What the heck is that? I've got a... lump on the outside of my foot

Got a strange lump, bump or wobbly bit? Worry not, here we explain all...

By Martha Roberts, 26/09/2010

Let's face it, our bodies can sometimes be freaky bits of kit. Every so often, something will crop up that doesn't look, well, right. And as for seeing a GP about it - forget it! According to new research*, 42 per cent of UK women search health symptoms online at least once a day and spend almost 30 hours a year (that's four working days) discussing their findings with colleagues.

Lumps and bumps can often be embarrassing, so patients are even more likely to seek advice online rather than talk to their GP. This instant access to information is turning us into what the medical profession have dubbed the "worried well". "We've become a nation of 'cyberchondriacs', logging on to self-diagnose rather than seeing an expert," says Dr Louise Newson, of health information service Patient UK (Patient.co.uk). "The internet is great, but it shouldn't replace a qualified GP."

Condition curiosity got the better of you? Step away from the computer and swap logging on for reading on...

I've got a... small nodule in my armpit

What the heck could it be? A SEBACEOUS CYST

According to Fabulous' Dr Hilary Jones, these are commonly mistaken for cancerous lumps - and for this reason it's a good idea to get them checked out by your GP. But sebaceous cysts are blocked sweat glands that are usually nothing to worry about. "Sebaceous cysts appear just beneath the skin, unlike lumps caused by lymph nodes that have swollen due to a bacterial or viral infection - these appear deeper under the skin and feel rubbery," says Dr Hilary.

What to do Sebaceous cysts will disappear without treatment. If they're causing you pain, this could be a sign of infection, which can be treated with a week's course of antiobiotics. Prone to bumpy bits? Try using an alcohol-based spray deodorant which, unlike oil-based roll-ons, won't block your sweat glands.

88% of adults logged on for a diagnosis this year alone**

I've got a... spidery spot on my chest

What the heck could it be? SPIDER ANGIOMA

This bright red spot with spidery arms may sound like the kind of dodgy tattoo you'd have acquired while travelling in the early '90s but now? No thanks. "Spider angioma often occurs on the face, neck, upper torso and arms," says Dr Hilary. "It's a result of taking the Pill, drinking alcohol and sun exposure, all of which dilate tiny blood vessels called arterioles and make them more visible." Creepy.

What to do "These are found in about 10 to 15 per cent of healthy adults and are nothing to worry about," says Dr Nisith Sheth, consultant dermatologist at London's Cadogan Clinic. Many just resolve themselves, but if they don't, they can be cauterised (when the ends of the blood vessels are burned to seal them), or zapped with a laser (from £350, Cadoganclinic.com).

I've got a... strange bump on my wrist

What the heck could it be? A GANGLION

So, the wart look may rock for Halloween but for the rest of the year? Yuck. "A ganglion cyst is a pea-sized swelling filled with fluid, usually found near the wrist," says Dr Hilary. "It can occur because of an irritation on the joints and they move around when you twiddle your fingers so can be very visible."

What to do Ganglions are harmless. "To get rid of one, you can have it aspirated (when a needle is inserted to draw out the fluid inside), or surgically removed," explains Dr Hilary.

70% of ganglions occur in people aged between 20 and 40***

I've got a... rash under my boobs

What the heck could it be? INTERTRIGO

Got the kind of flush that no sexy bra is going to hide? We know this is gross, but the folds under breasts (and in the groin) provide perfect damp conditions for inflammation. Intertrigo may sound like a dodgy nightclub, but this inflammation which occurs in skin folds is caused by a bacterial or fungal infection.

What to do Say bye-bye to your favourite Lycra and synthetic outfits and opt for lighter fabrics to stop sweating. Topical treatments such as anti-fungal creams and steroids (try Canesten Hydrocortisone Cream, £5.99, Boots) can clear it up, as can anti-fungal tablets or antibiotics from your GP. A moisturising cream will also help soothe irritation. But while short-term solutions work well, the best solution if you are overweight is to diet, warns Dr Sheth. "Smaller skin creases mean fewer chances for fungi to make themselves at home."

I've got a... lump on the outside of my foot

What the heck could it be? A CALLUS

If it's on the same side as your big toe, chances are the lump on your foot is a bunion, which is an enlargement of bone or tissue. If it's next to your little toe, Mike O'Neill, podiatric surgeon and spokesman for the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists (Feetforlife.org), says it's a callus, which is a painful area of hard skin. "Shoes that are too high and too tight can cause pressure in areas that aren't used to stress, like the side of the little toe, causing calluses," he says. If these are ignored, a painful thickening of the skin called a corn can develop on top of the callus.

What to do Use a foot file to help get rid of hard skin, and while we're not suggesting shuffling around in your slippers, try wearing shoes that aren't too high sometimes. "Soft leather is best," says Mike.

What's your DNA damage?

It’s not just good looks you inherit from your folks (if you’re lucky!). Health problems get passed on, too...

By John Triggs , 21/03/2010

From Brussels sprouts to lectures on the birds and the bees - not everything your parents give you over the years is welcome.

Take your genes: inheriting your dad's wonky nose can be bad enough, but scientists are discovering increasing numbers of health problems that can also be down to your family.

"Our genes can make us more susceptible to a huge range of wellbeing issues," explains Dr Anand Saggar, senior consultant in clinical genetics at the St George's NHS Trust in London.

"Diseases such as the neurological disorder Huntington's and cystic fibrosis are well known for being genetically inherited, but there are other conditions where, although no single gene might cause a problem, a combination of them might make you more susceptible."

It's not always easy to discover if it's your genes or lifestyle affecting your health. But if you think you may have been handed down a health problem, read on to discover how to escape your inheritance horror...

Unhealthy inheritance: Infertility

While there are no single, specific genes for fertility or menopause, research* has found that if your gran and mum had their menopause before 52, you may too. "You may have problems conceiving later in life if your mum did," says Gillian Lockwood, medical director of the Midland Fertility Clinic. "But if female relatives had babies later, you're also likely to."

