“ 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 ”

Julie 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 get nasty out-breaks of acne from time to time. They have left my skin a little uneven and, in the worst affected areas, pitted. Are there any treatments? MATT BRIGGS, Hounslow ”

Julie says: Firstly, a thorough assessment by an experienced practitioner is essential. Antibiotics may be prescribed to help boost the effects of the treatments. Glycolic and TCA peels and Retin-A are all possible options. The right one for you will depend on your skin type, lifestyle, budget and how old the scarring is.

“ I'M 39, slim and fit, but look older because of bags under my eyes. Is surgery the only answer? ANDY JOHNSON, Southampton ”

Julie says: Consider a treatment called mesotherapy,where micro-injections of medications and vitamins can be given to disolve fat and nourish the eye. In some cases, though, surgery may be the best option.

“ I'M getting married at the end of March. Before my big day, I'd like to freshen up my face a bit. I've got a few furrows on my brow and crows feet around and under my eyes that I would like to banish. What treatments would be good for me? I'm 27. CLAIRE DEWS, Buntingford ”

Julie says: This is the perfect time of year to start preparing your skin for the big day. I would suggest Botox to help with any furrows to the forehead and crows feet. I would also consider intense pulsed light or mild skin peeling to brighten and freshen your

“ I've just booked a dream holiday to Barbados for Easter but there's one thing that's really worrying me. I'd really like to wear a bikini, but I'm very conscious about a line of dark hair that runs from my bikini line up to my belly button. I currently use a hair removal cream, but it always grows back stubbly quite quickly. Is there a more permanent solution? T Milano ”

Julie says: The best way to solve this is intense pulsed light (IPL) or laser hair removal. For fair skins with dark hair, I would recommend IPL. For darker skin, laser is a safer alternative.It is important to treat the hair at the right growth cycle, so six to eight treatments are needed at six weekly intervals. To reduce the risk of side effects, tanning from the sun, sunbeds or fake tan are not allowed when having treatment. If you start now, you will have the problem under control by the time you go on holiday. For more info, see Julie' website, above.

“ I keep hearing all this stuff about women having Botox, but is it any good for men? I'm in my mid thirties and generally look all right but I do seem to be getting a few lines on my forehead and laughter lines round my eyes and down my cheeks that I don't find at all funny. Can you help me? WAYNE, Chesterfield, Derbyshire ”

Julie says: Botox is suitable for men and women.But it is important to give men subtle treatments to avoid more feminine features. Work out with your practitioner exactly what you're looking for. The best approach is to perform treatment in two parts. After a small amount, wait two weeks to see the effect and put more Botox in if needed. The treatment is very safe.

“ I Have lost a bit of weight over the past two months but whenever I look in the mirror, all I see are stretch marks, particularly on my tummy and thighs. What can I do to get rid of them? CARLI, Newport ”

Julie says: Silver stretch marks are very hard to get rid of. Red stretch marks are different, and have a better chance of improving. I would advise people not to delay in getting treatment that can help. Mesotherapy - painless injections to improve skin quality - is good, although it will not get rid of stretch marks completely. Ten treatments are performed weekly and cost £1,500.

“ I'm getting married in six months and want to look glowing. What treatments should I try? TONI, via e-mail ”

Julie says: Thankfully you've allowed enough time to improve the condition of your skin. I would suggest a course of mild chemical peels or microdermabration, combined with IPL or mesotherapy. You may also need wrinklerelax treatments. See a qualified practitioner who can recommend the best treatment.

“ Can guys get cellulite too? My wife is always moaning about her orange peel legs but now I've noticed it on my legs too. How can I get rid of it? RICH, Accrington ”

Julie says: Yes, some men develop cellulite, although it's Rare. Mesotherapy is a fantastic treatment that uses microinjections. At the Skin Health Spa clinic, myself and Dr Vincent Kabeya deliver These treatments with fantastic results. Ten Sessions are needed, costing £1,500. Treatments are given one, two or three weeks apart depending on your availability. Honey massage is also recommended to enhance the results.

“ My hairline is really low. It practically meets my eyebrows. What can I do to get rid of it? I worry about plucking it because I think I'll end up looking surprised. TINA, via e-mail ”

Julie says: I would recommend a course of ipl or laser hair removal. This is a permanent reduction approach and reduces the instance of side effects from other hair removal methods such as waxing and plucking. Generally six to eight treatments are required, performed four to six weeks apart. Prices start from £48.

