Q. I am struggling with my weight which went up along with many people's over Christmas.
In the past I have dieted and exercised which brings things back into control for a few months but gradually over the years I have gained a couple of stones.
I have started to consider surgery as an option but don't know what the pros and cons are and wonder if after a few years I will be back in the same position?
A. Liposculpture can produce modest changes in weight and shape, the fat cells are disrupted under the skin using one of a variety of techniques - ultrasound and saline injections are common methods.
The fat cells are then sucked out using a high power suction device.
The process is quite uncomfortable as it produces a large amount of swelling and bruising, and can leave some areas numb but this will usually recover in a few weeks. It does improve shape and weight but it is not a guarantee of being permanently lighter as some fat cells will always remain which can allow things to return if you let it.
This is a specialised and rapidly developing area of surgery and it's best to get top advice from a trained surgeon.
Q. I have recently been reading about your advice on eczema and remember being treated with a poultice made from cold porridge.
It worked a treat, and would recommend it to anyone and wonder what your thoughts are.
A. We doctors often forget where our medicines come from; one of the proprietary moisturising treatments that we use frequently is based on oatmeal, so I am not surprised that a poultice of the stuff helped your skin.
It does sound a little messy and sticky though, so I will probably be sticking to the cream.
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