Beat your genes: Quitting smoking is a must if early menopause is in your family. For a Fertility Age Test contact the Midland Fertility Clinic (Midlandfertility.com, 01922 455 911).

Unhealthy inheritance: a sweet tooth

Ever wondered why some people are nonplussed by pudding, while others dive right into the pavlova? Scientists at King's College London have found that genes are more responsible for the foods we like than was originally thought. Experts once believed our penchant for naughty foods came from being exposed to them as children. But when researchers looked at identical twins who'd had different upbringings, they found they often still had the same food fads. And that's not all. Boffins have also discovered that many of us inherit a gene from our parents or grandparents that means we don't realise when we're full - so we're more likely to overeat and put on weight.

Beat your genes: Override your sweet-tooth gene bit by bit. "If you're trying to give up sugar in your tea, reduce the amount you take each day until you no longer have any," advises Sian Porter from the British Dietetic Association. "In the same way, gradually reduce salt intake or change full-fat milk to semi-skimmed then skimmed."

Unhealthy inheritance: bad behaviour

American researchers have discovered that some shy people have inherited a gene that determines how you react to new situations and people. The gene makes them more inhibited. Similarly, men who are prone to angry outbursts may not be entirely at fault either. Scientists at Florida State University recently discovered what's been termed the 'ASBO' gene - known by scientists as the MAOA gene. Men who'd inherited it were more likely to be aggressive, join a gang and use a weapon.

Beat your genes: If you're shy, Philip Hodson from the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapists says: "Smile - it really boosts confidence." Or if you're prone to aggression, Philip advises: "Go for a run or a bike ride to purge stress."

Unhealthy inheritance: An unsatisfying sex life

It won't help the frustration of the estimated 12 per cent of women who've never had an orgasm**, but a study by St Thomas' Hospital in London discovered that a woman's ability to climax was more dependent on her genes than anything else. But it's not just us girls who suffer. The bad news for boys is that genes can also play a role in how sexy you feel in the first place. For example the inherited condition, Klinefelter's Syndrome, can result in a testosterone deficiency in men and low libido. Luckily for us ladies, we can't inherit the syndrome and in fact there's little evidence that genes are related to female sex drive at all. Hooray for that!

Beat your genes: Even if you have a naturally low libido there's lots you can do to give your sex life a kick-start. Read A Little Bit Kinky by Natasha Janina Valdez (£7.66, Broadway Books) for tips on putting the thrill back into the bedroom. The Sh! sex shop in Hoxton, north London, not only sells a huge range of sex toys, books, clothing and DVDs to help get in the mood for lovin', but it even runs evening classes for those who'd like to improve their technique. And for those of us still too embarrassed to be walking out with a bagful of naughty goodies, it also offers a discreet mail-order and internet delivery service (Sh-womenstore.com; 0845 868 9599).

Unhealthy inheritance: Bad hair and skin

Rather than gazing at your dad's bald head and worrying about the fate of your own luscious locks, study old photos of your grandparents. "Women only need to worry about inheriting hair loss if both their grandmothers had thinning hair," says Keith Hobbs, a fellow of the Institute of Trichologists. "And because of the different way genes are carried between the sexes, men are most likely to go bald if their mother's father was bald." Spotty skin can also be blamed on previous generations. "Some people inherit greasier skin than others, so if either of your parents suffered from acne there's more chance you will, too," says Dr Puneet Gupta, dermatologist at Harley Street's Private Clinic.

Beat your genes: "For hair loss, try using a lotion called minoxidil, sold in the UK under the trade name Regaine (£24.99 for 60ml from chemists)," says Keith. "It causes hair regrowth in about a third of people, prevents further hair loss in another third, while the final third find it doesn't have any effect." For problem skin, stock up on zinc and vitamin A, which reduce sebum production. Apricots and green veg are good sources. Or if that doesn't help, see your GP for advice.

Unhealthy inheritance: A roving eye

We may tut over Tiger Woods' recent behaviour, but studies suggest a quarter of women might actually carry an inherited gene that makes us more likely to stray! "By studying twins, it seems there's a strong link between a woman's genetic inheritance and the chances that she'll commit infidelity," confirms Tim Spector, professor of genetic epidemiology at St Thomas' Hospital in London. And as for how many people we get it on with, research by the University of Western Australia has found that could also be down to Mum and Dad. Studies have found that some of the secrets of attraction are hidden in our immune system genes - which we inherit from our parents - and the more varied the genes are, the more boyfriends a woman will have.

Beat your genes: Tempted to stray? Never keep secrets from your lover - as soon as you start lying you're on the slippery slope to cheating, say relationship counsellors. All relationships are different so seek help from a therapist - call Relate on 0300 100 1234.

«Ma vanité m'a presque coûté la vie»

L'aspect beau n'a jamais été aussi facile, moins cher - ou plus risqué. La concurrence féroce et les règlements lâches ont incité une flambée des chirurgiens de cow-boy ...

Julie a souffert aux mains d'un chirurgien cow-boy

Par Laura Millar, 09/05/2010

Vous voulez un ventre plat? Plus gros buste? Face sans ligne? Ensuite, cliquez sur. Quelques secondes en ligne et vous trouverez la chirurgie à prix réduit à n'importe quel nombre de cliniques.

Acheter votre visage et votre corps parfait n'a jamais été aussi facile. Ou plus mortel.

Au cours de l'année écoulée, les cliniques britanniques ont vu une augmentation massive du nombre de femmes victimes des opérations de chirurgie esthétique bouchée qui ont été effectuées ici et dans d'autres parties de l'Europe.