“ QI'M going to be a bridesmaid for my sister and she's chosen this awful peach dress - but the worst thing about it is it shows off a tattoo on my back. I had it done when I was 18 and I really regret it - especially because it's an exboyfriend's name. What can I do to disguise it? GEMMA, Durham ”

Julie says: I would advise a good camouflage make-up! You might want to consider removing it eventually. Coloured tattoos are harder to hide - but I have seen good removals with laser therapy on black ones.

“ I have noticed that hair is now starting to develop in some strange places as I get older - particularly in my ears. I have tried to remove it with scissors and tweezers but it usually just ends up in a total mess. Is there any method I can use to get rid of all this hair that would be more permanent? JAMES, Bootle ”

Julie says: There are many different hair removal methods on offer. Intense pulsed light, laser and electrolysis would be the best option if you are wanting permanent reduction to the hair. With laser and light treatments, generally six to eight treatments are needed, to be performed every six weeks. Prices start from £48 per session (courses are available - pay for five and get sixth free)

“ I always develop a nasty rash after I shave and can't seem to do anything about it. I've tried moisturiser, balm, pre-wash, baby oil - you name it. But I always end up with a bright red, spotty neck. Can you suggest a way around it? The only thing I haven't tried so far is an electric razor. JOHN, Derby ”

Julie says: This is a common problem for men and I normally advise exfoliating treatments such as glycolic skin peeling, which can be helpful with ingrown hairs and rashes. Typically, six treatments are required, performed weekly, with a two week prep cream and SPF protection.

“ my mum keeps going on about having a facelift now she's hit 50. I think she's having a mid-life crisis. Can I suggest something to her that isn't so drastic? FIONA, Birmingham ”

Julie says: For some people a facelift is the only answer and I would advise people to get three different surgical opinions so they can make an informed decision. However, she could try a technique called thread-lifting. It's a less drastic form of lifting the face and can be combined with fillers to plump it out and collagen-boosting treatments that can provide truly wonderful results for people of all ages. With thread-lifting, surgical threads are inserted into the face under local anaesthetic. After four to six weeks, the body produces collagen around the threads which improves the skin condition. Your mum will need to make sure she finds an experienced doctor. Thread-lifting is available from £2,200 at the skinhealth spa.

“ I've just reached my target weight - I'm now 9st 5lb after losing 6st. But I'm covered in stretch marks, particularly on my tummy and boobs. What can I try to get rid of them? I thought I could be proud of my new body but I'm still hiding in baggy clothes. RACHEL, by e-mail ”

Julie says: You should be proud of your body, so well done! But be warned that stretch marks are almost impossible to get rid of. If the marks are pink in colour they may be improved, but the results will not be perfect. If the stretch marks are silver then it will be almost impossible to see any improvement at all. A technique called mesotherapy may help in tightening the area. But you will find most medical practitioners will be reluctant to treat you as it can be difficult to estimate how much improvement you will see. Eventually they will fade to thin silver lines - and probably be more noticeable to you than anyone else.

“ I am looking for a great concealer that will do me for both now and when I get a tan. Unfortunately, they tend to only come in one colour or the palettes that I have seen are very pink-based. Can you recommend a good concealer palette that is not too pink? HAYLEY, Birmingham ”

Julie says: I am a big fan of Bare Escentuals ID make-up, which works with your skin tone and is perfect for concealing without blocking pores. For a more permanent solution, you could try intense pulsed light treatments to reduce imperfections of your skin. Also, always use sun protection. You can order Bare Escentuals by calling 08700 801842 or visit www.harelycosmetics.com Intense pulsed light treatments cost from £200 at my salons. If you pay for four, you get one session free.

“ I have noticed some quite deep frown lines and am contemplating Botox. But I still want movement in my forehead or my mates at work will take the mickey. Can I lose the lines without getting that shiny look and the giveaway frozen forehead? BARRY, Chester ”

Julie says: Botox is a brand name and just one of many muscle-relaxing injections. Find a reputable clinic and ask which type they recommend. Here at the clinic I advise patients to have the treatment in two stages - a minimal amount for the first session, then return to the clinic two weeks later to see the effect and to have a further top-up if required. Men and women should always be treated differently. Your practitioner will be trained in looking at the dynamics and movement of your face to make sure it is administered correctly. The aim is not to give you a frozen forehead but to make you look fresher

“ I hate applying make-up every morning and would love to try permanent make-up. I love the idea of an extra half-hour in bed and waking up looking refreshed. But how permanent is it? Could I end up stuck with a really unfashionable look? SALLY, Corby ”

Julie says: I am a big fan of semi-permanent make-up and, having had it myself, I feel it's well worth it! But it's important that you go to an experienced practitioner and have a full discussion with them about what will suit you best. Typically, semi-permanent make-up will last up to two years and you can have the areas retouched if required. It will definitely give you extra time for a lie-in!

