The Beauty Column

I'M thinking of buying my girlfriend a boob op for her birthday and I've heard that there is now an injection you can have. Can you tell me more about it? Is it the easiest way for her to get bigger boobs? And how much it will all cost? ROB, Belfast

Frances says: Macrolane is a filler launched by Restylane this year in the UK, with CE approval. It is designed to achieve a softer, natural look to the breast and normally lasts around 12 to 18 months. There are several practitioners in the UK experienced in this procedure and it costs from £2,000. I would also see a plastic surgeon for a consultation on implants. That way you will have both options explained to you with an honest opinion on results.

I suffer from quite bad eczema, and because its on my face-around my lips and nose- it really knocks my confidence when im talking to girls. Is there anything i can do to hide it without having to raid my sisters make -up bag? Daz Leatherhead

Frances says: Eczema and most skin conditions are often aggravated by stress. So do try to keep stress levels as low as possible, maintain a healthy diet and also ensure your body is equipped to fight this inflammatory disorder with a good daily supplement of Zinc. Products such as neostrata bionic lotionare excellent for eczema.

I have dark circles around my eyes which I disguise with makeup. But by the end of the day they show through. what causes them, and how can i hide them? Charmain, Morpeth

Frances says: There are many possible causes. A blood test can reveal vitamin or mineral deficiencies. Some people have larger blood vesselsunder the eye and these can be lessened by laser treatments. Use a good eyecream such as ddf erase eye gel and protect your eyes from uv rays.

'for the last few months. I have been going to the gym at least three times a week and ive managed to lose a bit of weight. Im in my mid 30's and it has encouraged me to shape up. But no matter how often I exercise I cant shift my double chin or man boobs. Are there any other ways to get rid of these fatty areas?

These areas can be done at any one session and downtime is minimal, prices start from £1,800. The second method mesotherapy uses a mixture of medications and vitamins to help breakdown fat and tighten the skin. You will usually require 10 sessions and a course is around £800. Peter Fletcher, Croydon

Frances says: At the moment there are two very popular methods of fat removal, smartlipo (laser lipolysis) or mesotherapy. The first involves a laser which breaks down fat after which the body gets rid of naturally. This is unlike liposuction which is the physical removal of fat when you have the procedure done. Smartlipois ideal for smaller areas and the great news is that the laser has a tightening effect on the skin, so lessens the chance of sagging skin post procedure.

I usually shave my bikini line in the shower, but i nearly always come out in little red bumps and spots afterwards. Ive tried using depilatory creams, but find them too messy and the hair still seems to grow back quickly. I cant afford to have it waxed at a salon every week, is there an alternative? Katherine, Edinburgh

Frances says: Ingrown hairs are a common problem when shaving, especially the delicate bikini area. Laser treatments are an effective way of reducing hair and shortening the regrowth period. You may need between 6-8 treatments and attend 6-8 weekly, prices from £150 per treatment.

I've been trying to get fit at the gym and although its working I've been considering liposuction to help me on my way. What are my options and how much am I likely to have to pay? Sarah, Epping

Frances says: I'd recommend laser liposuction as you already go to the gym. This is a great treatment for smaller areas. The procedure is done under local anaesthetic and takes two to three hours. The great thing is there is little downtime and patients often go back to work the day after. It works by using a laser to melt the fat and it takes your body up to three months to excrete it naturally. Prices from £1,800

I am thinking of having a nose job as I have always hated mine. It is massive and makes me really self-conscious, especially when it comes to having my picture taken. I am getting married in June and would love a neat, new nose for my wedding pictures. What tips can you give when looking for a surgeon and how long before the wedding Should I have it done so that it can heal in time? Susan Smith, Birmingham

Frances says: Whenever considering plastic surgery always allow plenty of time before and important day like your wedding. Rhinoplasty can take up to 12 months to heal completely and for bruising and swelling to go down. I always recommend three seperate cosultations to give you a more informative approach to any procedure. It may be too late for surgery, but do not rule out other non surgical procedures to enhance your skin before your big day too give you an extra confidence boost

I've lost weight through diet and exercise, but the skin around my cleavage appears to have become a little crepey and I'm scared it may get worse. Are there any procedures to combat this? Mandy, Hove

Frances says: When we lose weight it is natural to lose the elasticity in the skin. Your age will determine how creopey your skin becomes. There are many different treatments that will boost collagen in the skin, but I adivise a course of intense pulsed light treatments, dermal roller or restylane vital, depending on the assessment of what your skin needs.

Recently I've noticed a few little red veins breaking out on the back of my leg, which I really hate. What could be causing them and how do I get rid. Hazel Mortimer, Ledbury

Frances says:These very small broken veins on the back of the legs are easily treated with a laser. A proper assessment with a nurse or doctor is required to make sure there are no underlying or serious vascular conditions such as varicose veins. Generally three to five treatments performed every four weeks are required and prices start from £75.

Since the new year I have started a new fitness regime, regularly working out and eating a healthy balanced diet. But I have been continually suffering from spots breaking out under my skin, particulary under the cheek and jaw area. Do you know what might be causing this and of anything that could help? I work in an office and spend a lot of time sitting at a computer.
B Tucker,warwick

Frances says: Congrats on your new healthy approach to life. This recent outbreak of spots has a lot to do with your detox programme. It is one way of the body getting rid of toxins. I would advise you to attend a consultation with a nurse or doctor, with a view to having treatments such as mild skin peeling, micodermabrasion, dermal rolleror a short course of antibiotics. These help control bacteria. They also boost collagen, so any scarring will be inproved. Most good aesthetic clinics have excellent products to help control the outbreak. Remember the three steps to healthy skin are cleanse, treat and protect.