Le problème est devenu tellement sévère que l'Association britannique des chirurgiens plasticiens esthétiques (BAAPS) demande maintenant que la loi soit modifiée pour l'empêcher de devenir une épidémie. Il dit que la vie des femmes sont mises en danger, avec beaucoup d'être laissé en permanence défiguré par des chirurgiens sous-qualifiés. L'association veut une législation plus stricte pour protéger les patients.

«Ce n'est pas venu un moment trop tôt», explique la chirurgienne du visage Caroline Mills, qui travaille à la fois dans le NHS et le secteur privé.

"Certains chirurgiens effectuent des procédures cosmétiques quand ils sont peut-être pas correctement qualifiés pour le faire. Les patients sont attirés à l'étranger parce que c'est moins cher, mais ils ne vérifient pas les pouvoirs du chirurgien.

Le chirurgien Patrick Mallucci, un membre de BAAPS, dit que l'industrie doit être plus étroitement réglementée. «Vous voulez quelqu'un qui sait ce qu'ils font et il est parfois préférable de payer un supplément pour cette expertise», dit-il.

Loin d'être un problème lié à seulement les opérations non-Royaume-Uni, la chirurgie bâclée est maintenant répandue dans ce pays, aussi. Et il n'y a toujours aucune garantie que les choses ne vont pas mal - et douloureusement - faux.

Julie Roberts , 48 ans, a été laissée défigurée après que son boob op ait mal tourné. L'administrateur du sud de Londres a passé des semaines à faire des recherches sur un élargissement du sein à l'étranger, puis a découvert un site Web au Royaume-Uni offrant de faire correspondre les prix à la baisse des prix étrangers.

Attirée par le coût de £ 3,750 et la pensée de récupérer à la maison, elle s'est réservée dans.

«Je suis assez plat-poitrine et après ma fille aînée avait un travail de boob, j'ai décidé d'aller pour lui, aussi,» elle dit. «J'avais passé des années à faire des recherches sur des entreprises à l'étranger, comme j'avais entendu dire qu'elles étaient moins chères, alors j'ai découvert une société britannique faisant correspondre les prix à l'étranger.

Mes implants étaient trop hauts

Julie se sentait rassurée lors de sa première consultation dans des bureaux en peluche à Londres. La façon professionnelle de son chirurgien l'a encouragée à réserver son op, qu'elle a payé sur sa carte de crédit.

Six jours plus tard, elle avait implants de silicone inséré sous ses muscles de la poitrine pour la prendre d'un 34A à un 34C.

Se réveillant gonflé, mais avec une douleur minimale, Julie était heureuse des résultats de l'op.

"Mais au moment où je suis allé pour mon check-up de 12 semaines, j'ai remarqué que mes implants semblaient un peu trop haut et il y avait une zone de peau affaissée sous mon sein droit», se souvient-elle.

Son chirurgien a recommandé de masser l'implant afin qu'il finisse par «tomber» en place. Mais 12 mois plus tard, rien n'avait changé et sa poitrine était encore tombante.

Les seins brisés de Julie

Après se plaindre, son chirurgien a accepté de remplacer les implants par une paire légèrement plus grande pour essayer de remplir l'espace.

Mais cette fois Julie a été laissé avec une dent de tissu cicatriciel sur le côté de sa poitrine gauche, le faisant pointer vers son bras. Une deuxième chirurgie de révision ne fonctionnait toujours pas - laissant Julie avec une «bulle», une grosse bosse sortant de sa poitrine où le muscle avait été éloigné de la paroi thoracique.

Quand le chirurgien a dit qu'il n'y avait rien de plus qu'il pourrait faire jusqu'à ce que ses cicatrices aient guéri dans six mois, Julie a été laissé se sentir déformé et sa confiance a plongé. Au lieu d'embrasser son nouveau personnage, elle le cachait sous des tops larges.

Selon Patrick Mallucci, son problème est commun chez les chirurgiens peu qualifiés et inexpérimentés.

«Le chirurgien n'avait pas créé une assez grande« poche »sous les muscles pour l'implant et il ne remplissait pas correctement la cavité», explique-t-il.

«L'effet« bulle »est une complication bien connue. C'est un signe de mauvaise planification par un chirurgien.

"Il ne regarde pas correctement la qualité de la peau, le placement de l'implant ou la taille de la cavité dans laquelle il est inséré."

Les réclamations de négligence liées à la chirurgie esthétique ont explosé au cours de la dernière année, selon Transform, le plus grand groupe de chirurgie esthétique de Grande-Bretagne. On constate une énorme augmentation de 72 pour cent des patients qui veulent que leurs chirurgiens corriger les opérations qui ont mal tourné dans d'autres pratiques. Les opérations les plus souvent ratées sont des tâches de mamelons et de nez et abdominoplastie.

Une autre victime de la chirurgie sans succès est maman Kelly Hodges , 32 ans, qui porte encore les cicatrices horribles d'une opération de ventre tuck bouleversé qui a presque tué. Elle a fini par vivre et lutter pour sa vie - tout cela parce qu'elle voulait un ventre plat.

Le corps de Kelly s'est rétabli, mais son estime de soi est en lambeaux

"J'aurais aimé avoir fait plus de recherches et posé plus de questions, mais j'ai choisi un chirurgien que je croyais réputé. Il avait un site Web et de bons bureaux", dit-elle. Je l'avais même vu à la télé.

Après une consultation, Kelly a décidé de prendre un prêt pour payer l'opération £ 4200.

«Je voulais simplement récupérer mon vieux corps», dit-elle. "Après avoir eu mon premier bébé, Colleen, en 2000, je suis allé vite. Mais quatre ans plus tard, quand mon fils Tyler est arrivé, c'était différent.

«Je passais du 10ème au 15ème quand j'étais enceinte, et malgré les exercices et le régime après, je ne pouvais pas changer le rabat sacré de la peau qui pendait sur ma ceinture. J'étais coincé à une taille 14 et je détestais. La chirurgie semblait être la réponse à mes prières.