“ I've just turned 30 and I've noticed how old I'm looking. I don't want to be vain, but what can I do to stop the nasty lines around my mouth and forehead? GARY, Leicester ”

Julie says: I would advise a full consultation with an experienced practitioner. I'd recommend a filler around the mouth such as Restylane. For the lines to the upper part of the face, a muscle relaxing injection is advised. However, at my practice I encourage patients to look at ways to improve skin health as well, using treatments that can boost collagen, such as skin peeling and microdermabrasion.

“ My 18-year-old daughter is desperate for a boob job. I keep telling her she may not have stopped growing yet, but she says she will save up herself because she wants to feel happier about her body. Are there particular risks to teenagers with this surgery? MAYA, Gateshead ”

Julie says: I strongly advise that she has at least three consultations with experienced surgeons. That will ensure only fully informed decisions are made and she knows the risks.

“ I've had bad spots since I was a teenager. I'm now 32. Is there a beauty product I could use, or is it just a case of using more concealer? LOU, Hayes ”

Julie says: For active acne, try N-Lite laser treatment. About four sessions are needed at roughly £150 a go. For non-inflammatory acne, such as black heads, try vitamin skin peels. You'll need about six sessions, each costing £85 or so. Antibiotics and contraceptive pills might also help.

“ I'd like my lips injected with Restylane for my wedding, but my friend says that once you get them done, you have to keep having the injections, as your lips go baggy afterwards. Is this true? I'd love a fuller pout for my wedding pictures. KIRSTY, via e-mail ”

Julie says: Lip enhancement is a fantastic way of having plumper and fresher lips. I recommend Restylane Lipp as it lasts up to eight months and looks natural. It's not true your lips will become saggy if you do not have them done again. See an experienced practitioner. Prices are from £300.

“ Every time I get ready to go out on a date I get really nervous and my skin breaks out in spots. What can I do? ISSY, London ”

Julie says: Stress and skin go hand in hand. You probably suffer with slightly greasy skin, so use a daily antibacterial wash and treatment cream which contains glycolic or salicylic acid. Consider microdermabrasion treatments to give you blemish-free and glowing skin. And to combat stress, try deep breathing exercises.

“ Recently I have lost over three stone, but the lower part of my face is saggy and it makes me look older. Is there anything I can do? I'm 45. ANON, Manchester ”

Julie says: Losing weight and the ageing process means we lose volume but the skin does not have that same spring. I recommend patients with similar problems to try a great volumising product called Sculptra. Usually three to five treatments are required and you need to take them a month apart. Treatments are under local anesthetic and cost £1,200 for three or £450 individually.

“ Is it bad to have more than four of five ops to improve my looks? I have Botox for my lines, lip filler, permanent eye make-up and chemical peels. But my new man reckons I'm trying too hard, using too many chemicals and would look better if I stopped. Who's right? ANON ”

Julie says: I always advise people that when considering treatments it's important to get an honest opinion from a qualified practitioner to discuss your aims. Personally I feel the treatments you have described are perfectly justified as they are all doing something different. Fillers are filling folds and creases in the skin and will help contour and plump the lips. Wrinkle relaxing injections are great for frown lines and crows' feet. Chemical peels are fantastic for collagen boosting and improving the texture and helping with uneven skin tone. Semi-permanent make-up is handy if you are not good at applying make-up and it saves time. Often partners can be worried, but assure him that these treatments are only temporary.

“ I have been going to the gym for the past year and I don't seem to lose the fat on my inner thigh or saddlebag area. If I overdo the dieting I tend to lose my bust or my face looks gaunt. Any suggestions? Sam, Wrexham ”

Julie says: I would advise a new treatment called laser liposuction which is great for small areas of fat deposits. This involves the laser melting the fat. It can take up to 12 weeks to see the result as your lymphatic drainage system will have to get rid of the waste product. After the treatment, which usually takes two hours, I advise six lymphatic drainage massages to aid the process. It is done under local anaesthetic so the risks of general anaesthetic are removed. One site on your body costs £1,900 and two sites £3,000. A site refers to both inner thighs. Treatments are available at skinhealthspa.com

“ I work on a building site and have really hard skin on my hands. They're really rough and my girlfriend always complains when we get intimate. Is there a treatment I can try to make them soft? MATT, Erith, Kent ”

Julie says: Because of the type of work you do, it is important to take extra care of your hands. Wearing heavy duty gloves is advisable. Try soaking your hands in a mixture of salt and lavender oil. I would also advise using a nightly renewal cream. This will make your hands feel soft and re-hydrate them.

