NIPS/TUCKS/TIPSWITH HARLEY STREET SURGEONANGELICA KAVOUNI

Q. I want to have fillers to get rid of my crow's feet. Is there a permanent treatment I could have?

A. There are a number of permanent injectable materials available but their use remains controversial. The most well known is polymethyl methacrylate (also called Artecoll, Artefill, Artesense, Aphrodite Gold). It comes as a thick solution made of tiny beads which is injected into the wrinkle. After about two months, connective tissue forms around the beads, filling out the crease permanently. Prices from £600.

Q. Can I get rid of my freckles? I hate them.

A. Chemical peels can be used to minimise freckles by taking off the top sun-damaged layer of skin. The peel uses the chemical trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and takes about 20 minutes, depending on the number of freckles. You may experience a moderate burning sensation that lasts a few minutes. It costs from £400 per area, or £1,000 for the whole face.

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 varicose veins but I don't want surgery. What can I do?

A. A new treatment has recently been developed called radiofrequency ablation. It involves heating the wall of your vein via a small probe, which is inserted through a small cut made just above or below the knee. This seals the vein shut, making it less noticeable and painful, and redirects blood to one of your healthy veins. The treatment is carried out under local anaesthetic and costs from £3,000.

Q. My daughter is 16 and determined to have a boob job. I say she's too young. How old should she be?

A. I agree that 16 is too young. She's still growing, and surgery may stop the breast tissue from fully developing. Also, she's probably being influenced by peer pressure and other teenage anxieties that she'll grow out of. I never perform cosmetic surgery solely for reasons of vanity on anyone under 18.

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 read that procedures in Poland are 65 per cent cheaper than here. Is surgery safe abroad?

A: Cosmetic surgery tourism is booming. But although it's cheaper, it isn't always as safe, and there are hidden costs. Choose your clinic carefully (check credentials with the Polish Society of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery), and meet your surgeon face-to-face first. Aftercare can be lacking, and if anything goes wrong once you're home, the NHS will refer you back to your foreign surgeon unless it's an emergency.

Q. I've got a really bad underbite. Is there anything I can do?

The lower teeth biting in front of the upper teeth is usually caused by jaw growth problems. It can also be the result of missing or badly positioned teeth, in which case wearing a brace for 18-24 months may be enough. If your jaws are poorly aligned you may have to have surgery, where your jaw is broken and reset. Treatment may be available on the NHS, so see your GP.

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 consulted a surgeon about a mini facelift and he advised me to have several other procedures at the same time. Do you think that's wise?

A. Some surgery combinations are common, such as nose jobs and chin augmentation. But as a general rule of thumb, you should avoid any surgery that takes more than four hours to complete – any longer and you're more at risk of complications. Make sure you only commit to procedures you actually want. I am concerned that some surgeons are starting to sell patients procedures they don't actually need.

Q. I hate my sticky-out ears. I'm 34 — is it too late to get them fixed?

A. Better late than never! Otoplasty or pinnaplasty can be carried out under general or local anaesthetic. The scars are hidden behind the ear, but you'll have to wear a bandage for a few days, then a headband overnight for six weeks. It costs around £2,200.

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