En février 2006, Kelly a eu l'opération de deux heures à la clinique. Elle a eu la liposuccion pour enlever la graisse de ses cuisses, avait ses muscles d'estomac cousus plus serrés, et a alors 2lb d'excès de peau découpée de son ventre.

Je pouvais voir du liquide couler de mon estomac

Mais en une semaine, elle luttait pour sa vie en soins intensifs. Son expérience fait écho au cas tragique de Denise Hendry, épouse de l'ancien footballeur écossais Colin, décédé l'année dernière à l'âge de 43 ans après une opération de réparation des dommages causés par une liposuccion malpropre en 2002.

L'opération initiale de liposuccion avait quitté Denise dans un coma, la cicatrisée à vie, et l'a vu avoir besoin de 20 opérations supplémentaires pour corriger la chirurgie originale. Sans ce GP d'esprit rapide, Kelly aurait pu subir le même sort.

"J'ai été libéré deux jours après mon opération - mon ventre ressentie serré et je me sentais mal à l'aise, mais sinon je me sentais bien", dit-elle.

Quelques jours plus tard, cependant, sa blessure a été infectée.

«Je me suis réveillée et le corset que j'avais été chargé de porter après l'opération était trempé dans un liquide pourrissant et brun-vert, dit-elle. "Quand je l'ai enlevé, je pouvais voir le liquide couler de minuscules trous dans mon estomac." Horrifiée, elle appela son chirurgien.

«Il m'a dit qu'il m'occuperait le lendemain», dit-elle. «Je ne pouvais pas le croire, j'avais beaucoup de douleur, mais je pensais qu'il devait le savoir, il était l'expert après tout.

Lorsque Kelly est allé le voir, son chirurgien a injecté son estomac avec un agent de blanchiment, puis découper une petite peau décolorée près de son nombril, en disant que c'était un caillot de sang. Ensuite, il l'a renvoyée chez elle.

Le lendemain matin, Kelly se réveilla dans une douleur atroce. Elle regarda sa blessure - et pouvait voir directement à travers le muscle en dessous.

Son chirurgien a dit qu'il était trop occupé pour la voir ce jour-là, alors elle est allée à son médecin général - qui a immédiatement appelé une ambulance et l'a envoyée à l'hôpital. En l'examinant là, les médecins ont dit que sa blessure avait été cousue trop étroitement. Il avait causé la peau à étirer, puis fendu, l'ouverture de sa blessure à l'infection.

Kelly a été admise aux soins intensifs et a mis sur un goutte à goutte d'antibiotiques de sauvetage pour l'empêcher de développer l'empoisonnement de sang. Au cours des prochains jours, elle a dérivé dans et hors de la conscience. Il lui a fallu trois semaines pour se remettre de l'infection, qui a mangé sa peau, mais son épreuve ne s'est pas terminée là. Pendant les deux mois suivants, elle est restée à l'hôpital, où elle a été traitée avec une procédure qui a aidé à absorber le liquide de son estomac et a encouragé la peau nouvelle à croître dans la région.

Quatre ans plus tard, le corps de Kelly a guéri. Mais elle ne se remettra jamais de ce qu'elle a subi et elle poursuit son chirurgien pour négligence.

«Je pensais qu'avoir une abdominoplastie serait la réponse à tout», dit-elle.

"Mais mes enfants ont été presque laissés sans maman à cause de ma vanité. Je n'avais jamais rêvé que la chirurgie esthétique pourrait être si dangereuse.

Les deux Julie et Kelly ont depuis eu leur chirurgie corrigée par des médecins qualifiés pour le programme Channel 4 The Ugly Face Of Beauty.

Ils ont découvert que le chirurgien de Julie avait utilisé une marque d'implant appelée PIP, qui a été retiré du marché américain il ya 10 ans en raison de problèmes de rupture. Cet implant a également été interdit en France et en Suède et les chirurgiens au Royaume-Uni ont depuis été avisés de ne pas les utiliser.

Heureusement, les experts de l'émission les ont enlevés avant qu'ils puissent faire plus de dégâts à Julie.

«Je n'avais aucune idée de ce qui était mis dans mon corps», admet-elle. "Je me sens si stupide, je n'avais même pas pensé à demander."

Channel 4 du Dr Christian Jessen croit que les futurs patients doivent prendre les procédures cosmétiques plus au sérieux.

«Vous obtenez ce que vous payez avec la chirurgie esthétique, tout comme n'importe quoi d'autre», dit-il. «Souvent, les gens ne sentent pas que c'est aussi risqué qu'une procédure purement médicale, mais cela peut impliquer une opération majeure», dit-il. «Les gens ne semblent pas tenir compte de cela quand ils décident quel chirurgien doit se rendre à leur chirurgie.

«Ils sont plus susceptibles de faire des recherches sur le coût le plus bas qu'ils sont pour savoir qui a le plus de qualifications ou d'expérience. C'est idiot et risqué.

"Vous devez rechercher toutes les chirurgies avec soin, peu importe où vous avez fait. Poser des questions est la clé d'un résultat réussi.

"Et vous devez vous assurer que le chirurgien est pleinement qualifié, et un membre de BAAPS ou BAPRAS (Association britannique des chirurgiens plastiques, reconstructifs et esthétiques) avant de les laisser n'importe où près de vous», conseille-t-il.

"Si vous êtes certain que la chirurgie est pour vous, assurez-vous de faire vos recherches. Découvrez chaque étape de la procédure et ce qui pourrait, et ne, mal tourner.

'La chirurgie a laissé mon visage défiguré'

Kim Watson, 53 ans, est une étudiante adulte, mère de huit ans et travailleuse à temps plein à son fils Kieron, 21 ans, qui a le syndrome d'Asperger. Elle vit à Largs, en Écosse, avec son mari instructeur de conduite Stephen, 52 ans.

