Q. I am a healthy, fit 41-year-old woman wanting to get rid of a ''tiny'' lower belly -- I've never been pregnant -- and smooth out ''little'' bulges on my outer and inner thighs.
PLASTIC SURGERY 101
Q: I am one of the HIV-positive people who desperately needs fat injections in my face due to the fat wasting caused by the drugs used for treatment. Can you advise me?
PLASTIC SURGERY 101
Q: I'm a 36-year-old Caucasian woman. Many people cannot believe my age, although I have had no work done. However, I have had bouts with rosacea and melasma. I use Triluma and it has helped lots, as well as sunscreen. I also use a retinoid and I get regular facials with microdermabrasion. What should a woman of my age consider to look fresher and younger in addition to what I am already doing, without going the radical surgery route?
PLASTIC SURGERY 101
Q: I'm 80 and my nose was broken 70 years ago. I don't get enough breath in my left nostril. I'm trying to stay healthy and do three miles of mild jogging three times a week. Would it make sense, at my age, to have the problem corrected?
PLASTIC SURGERY 101
Q: I recently had my 65th birthday. Within a couple of weeks I discovered a gift I did not want -- a sunken area on my left cheek at the lower inside part of my apple. Is this something that could be improved with Thermage? My right cheek is just beginning to show signs of the same problem. However, it is not as deep. Help! Just because I am 65 does not mean I am old.
PLASTIC SURGERY 101
Q: I would like to improve the appearance of my nose. Which injections would you recommend? I have heard that a substance called biopolymer works well. Are there any other materials that work well?
PLASTIC SURGERY 101
Q: I am an African-American woman who is interested in having cosmetic surgery. I have heard that there is a greater chance of developing keloids after surgery. I am interested in having my eyes and nose done. What are your thoughts and should I worry?
PLASTIC SURGERY 101
Q: What exactly is septo-rhinoplasty? A: We often hear medical terms and never really know what they are. Rhinoplasty is cosmetic surgery of the external part of the nose. It may be a closed or open rhinoplasty.
PLASTIC SURGERY 101
Q: My grandson, who will turn 14 in January, was born with a cleft lip and had surgery at 4 months and again at 5 to correct the scar and his nose, which was too flat. Last September he had surgery to shape his nose, but now it looks wider and bigger. His doctor tells us that it will take about six months before we see the ultimate results. My daughter is thinking he should have his nose done again.
PLASTIC SURGERY 101
Q: I have been hearing and reading about the 18-year-old who died while undergoing breast surgery. Can you tell me in ''basic English'' what you think happened? I have a daughter who is having cosmetic surgery and I'd like some peace of mind.
PLASTIC SURGERY 101
Q: I had Bell's palsy and my face is now asymmetrical. It seems to be more noticeable as I get older. What are my options? I really don't want surgery.
PLASTIC SURGERY 101
Q: I want to get rid of some loose skin in my arms, but the surgeon recommended an operation that would leave a gigantic scar from elbow to armpit. Is there an alternative? I want to wear short-sleeve shirts again!
