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

Dear Doctor,  

My daughter date of birth is 1-01-1996; her nose is not straight, visible to see the bend on nose. Can reshape her nose now? George Abraham, Dubai

She is ten years. At this age cosmetic correction of the nose is usually not done. I prefer to operate after 14 yrs once nose is grown fully.

Dear Doctor,  

I have a quick question. What are the long-term effects of botox quick fix. I have see faces disfigured /contorted or just expressionless. Would you recommend it to any women of any age. I am approaching 50. Do you think I need it? And why? On a personal note- does your job give your satisfaction? or is it the $? You can ignore my question or answer it as you see fit. Eleeza Reena, Kuala Lumpur

Botox has no known long-term sequel except sensitization to the drug in a minority of the recipients, which will make it less useful for that person. The other effect is that the muscles, which are blocked by botox continuously for over 2 years will become smaller/ weaker [that is also the desired effect]. 

If done by a qualified person the problems you mention are not seen. Problem is Botox is being injected by lay persons as well giving bad results. Regarding your last query I enjoy the profession and it is immensely satisfying, the $ is not so much as I work for an institution and not for myself.

Dear Doctor,  

I'm 26 year old woman who has lot of loose flab left on my tummy as a result of my child birth even after 2 years now. There is also some fat on my hips and thighs. Other than those I have slim body with a height of 5'3" and weight of 52kgs. Please advise what is the best way to get rid of this and get back to original flat abs, tight hips and thighs. Is this loose flab the cellulite? Anita, Chicago

This is not cellulite but loose skin due to overstretching and loss of elasticity. Unfortunately for the loose skin on the lower abdomen, exercise alone does not improve it. The only proven technique is by abdominoplasty or tummy tuck operation. 

The trouble spots in hip and thigh can be treated at the same time by liposuction. The massage therapy called endermology LPG is useful for the flab in thighs to firm up the skin. You will also need to do proper fitness and toning exercises. 

Dear Doctor,  

I am working in Saudi Arabia. On my way to Pakistan, I want liposuction. I have only fat in my abdomen and no fat else where. I think about two kg fat have to be removed. Please tell me total cost for tumescent liposuction Pervaiz Iqbal, Riyadh

Tumescent liposuction is a very safe technique and allows liposuction to be done under local anesthetic. The cost for one body part like tummy will range from 8000 to 10,000 dirhams. You will need to stay for about 3 days in Dubai before resuming flight.

Dear Doctor,  

What are the price ranges for nose reshaping? Jane, Dubai

Ranges form 9 to 14 thousand dirhams depending on complexity.

Dear Doctor,  

I would like to know where I could have the lip enhancement using artificial skin, in New York. Of course if you are located in NY, can I make an appointment? Lee, New York

Sorry cannot help you with NY referrals. Acellular dermis is a viable way of doing it and the results are longer lasting than Resylene. 

Dear Doctor,  

Whenever I eat fast food or something else, acne and pimples appear on my body even in mouth and head. I have treated so many times but no results. Please give me a solution of this problem. Asif Shah, Sharjah

Please see a skin specialist.

Dear Doctor,  

I would like to do a plastic surgery to the nose of one of my sons. His nose is a bit flat and his nostrils flare up. He has a handsome face cut and is tall for his age - almost 6'- but his nose makes his face look a bit awkward. What are the costs involved in Dubai and how long does it take for him to recover after the surgery. A. Fernandes, Dubai

Yes, this is possible and routinely done. Cost varies depending on the work and complexity; it is usually between 9-14 thousand dirhams. Recovery 1 week, no need to stay in hospital.

Dear Doctor,  

I have more hair in my chest and back portion of the body, so I feel bad. Is there any solution to remove that without side effects? Asif, Abu Dhabi

You need to see a dermatologist to consider laser hair removal; less expensive options are creams, waxing.

Dear Doctor,  

I want to remove my double chin, Do you have any solution and how much will it cost Malik Akram

Yes, this is easily done by liposuction and /or neck tightening surgery called neck lift. Type of surgery will be decided after examination and the cost depends on that. Usual costs range form 5000 dirhams to 10,000 depending on what is required.

Dear Doctor,  

How much cheeks fat injections cost, please? And how long it lasts. Amy, Dubai

Cost depends on extent of job needed, generally form 5000 to 7000. 70% of the fat stays and it usually lasts several years. It may be considered "permanent". More fat can be put in later if needed. Some cases need more than one session.

Dear Doctor,   

I would like to have a breast lift and would like to know if surgery is required? Do I need to stay in hospital over night? Will there be scars? As I live in Abu Dhabi, can you recommend a place here. On average, how much would this procedure cost. Much thanks for your advice. Regards, Jordana, Abu Dhabi

Breast lift is a term used for the surgery that uplifts the sagging breast and replaces the nipple to the right place. It does not increase the size, for size increase you will need breast augmentation with an implant. People often confuse the two and hence the clarification.

Now after a lift operation, there will be scars. Newer techniques can do this with smaller scars and this is what i specialize in. This surgery should be available in Abu Dhabi as well but I do not know if short scar techniques are available.

If you wish to see me you may call the Welcare hospital in Dubai for an appointment. hosp stay overnight may be needed in some cases, not in all.

Dear Doctor,  

I have a defected right leg middle finger due to accident. It is too heavy & small compared to other fingers. It is 15 years old. Can it be rectified? And at what cost? Amiya Mohapatra, Bhubaneswar

Difficult to comment without seeing the problem. Best if you go to a plastic surgeon in your area and discuss the options. If the toe has been cut [amputated] and is small then usually nothing is possible but if it is bent due to scar then it can be corrected.

Dear Doctor,  

Can you please tell what will be the cost of liposuction to be performed on thighs and hips in Bangalore, particularly in Manipal Hospital? Anonymous, Bangalore

Sorry, wrong number. Please note this is a site for general advice and not for costs in a particular hospital. You are in Bangalore and I think it is much better to call the hospital. I work in DUBAI and it is stated on the website.