"En me regardant dans le miroir après un lifting de visage et d'un sourcil, je reculai d'horreur. Au lieu d'être frais et sans ligne, mon sourcil droit s'est glissé dans mon oeil et a été paralysé.

Mon mari, Stephen, m'a rassuré que le chirurgien serait en mesure de le régler. Peu je savais que, en raison de sa procédure bâclée, le nerf au-dessus de mon sourcil avait été endommagé en permanence et je ne serais jamais capable de le déplacer à nouveau. Tout cela parce que je voulais prendre quelques années de mon visage.

J'avais décidé d'avoir un ascenseur pour avoir l'air plus frais. La souplesse de prendre soin de mes huit enfants m'avait fait paraître dix ans plus âgée que moi. Mon visage était affaissé et mes paupières étaient tombantes.

Après avoir fait des recherches en ligne et regarder chaque émission de télévision sur la chirurgie esthétique je pouvais, j'ai réservé un rendez-vous avec une société britannique, je croyais être de bonne réputation.

Lors de mon premier rendez-vous avec un administrateur, j'ai décidé d'avoir une abdominoplastie ainsi que d'un visage inférieur et un lifting des sourcils. Le prix total était £ 14,000. Il était raide, mais nous remortgaged la maison comme Stephen savait combien de chirurgie a signifié pour moi.

Quand j'ai vu le chirurgien, il a mentionné des risques comme l'infection ou l'engourdissement temporaire, mais rien de trop grave. J'ai eu le ventre tuck d'abord, et était heureux avec les résultats, donc je n'avais pas de soucis sur le bas lifting quatre mois plus tard.

Mais quand je suis venu, le chirurgien m'a dit qu'il m'avait donné un lifting complet pour un meilleur effet. Comme j'avais seulement payé pour un inférieur, je me suis dit que j'avais plus pour mon argent.

Mais quand les bandages sont sortis, j'étais tellement bouleversé. Le chirurgien a insisté qu'il serait OK si je faisais quelques exercices faciaux, et que si rien ne s'améliorait, il me donnerait une élévation de front. Six mois plus tard, j'avais toujours la même apparence, donc je suis retourné sous le couteau.

Cette fois, il a attaché des clips à la peau dans mon front pour le soulever. Ils se sont cassés, causant une douleur atroce et faisant ma paupière plus loin.

J'étais furieux et j'ai examiné une action en justice, mais comme le chirurgien avait offert de réparer les dégâts, je n'avais pas de cas.

J'ai depuis eu un autre lifting des sourcils pour corriger le problème. Heureusement, ce fut un succès, mais je suis toujours en colère pour ce qui s'est passé. Au lieu de stimuler mon estime de soi, il m'a laissé défiguré en permanence.

Pour moi, les risques n'ont pas été correctement expliqués, le suivi n'est pas adéquat, et je pense que les chirurgiens doivent souligner que les patients sont libres d'obtenir une deuxième opinion.

• The Ugly Face Of Beauty est sur Channel 4 cet été.

Avant d'aller sous le couteau

1 Consultez un médecin généraliste. Ils seront au courant des consultants accrédités, qui sont répertoriés par l'Association britannique des chirurgiens plastiques esthétiques ( Baaps.org.uk ) et l'Association britannique des chirurgiens plastiques, reconstructeurs et esthétiques ( Bapras.org.uk ).

Prenez le temps de considérer la procédure et les résultats que vous voulez.

Faire des recherches approfondies et insister sur une consultation avec le chirurgien qui sera opérationnel.

Assurez-vous que vous avez été mis au courant de l'issue probable réaliste de votre chirurgie.

5 Ne pas aller pour l'option la moins chère. La qualité compte.

Essayez d'assurer que votre chirurgien exerce également sur le NHS - il a des règlements plus serrés que le secteur privé.

Demandez combien de procédures similaires à la vôtre le chirurgien a effectué et quel est leur taux de réussite.

8 Un chirurgien ne devrait jamais faire une procédure que vous n'avez pas accepté.

Refroidir et demander des conseils supplémentaires. Ne vous précipitez jamais en chirurgie.

Que faire lorsque la chirurgie se passe mal

Peter Walsh, porte-parole de l'organisme de bienfaisance Action Against Medical Accidents, déclare: «Si vous soupçonnez que votre opération ne s'est pas déroulée comme prévu, demandez une explication à votre chirurgien. S'ils ne sont pas prêts à vous en donner un, Procédure de plainte de la pratique, ce qui devrait déboucher sur une enquête formelle.

Si vous décidez de prendre des mesures juridiques, c'est une bonne idée de prendre des photos comme preuve et de tenir un journal de toute la correspondance.

Utilisez un avocat qui se spécialise dans la négligence clinique. Un avocat de dommages corporels pourrait ne pas avoir l'expérience nécessaire pour traiter votre cas. Une action judiciaire pourrait donner lieu à une indemnisation, ou dans votre chirurgien offrant une chirurgie de révision. "

Pour plus d'informations, appelez le 0845 123 2352 ou visitez Avma.org.uk

Is your skin hiding a deadly secret?

We sent seven people with moles and freckles to a clinic to see if they were at risk of cancer. One found she HAD the disease. This feature could save your life...

By Natasha Holt, 02/05/2018

Tomorrow sees the start of Sun Awareness Week 2010 (May 3-9) and, while we all love the warmer days, the summer also brings real health risks.

A new case of skin cancer is diagnosed in the UK every four minutes and, even with our washout summers, someone dies from the disease every four hours. So why are we Brits so at risk? Experts believe our lousy weather is actually part of the problem.

"Most of us wouldn't dream of heading out without sunscreen on holiday, but back home it's a different story," says Rebecca Freeman from the British Association of Dermatologists (BAD). "Pale skin can burn in 10 minutes." That's why BAD recommends SPF30+ sunscreen, even in the British sun.

