a scar revision under local anesthesia; this will correct both problems.

Dear Doctor,
I would like to brief you on my case, hoping for your expert advice. If you feel that you can help I will gladly submit to your reply and consultation.

My question is about latest technologies and methods in face contour since I am facing a fat accumulation in the cheeks area that is making my face look more like a round fat face, hiding its original contour and my jaw figures. I am 182 cms in height and weigh 78 kg only. I don't know if liposuction is an option for the face since I have read conflicting opinions about its procedures. Some experts say its safe and effective, others say it just can't be done or say: "draw a line between the lower tip of the ear & the side of the lips, everything under that line can be submitted to liposuction procedures anything over that line is not recommended."

The same conflicting opinions have occurred when talking about the risks (scars, permanent skin color changing, etc.). So as you can see I am totally lost. What should I do? What are the other options available? I know that since I don't have strong jaw lines my face appears even more fat and round. Is strengthening the jaw lines to reach a proportional look (oval) possible? And how it could be done? By injections or by implants. Could it be done in conjunction with liposuction to reach a perfect look? I would like to know if you could help. Or if you know a doctor in Lebanon that can help. Your advice and opinion would be highly appreciated. Thank you for your time again. Tony, Beirut


Liposuction on the face and neck is safe if done with the proper precautions. Gentle technique by syringe liposuction is very effective and safe. In addition, jaw-line and chin implants can give a dramatic improvement. There are several types of implants - Goretex and Medpore are generally used.

I am sure there are good surgeons in Lebanon, you will have to make local enquiries. If you wish to see me in Dubai, you may e-mail me at you can contact me at Welcare Hospital, Dubai

Dear Doctor,
I want to fix my nose. When I laugh my nostrils spread and my nose becomes big. What would be the cost for fixing it Thanks and regards. Imran, Abu dhabi


I think the base of your nose may need to be narrowed to correct this problem. Without seeing you it is difficult to advise you about correction and the cost. I suggest you make an appointment to see me at Welcare Hospital.

Dear Doctor,
I am 23 years old, married with no kids, weighing around 62kg. I would like to reduce the size of my breasts from 40B(at present) to 36. Is it safe and how costly is it? Masooma, Dubai


Considering your age and weight, the breast size appears too big. Reduction is possible by the surgery called reduction mammaplasty. In this the gland, fat and skin envelope are reduced preserving the nipple and often raising the level of the nipple.

Usually after this type of operation, breastfeeding may not be possible but in your case special modification can be done to preserve breast feeding ability.

Cost varies from 14,000 to 18,000 dirhams. You may call me through the hospital [Welcare Hospital] number 2827788 and discuss this further.

Dear Doctor,
I have a question regarding nose surgery. I'm not happy with the shape of my nose. It's a little small and round at the tip. I would like to know how effective is nose surgery now in Dubai and approximately how much can it cost and do you have any financing available for it. Rohail, Dubai


Nose surgery is very effective in changing the shape; I do this surgery regularly at the Welcare Hospital. International techniques are used. You may leave the same day after the surgery, however you will have to wear a splint on the nose for one week.

Credit card is accepted at the hospital. If you wish you may call the hospital and make an appointment [04-2827788].

DISCLAIMER
Advice given by the doctor via e-mails is of general nature only. Actual surgical procedure, costs and outcomes may vary depending on individual circumstances. The author is not liable for any consequences suffered by the recipient by following the advice or basing decisions on what is only intended as information of a general nature. Readers are advised to visit their doctors for specific diagnosis and treatment. Khaleej Times Online and WomenOne do not hold themselves responsible for any answers to readers' queries.
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