“ I have bad wrinkles on my forehead. It wasn't too bad, but now my hairline is receding it's becoming obvious. What can I try? DOM, via text ”

Julie says: Because they are caused by muscle movement, I would advise muscle relaxing injections. This is a great way of stopping you using these muscles and will make the forehead look smoother and your face more refreshed and less tired. It is important that you see a qualified practitioner who can also advise you as to whether you may need a filler like restylane.

“ HELP! I've had semi permanent make up done and I don't like it. Is there anyway of having it removed? JACQUI, via e-mail ”

Julie says: Sorry, no. But don't panic as it will fade over time - usually within 12 months. I would suggest going back to your practitioner and discussing if there's any way of using a different shade to make it less obvious.

“ I'm 27 and want to know if there's a cure for baldness? My problem is that my hair is thinning and I'm considering laser treatment. Can you help me out? BEN, via text ”

Julie says: For the best advice I'd strongly recommend seeing a hair transplant specialist. When people start losing their hair it is important to have a proper diagnosis to see if there may be any underlying causes for it.

“ It's coming up to party season and I really want to look my best. I'm 33 and not yet ready to do anything too drastic like surgery. Are there any treatments that are temporary to see if I like the effects? NINA, Warwickshire ”

Julie says: This time of year we are all keen to look our best. Visit a qualified practitioner with experience in aesthetic procedures for the best advice. When I assess patients attending the clinic a variety of factors must be established, including the face as a whole and areas that can be improved. Treatments such as wrinkle relaxing injections are a great way of making you look less tired and fillers can be a good way to get a gentle lift to less volumised areas. Contouring the lip can also give a sensual, soft, kissable look. Side effects are minimal and final results are achievable two weeks after any procedures.

“ I want to lose weight around my middle. Are there any treatments I can try? KAYE, Norfolk ”

Julie says: There is a great treatment out called laser lipolysis which can be used on smaller areas on the body. It can take up to 12 weeks for the fat to be removed and relies on the lymphatic system to get rid of the waste product. The procedure takes around two hours and is done under local anaesthetic. If the fat is too much for laser lipolysis then traditional liposuction is recommended.

“ My eyelashes are really wispy and keep falling out. Can I have eyelash extensions? SARAH-LOUISE, Wyvern ”

Julie says: Natural or synthetic extensions are a great way to enhance eyelashes. But it can be time consuming. Extensions are also high maintenance and you must be careful with them. They are probably best suited to someone who doesn't wear much make-up. Before you get them done, talk to your beauty salon. There may be a medical reason why your lashes are falling out.

“ With the Christmas party coming up at work I really want to get myself a makeover and look my best for the evening. What sort of treatments should I get? Helen, Walsall ”

Julie says: For a freshen up I wouldn't suggest anything too drastic. Something like a microdermabrasion - which removes dead skin - would be a perfect way to help freshen up tired skin. If you have four to six weeks before the event, a treatment such as Restylane Vital is good to help hydrate the skin.

“ I hear lots of people talking about their “beauty regimes” but I don't really have one. Should I? I put a bit of slap on before I go out and normally wash it off the next day in the shower but apart from that I pretty much ignore the way I look Jo, Cheltenam, Glos. ”

Julie says: There is no doubt that looking after your skin will be a great benefit later in life. I don't believe in flooding the skin too much and suggest a visit to a specialist to find out what products suit your skin. A good cleanser is essential for removing the daily grime from your skin. A treatment cream to help with such conditions such as oily skin, dehydrated skin or aged skin is essential and a daily face protector such as Spf 30 matte formula in the DDf range will not leave your skin greasy. I would advise seeing the practitioner a week afterwards to assess the skin balance and then add any moisturisers, serums and eye creams at that point.

“ I want to lose weight around my middle. Are there any treatments I can try? Kaye, Norfolk ”

Julie says: There is a really great treatment out at the moment called laser lipolysis, which can be used on smaller areas of the body. The treatment can take up to 12 weeks for the fat to be removed and relies on the lymphatic system to get rid of the waste product. The procedure takes about two hours and is done under local anaesthetic and patients can return to work the next day. But if there's too much fat for lipolysis to remove, traditional liposuction is the way forward.