Despite the risks, when it comes to checking our skin for signs of skin cancer, only 47 per cent of us look for new or changing moles*, which can turn cancerous (malignant) over time. Luckily, getting advice has never been easier. As well as consulting your GP, there are specialist mole clinics nationwide - appointments cost around £115. One in 10 of us will be diagnosed with skin cancer at some stage, and prevention is better than cure.

So, what happened when we sent seven volunteers - each with their own skin worries - to get checked out at The Mole Clinic?

5 step mole check

Look at your moles and follow the ABCDE rule. If any of the below apply, visit a mole clinic or see your GP.

Asymmetry - the two halves of the area are a different shape.

Border - the edges are ragged.

Colour - uneven and different shades of black, brown or pink.

Diameter - most melanomas (cancerous moles) are at least 6mm wide.

Expert - if in doubt, check it out!

Cancer found: Needed a mole removed

Nicola Macaulay, 36, is an insurance broker from Kingston, Surrey.

"I'm covered in moles, which worries me because the more you have, the greater your risk of skin cancer. I've always loved having a tan and used sunbeds on and off for 15 years - I even hired a facial tanning machine in my 20s. After a year in Australia and Thailand using SPF8, I'm concerned about the damage I might have done."

Test results: The nurse spotted a dark mole around 2mm wide on Nicola's right shin, which was photographed and sent to the dermatologist for tests. He advised Nicola to use her private health insurance to have the mole removed by a Harley Street dermatologist. She had surgery four days later. Tests revealed the mole was cancerous and, three weeks later, she had skin removed around it as a precaution. She's been advised to have an annual mole check and to use SPF30 daily.

Nicola says: "There have been a lot of tears since my diagnosis. I assumed I'd be OK, so the results threw me into a panic and I was convinced I wouldn't see my three-year-old son, Thomas, grow up. Now I've had time to come to terms with it, I'm relieved this was picked up early. You think skin cancer won't happen to you - but it does."

High risk: Needs regular checks

Rowan Waller, 28, is a PA and office manager for a fashion company and is from Brighton.

"I love frying in the sun and all my holidays since my teens have been spent lying on a sunlounger wearing SPF2 oil. Between the ages of 18 and 26 I was also a total sunbed addict - in the summer, I'd use coin-operated booths once a week. I'm naturally quite dark-skinned, but despite this, I've suffered some serious burns in the past - while travelling abroad in 2001, I burnt my shoulders so badly I couldn't carry my backpack for a week. I'm worried the damage has already been done."

Test results: The nurse told Rowan she has around 70 moles, which is slightly more than average. One darker-than-usual mole on her stomach needed to be checked with a hand-held microscope and a photograph sent off to a dermatologist for further examination. At the moment it's not a melanoma, but Rowan's history of using sunbeds means she's been advised to have it checked again in three months.

Rowan says: "Considering how many sunbed sessions I've had, it was a relief to get the all-clear - but the nurse did warn me that it can take 10 years or more before the damage shows, so I will definitely be getting checked every two years, as advised. I'm also going to get the mole on my stomach tested in three months' time to make sure it hasn't turned cancerous. Obviously I'm worried, but I've now changed my sun-worshipping ways."

High risk: Needs further tests

Lucy Bower, 26, is a buyer for Asda and is from Leeds.

"Despite having loads of moles, I've always loved the sun. In 2002, I spent a year in the Seychelles training as a diving instructor. I also chase the rays on holidays, loving places like Miami and Ibiza. I use SPF30 abroad, but I'm lax in the UK. I've got pale skin so I often end up burning. I've had a couple of bad burns and I have scars on my back from where I blistered and peeled as a child."

Test results: Lucy has atypical mole syndrome (AMS), which means she has a large volume of atypical moles - moles that are large, asymmetric or uneven in colour - and is at high risk of skin cancer. To be diagnosed with AMS means a patient has over 100 moles, at least five of which are atypical. It also includes moles in areas you wouldn't normally find them, such as the buttocks or soles of the feet. Lucy's AMS means there are too many moles for the dermatologist to check at the clinic so she's been referred to a hospital for mole mapping, where photos of her moles will be taken for further examination.

Lucy says: "It's all a bit frightening. There's always a part of you that thinks you'll get away with it. At least now my moles will be monitored, so if any of them are melanomas or anything develops in the future, there's a stronger chance it will be noticed early."

Very high risk: Needed a mole removed

Piers Francis, 32, is a lawyer from London.

"I grew up on the Cornish coast and practically lived in board shorts until I was 18. When I wasn't surfing I'd be on the beach all day or outdoors having barbecues. Being a typical man, I didn't give sun protection a second thought. I still love the heat and always head for the sun on holidays. While I do try to use a bit of suncream, I'm quite lax about it and don't reapply it as much as I should. My girlfriend nags me all the time to cover up. Having said that, I'm worried about my skin as I have a lot of moles and there is a history of skin cancer in my family."

Test Results: The nurse was concerned about a mole near Piers' ankle that was almost black in colour. A photograph was sent to the dermatologist who stated it was "very high risk" and recommended Piers saw his GP for further dermalogical tests. He had the mole removed two weeks ago and is waiting to hear whether it's a melanoma.

Piers says: "Bearing in mind my history, I was surprised the nurse only discovered one dodgy mole - I thought there might be more. The results shocked me though, and when I had the mole removed I was relieved. I'm concerned the result will be a melanoma, but at the same time, if it is bad news, hopefully it will have been caught in time."

High rish: Needs regular checks

Cheryl Hersey, 29, is a company director from Eastbourne.

"I've got auburn hair and pale skin, and I burn very easily. When I was younger I was desperate to be brown so I'd always sunbathe using low SPF sunscreens, even though I'd end up looking like a lobster. But since 2005, when I spent a year living in Australia, I've used SPF30 whenever I'm in the sun. Both my parents have had melanomas removed in the past, so I do worry about my own risk."

