NIPS/TUCKS/TIPSWITH HARLEY STREET SURGEONANGELICA KAVOUNI

Q. I hate how my 'outie' belly button looks under tight tops. Can I turn it into an 'innie'?

Belly button reshaping is a new and very popular trend. The procedure, called umbilicoplasty, removes the excess tissue to create a softer shape. It's done under local anaesthetic and takes about an hour. The good news is there's minimal downtime, too – it should only take about two weeks to heal. Belly buttons are often reshaped as part of a mini tummy tuck. Belly button reshaping costs from £2,000, while a mini tummy tuck costs from £3,500.

Q. How can I get rid of my double chin?

A. Chin contouring gives a more defined profile. You don't say how old you are but as long as your skin has elasticity, liposuction will even out any extra fatty tissue. This costs from £2,600. For older patients (usually the over-50s) whose skin lacks elasticity, surgeons may opt for a more invasive necklift, which is around £5,200.

Q. Years of sunbathing has given me wrinkles on my cleavage. Would surgery get rid of them?

A. The best way to treat sensitive chest skin is three to five sessions of the Fraxel treatment, spaced two weeks apart. Each session targets 30 per cent of the skin's surface with microscopic laser spots to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. The course costs from £3,500. Your skin will look pinker for a few days and you'll feel like you've got sunburn, but you'll see improvement after two to three months and it should last for years – as long as you avoid more sun damage.

Email your cosmetic surgery questions@fabulousmag.co.uk

SURGERY CARRIES RISKS. MAKE SURE YOUR SURGEON IS registered with the General Medical Council Specialist Register for Plastic Surgery

NIPS/TUCKS/TIPSWITH HARLEY STREET SURGEONANGELICA KAVOUNI

Q. I have dark circles under my eyes. How can I get rid of them?

A. An under-eye peel, which costs £450, combined with a skin lightening cream, available on prescription, will help. The results last for a few years, provided you use sunblock regularly. Often the impression of dark circles is caused by thinning tissue in the "tear trough". Hyaluronic acid injections, £500 each, plump up the skin, cover the trough area, give instant results and will last for a year.

Q. I'm considering a mastectomy because my mum, aunt and gran all died of breast cancer. Can I have realistic implants afterwards?

A. There are a lot of options for reconstructing the breast including implants using soft tissues "borrowed" from the tummy, bottom or back. The decision depends on what's left after the mastectomy. The breasts look natural and can be done at the same time as the mastectomy. Most NHS trusts include reconstruction as part of mastectomy surgery.

Q. I've recently heard about a procedure called liposculpture. What is it and how does it differ from liposuction?

A. A shaped metal tube, known as a cannula, is moved backwards and forwards to loosen the fat, which is then removed by a strong vacuum pump. Because liposculpture causes less trauma to the tissues and can be used closer under the skin, it gives much better results than liposuction. Surgical time varies from 30 to 90 minutes and costs start at £4,000, depending on the extent of the areas requiring liposculpture.

Email your cosmetic surgery questions@fabulousmag.co.uk

SURGERY CARRIES RISKS. MAKE SURE YOUR SURGEON IS registered with the General Medical Council Specialist Register for Plastic Surgery

Nips/Tucks/ Tipswith Harley Street surgeonAngelica Kavouni

Q. I've heard it's possible to have injections in the feet so you can wear high heels more comfortably. Can you tell me more?

A. An injectable treatment called Sculptra is available that stimulates tissue growth to add volume to the soft pads of the feet. It costs £500 per treatment, involves anaesthetic, and the effects last about a year. Treatments take 30 minutes and you may need three or four sessions, three or four weeks apart. Go to www.flawless features.co.uk.

Q. I had a boob job two years ago and my surgeon said I'd need another in 10 years. Is he right?

A. This depends on the quality of the implants and how your body reacts to them. The main problem might be the hardening of the tissues around the implant, known as 'capsular contraction'. There's a five to 10 percent chance of this happening. If you experience pain, or notice any change in breast size or shape, see your surgeon.

Q. I lost weight but still have cellulite. Can I have surgery to remove it?

A. Every so often a 'cure' for cellulite is reported, but the truth is, there's no simple way to get rid of it. It's caused by bad lymphatic circulation and a diet high in calories and fatty processed foods. You could try Endermology (massage with a roller, from £300 for six sessions), mesotherapy (injections of antioxidants and vitamins, £200 per session) or VelaShape (an electric current stimulator, from £300 for six sessions) to help improve the skin's texture – but the best thing you can do is cut down on alcohol and take more exercise.