“ I hate spending half-an-hour in the morning putting my make-up on when I could be lounging in bed or watching some morning telly! Is permanent makeup a good idea? Kirsty, Leeds ”

Julie says: Semipermanent make-up is the best option for people who don't want the hassle or who are not good at applying it. Areas that can be performed on are the eyeliner area, lipstick and blusher area. It's also very good for helping to correct eyebrow differences for those who have overplucked! Medical applications can be given to help disguise scars, too. Remember to see a qualified specialist who will give you an idea of what it will look like before you take the plunge.

“ My lips get chapped in winter and look awful, so I have to wear lip balm instead of lipstick. Is there a product that will both moisturise them and add some colour? Caroline, Trowbridge, Wilts ”

Julie says: I like DDf lip protector Sp15, which protects and gives a glossy look, so any lipstick will sit on top nicely. A lip treatment by Restylane filler is a fantastic hydrator to the lips in the winter months. A small amount can be added without it looking like a full lip enhancement, which is perfect for these problems.

“ I have very fine hair and in the winter I want to wear hats to keep my head warm. But when I do, my barnet looks a mess no matter what I use on it. Any advice? Cathy, Newton Abbot ”

Julie says: Fine hair is harder to manage. I would advise going to your salon to get advice on suitable products. Redkin do a great treatment cream for fine/split end hair. Ensuring you are getting your daily vitamin mineral supplements may help. If your hair is thinning see a trichologist who can advise you.

“ Blackheads are making my life a misery. No matter how often I attack them, they keep coming back on my nose. How can I get rid of them for good? Susan, Hastings ”

Julie says: Blackheads are a noninflammatory acne. Yours must be deeprooted as you have experienced very persistent problems. I get fantastic results using vit-a-peels, microdermabrasion and daily use with a matt formula sun protection. Normally six to eight treatments are required and maintenance is necessary.

“ I've got a tattoo I really don't like that I got when I was on holiday years ago. I want it removed but what are my options and am I looking at a hefty bill for them? Craig, London ”

Julie says: Tattoo removal is successful as long as you visit a reputable practice with experience. In my experience I find black tattoos are the most successful and five sessions are recommended. Prices vary but normally start from £100 a session depending on the size of the tattoo. It is also important to try to find what ink they used to help the practitioner assess suitability. Check out www.tattoohealth.org for more.

“ I suffer quite badly in the hot weather from sweat patches, and it makes me feel really uncomfortable. I'm dreading summer because it means trying to hide my sweat patches all the time. Is there any kind of surgery I can have to stop this? Louise, Brecon ”

Julie says: Sweating is an embarrassing condition for many people. But we can stop the glands secreting this excess sweat by using Botox/Vistabel. It can be used under the arms, hands and feet, normally lasts about six months and prices start from £450.

“ I've been trying to get fit at the gym and although it's working, I've also been considering liposuction. What are my options and how much am I likely to have to pay? Janis, Horsham ”

Julie says: I would go for laser liposuction as you already go to the gym and this is great for smaller areas. It is performed under local anaesthetic and takes about 2-3 hours. There is little downtime and patients often go back to work the day after. The laser melts the fat and it takes your body up to three months to naturally excrete it. The price for one area is £1,800; two areas is £3,000.

“ I've always lived by the sea and when I was younger I wasn't as careful as I should have been with applying sun cream. I've had my skin checked by doctors but I still have red patches and marks on my skin. Is there any way I can get rid of this? Amy, Harrogate ”

Julie says: There are many treatments to help. Intense pulsed light treatments are great for targeting red veins, pigmentation and boosting collagen.Ideally, five treatments are usually required.

“ I suffer from quite bad eczema, and because it's around my lips and nose, it knocks my confidence when I'm talking to girls. Is there anything I can do to hide it without having to raid my sister's make-up bag? Laurie, Newton Abbot ”

Julie says: Most skin conditions are often aggravated by stress, so try to keep stress levels as low as possible. Maintain a healthy diet. Products such as NeoStrata and Bionic Lotion in particular are excellent for eczema.

“ 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 it's making me self-conscious. What can you recommend? Carla, Basingstoke ”

Julie 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 to start with.

“ 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 ”

Julie says: Sweating is an embarrassing condition for many people. But the great news is that we can stop the glands secreting this excess sweat by using Botox/Vistabel. This normally lasts for around six months. Prices start from about £450. It can be used under the arms, hands and feet.