Test Results: The nurse photographed a mole on Cheryl's back as it was darker than expected on someone with fair skin. This photo was sent to a dermatologist for further examination. The result came back clear, but Cheryl will need to get this mole checked again in three months' time as it has the potential to become cancerous.

Cheryl says: "I wasn't surprised when the nurse said I was high risk. After all, my complexion is fair, I've lived in sunnier climes for a year and both my parents have had melanomas removed. Obviously it's a relief that none of my moles are cancerous at the moment, but I'll be keeping an eye on the one on my back and mentioning it to my GP. The test has also taught me to check the smaller, flat moles on my body that look more like freckles than standard moles. I always thought raised ones were more dangerous than flat ones, but through going to the mole clinic I've learnt that this isn't the case."

At risk: Needs treatment

Mark Smith, 38, is a media manager, originally from Australia but now living in London.

"I grew up in Tasmania back when no one had a clue about how dangerous the sun could be. I never wore sunscreen, even though we were always outside, and I remember burning and peeling constantly. Since moving to England 14 years ago, I cover up more but I still love being outdoors. I have a sun-soaked holiday in Greece every year where I might put on a hat and sunscreen, but never wear a T-shirt on the beach."

Test Results: Mark has a patch of scaly skin on his nose, which the nurse suspected was actinic keratosis - a pre-cancerous condition - which could develop into basal cell carcinoma (the most common type of skin cancer). He needs to go to his GP for a cream to treat this, and keep his nose protected with SPF30 sunscreen in future. Mark also has a dark patch of skin under his toenail, where melanomas can occur. The dermatologist felt this wasn't cancerous, but has advised him to see his GP about it.

Mark says: "I was relieved to get the results. I didn't know you can get skin cancer under your nails, but now I know where the problem areas are, I'm going to monitor my moles carefully. And I'll cover up in future."

At risk: Needs further tests

Dan Sheppard, 30, is a personal trainer and part-time PE teacher from Salisbury.

"My job means I'm outside all the time, in all weathers. In the summer I'm in the sun from 9am until 6pm, running with clients or doing circuit training. I use a face moisturiser with added SPF15, but I don't use sunscreen on my body because it comes off when I sweat, so I do burn sometimes."

Test results: Dan had four moles that were checked, photographed ¿and then referred to a dermatologist. Two got the all-clear, but two were described as "moderately atypical". A mole on Dan's back was larger than the blunt end of a pencil and one on his arm was asymmetrical. These can be indicators of cancer, so Dan will need to have them checked in three months' time.

Dan says: "Waiting 24 hours for the results was horrible and I kept thinking: 'If only I'd bothered to apply sunscreen.'" It's scary having two moles that could turn nasty, but I see having the test results as a positive thing as at least I know which moles I need to keep an eye on."

What happens at the clinic?

1: You strip down to your smalls while a nurse checks your moles, excluding your scalp and places covered by underwear unless requested. They're looking for melanomas that can develop in moles you already have or new moles. Kate Grant, senior skin cancer screening nurse at The Mole Clinic says: "As well as melanomas there are two other forms of skin cancer to watch out for. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) may appear as a lesion that won't heal, or a crusty area of skin that won't go away."

2: Anything atypical - a mole that's unusually dark, large, asymmetrical or with two colour patterns on it - is examined and photographed using a hand-held microscope called a dermoscope.

3: If anything unusual is discovered, an image will be sent to a dermatologist for assessment. Diagnosis will either be that the mole/lesion needs no further action, needs re-examining in three months or needs to be removed.

‘Mum made me anorexic’

As a teen Natasha Bodley abused slimming pills that her mum gave her. Now 28, she talks about the eating disorder that nearly killed her

Both Natasha and her mum have eating disorders

By Alice Wright & Gail Shortland, 18/04/2012

Immaculate blonde hair, perfectly manicured nails and enviably slim. My mum always looked groomed, but I knew what her secret was. Mum barely ate, and she had a deadly addiction to slimming pills. An addiction that I would inherit, and that would leave me sectioned in a psychiatric hospital battling the doctors who could save my life.

Natasha at an underweight 6st 7lb

Growing up, I thought my mum was so glamorous. She looked like Princess Diana. But she suffered from terrible mood swings. I know now that she had bi-polar disorder. My dad had left us when I was one, so it was just the two of us. I spent a lot of time with my nan while Mum tried various medications to keep her condition under control.

The one thing that was constant, though, was Mum's obsession with her appearance. She'd spend hours getting her outfits right, doing her make-up. Aged 12 I was already worried I was fat, even though I was 5ft 5in and weighed around 7st 7lb.

'You're perfect as you are,' Mum insisted. I didn't believe her. The irony? Mum didn't believe my compliments either. Convinced she was overweight, I knew she gorged on laxatives and slimming pills to keep her size-6 figure.

She hardly ate, so I stopped eating too. Mum tried to make me, but I was determined not to and she wasn't strong enough to fight my tantrums. I lost a bit of weight, but not enough.

As I'd grown up, I'd learned how to get what I wanted - exploiting Mum's guilt for not always being there. So when I decided I wanted to take laxatives, like she did, I knew just how to get my own way.

One night I kept on and on about my weight, which by then was only 7st. 'I'm fat,' I spat, over and over. I ground Mum down until she delved into her handbag and handed me two smooth laxative tablets.

Gulping them back, I felt like I'd won - that we were sharing a secret world. I ended up on the toilet with an awful stomach ache, but I felt cleansed.

From that moment on, whenever I could I'd take laxatives from Mum's bedroom. Consumed by her depression, she didn't exactly try to hide them.

I slimmed down quickly, but no one thought that there was anything wrong. By 15, I was 5ft 7in, a size 4 and surviving on a diet of just lettuce leaves and lemon juice and taking two laxatives a day.

Natasha was taking 120 laxatives a day

That's when I discovered Mum took prescription slimming pills too - I found them in her make-up bag. I told her I wanted some. At first she refused. I accused her of being a bad mum for leaving me with Nan so much, saying that was why I was unhappy - guilt made her weak, so she took me to a private doctor.