I've got quite a lot of little red (and even some purple) veins that are becoming more and more visible on my face. Is there anthing I can do about them and would any treatment for this take a long time? Dan, Cumbria

Frances says: These types of problems are easily treated by intense pulsed light or laser treatments. It works by breaking up the veins and reducing inflammation. You'd need about three to five treatments depending on the severity and they cost from £50 its important you wear a sunscreen and use Vitamin C serum daily to help prevent further damage to the skin.

I have heard that there might be a new way of having liposuction without surgery. Apparantly they use a laser and I would love to have my jawline and love handles treated. Have you heard of this treatment, what does it involve and how much does it. Cost? Darren spencer, Dudley

Frances says: Yes happily there is smartlipo which is an alternative to normal liposuction. This is a procedure which uses a laser to break down fat with the bonus of being able to tighten the skin. Patients often attend our clinic after liposuction for mesotherapy which tightens the skin, so the added bonus of smartlipo is that you can get a dual effect. The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic and prices start from £1,500 per area

I am a 34 year old builder and have noticed my wrinkles are getting quite deep. My missus is commenting on how rough my skin feels too. Can you reccomend a skin care cream for men to make me look better and feel nice again? Steve, Middlesborough

Frances says: Because you work outdoors your skin is exposed to uv damage, so wear. A high spf protection sun lotion daily with vitamin c serum. I like the skinceuticals range and heliocare. If your skin is rough a skin peeling agent or microdermabrasion is advisable. For deeper lines I would reccommend muscle relaxing injections which is safe and effective.

I'm very fleshy around the jowls and have always had a double chin, which I hate. Even when I lose weight this problem persists. But my friends tell me that there are now cosmetic procedures that could help reduce the problem is this so? Emma Jardine, Worthing

Frances says: This is a problem for men and women. We use mesotherapy micro injections of medication and vitamins to break down fat. An initial course of 10 and maintenance sessions are usually recommended its also ideal for treating other fatty areas such as saddlebags and love handles.

I don't have bags under my eyess, but I do have dark circles which make me look years older. I've tried cover-up creams even touche eclat. Which didn't work. Can you suggest any other cream. I've read about surgery but I'm not sure what's its called or how effective or safe it is? JO, Coventry

Frances says: It could be herediatry if the skin is thin, blood passing through large veins can produce a bluish tint. Exposure to the sun increases melanin and hyperpigmentation so good spf is essential. Allergies and medications candilate vessels and poor diet can cause problems. See a qualified practitioner and try vitamin k based eye creams.

I am a 35 year old male who suffers from spots. My face becomes greasy especially after shaving. This is when I tend to get outbreaks below my nose and around the chin. These are the white spots that leave a lot of red marks after bursting. I always dab my face with a clean tissue to absorb the grease on my face when it looks shiny. I have always suffered from spots (not acne) but I just can't seem to shift them. -I know every cleansing routine there is to know. I've even stopped using shaving foam and steam my face. Can you help. Terry, Merseyside

Frances says: It would appear you are suffering from excessive oil production. See a specialist who can take a full medical history and assess your skin, as some people require medication. It would appear the beauty type products you are using are not helping and may aagravate the condition. I find alpha hydroxy skin peeling systems such as glycolic acid and pure vitamin c serum and vitamin a are all useful in trying to mange the symptoms you have described by exfoliating the skin, helping to soak up excessive oil and closing pores.

I have cellulite on my bum, hips and thighs and I've even started to notice the odd dimple on my lower legs. I'm rr and not overweight, yet I seem to be really plagued with orange peell and its making me self conscious. What can you recommend? Sally Davidson, Maidenhead

Frances says: Try mesotherapy , injections of medications, vitamins and minerals are delivered to the targeted area to break up fat deposits and smoothe the skin, it also improves the lymphatic system - try 10 sessions weekly to get your desired result then a session every 2 months to maintain.

I always end up with a shaving rash no matter what I do. I've tried moisturiser, specialised shaving foam and tea tree oil, yet nothing seems to work. Are there any other methodds of hair removal I could try? Josh Byrne, Darlington

Frances says: It is possible to permanently reduce hair growth with a course of intense pulsed light or laser. Regrowth may be patchy. Normally I would only treat someone suffering from hirsuitism. However if they were adamant, we would treat the patient after a full consultation with a qualified practitioner. Have you considered your shaving technique? Always shave upwards. Also glycolic peeling can help with trapped hair folicles and reduce any redness.

No matter how much I diet. I can't get rid of the ugly saddlebags on my thighs. I've thought about liposuction, but am worried about going under the knife. I've heard of jabs that will help. Arnold, Wiltshire

Frances says: We see many women at the clinic with localised fat. We use mesotherapy to help break it down. It can also help cellulite. Although you have fears about liposuction some doctors advise this first followed by mesotherapy, in which microinjections deliver vitamins and medications into the area of concern.

With the summer coming up I'm worried because I suffer quite badly in the hot weather from sweat patches. I'm dreading it because it means always trying to hide them instead of enjoying the sunshine. How can I stop this? Louise, Swansea

Frances says: Sweating is an embarrassing condition for many people. But the good news is that we can stop the glands secreting this excess sweat by using botulinum toxin type a.This normally lasts for around six months and costs £395, it can also be used on the hands and feet.

I have cellulite on my bum, hip and thighs and I've even started to notice the odd dimple spreading to my lower legs. I'm 33 and not overweight, yet I seem to be really plagued with orange peel and its making me self conscious. What can you recommend? Carla, Basingstoke

Frances says: Try mesotherapy injections of medications, vitamins and minerals are delivered to the target area to break up fat deposits and smooth the skin, try 10 sessions. Initially a course is £800.