I think she hoped I'd be refused slimming pills - I was just a teenager. But I kicked up a huge fuss in the doctor's surgery and we were paying him, so eventually he gave in to my demands and prescribed me slimming pills.

Mum never tried to stop me taking them - how could she? She wouldn't give them up herself.

Leaving school, I enrolled on a performing arts course. But I skipped lessons to concentrate on being thin. A couple of friends tried to talk to me about what I was going through but I was so wrapped up in my illness I didn't listen to them.

Supplementing meagre meals of lettuce and tuna with between 80 and 120 laxatives a day, my weight plummeted. By the time I was 20, I weighed just 5st 7lb. I was smaller than a size 0 and was dangerously underweight. Looking back, I was so sick - my hair was lank, my eyes dull. I barely left the house. Meanwhile, Mum's depression was being better controlled by new medication and she was thinking more clearly. She tried to help me, but I refused to listen.

As much as Mum's eating disorder consumed her, she'd never let her weight get dangerously low. I'd gone further than she ever had. She persuaded me to go into an eating disorder clinic by threatening to get me sectioned if I didn't.

I was furious, and decided to use my time in the clinic to become more cunning about losing weight. I tried sewing weights into my dressing gown to make me heavier when I was being weighed and I became an expert at hiding food from the staff. Meanwhile, my body desperately craved diet pills and laxatives - without them I felt anxious, sick and faint.

Despite my intentions not to eat, being monitored by strict staff meant that after nine months, I weighed 7st and the doctors discharged me. Mum was pleased. But I felt disgusted with myself for gaining weight. Back home I punished my body with a harsh food routine, eating only microwaved mushrooms.

I knew Mum was still taking diet pills and laxatives to stay skinny. So, when she tried to talk to me, I ignored her.

Eventually, it got to the point where I was barely functioning. My body was going into shutdown and I spent my days just sitting listlessly in my room.

I can't remember the last few weeks before I was sectioned. I just know that I was skin and bone and couldn't even walk. Mum couldn't cope - she didn't know what to do. So she followed through on her previous threat and called my community psychiatric nurse to have me sectioned. As I was carried out of my room, I was too weak to physically fight. But I could still hurt Mum.

'How could you?' I screamed. 'It's your fault I'm like this.'

Mum winced, but stood her ground. I was taken into a psychiatric unit, weighing just 5st. Diagnosed with anorexia, doctors told me I could only go home once I'd reached 7st.

At night, I'd phone Mum, begging for her to come and collect me. When she visited, I pleaded with her. But this time she was stronger. 'You need to get better,' she'd insist.

Initially, I was tube-fed by nurses. Then I was gradually moved on to solid foods and watched while I ate in my room. Eating in the dining room was a privilege you had to earn, but eventually I learned to eat more normally and not view food as my enemy.

Natasha and Sonia have now rebuilt their relationship

After seven months, Mum came in for a meeting. I'd made it to just over 7st. 'I can go home,' I cried.

Mum shook her head. 'No, you can't,' she said sadly. 'If you move back in with me, all your old habits will return.' She was right of course. But I felt stung by her rejection.

'You gave me this eating disorder,' I hissed as she left.

I stayed in hospital for a few more weeks. Mum called but I refused to speak to her.

Once I weighed 7st 7lb, I was allowed to leave the hospital as long as I agreed to regular check-ups to make sure that I was still working towards a healthy weight.

I found a small flat to rent and started to carve out a life for myself. I wanted to get better and to study again.

Slowly, I realised I couldn't blame anyone else for what had happened to me. Or rely on them to fix things. I started seeing a psychiatrist and committed myself to getting better. There was just one thing missing - Mum.

After six months I rang her. 'Thank you,' I said. 'You saved my life.' And we started to rebuild our relationship.

A year on, I'm a healthy 9st 7lb, a size 10 and I have a good relationship with food. There's no overnight cure, but I'm getting there. Mum and I still have a different relationship to most mothers and daughters. We've been through some really tough times. I know she tries to control her weight, though I hope one day she'll stop.

We talk on the phone all the time and meet a few times a week. I don't blame her for my eating disorder any more. I thank her for saving my life."

Sonia Szynkarski, a former sales executive, 48, says: "I'll never forget watching as my darling daughter was carried screaming from the house by the mental health team taking her away to be sectioned.

The truth was, however much Natasha hated me, I hated myself more. My beautiful, bubbly girl was a skeleton, dying in front of my eyes, and it was all my fault.

Her problems had been triggered because I'd set a bad example. As her mum, I should've tried harder to say 'no'.

But I hadn't always been there for her. When she asked for laxatives, I should have refused. And three years later, I still didn't say no when she wanted diet pills. Maybe if I had, things would have been so different.

My own weight problems had started when I was pregnant with Natasha. I'd piled on 3st, taking my weight to 11st. Whenever I looked in the mirror, I panicked. My rounded face and puffy ankles made me feel sick.

When Natasha was born, I turned to anything to help me lose the weight. I didn't have time for diets, so I found a quick fix, using laxatives and pills. Even though they left me feeling drained, they also put me in control.

But despite losing weight and having an energetic and happy toddler to look after, something had changed in me. My mood swung violently between elated happiness and a plummeting feeling of doom.

When Natasha was five years old, I was diagnosed with bi-polar disorder. While I came to terms with my illness, I struggled with being a mum. And I made some serious mistakes.

As Natasha grew up, all I could do was watch her pick up my bad habits. I should have led a better example, but I was consumed by my own compulsions.

Looking back, I realise that I wasn't thinking rationally. When Natasha was 15, she demanded slimming pills. We had a vicious row and she was quick to point out what a hypocrite I was - I popped pills like they were mints.

I really thought that the doctor would tell her that she was being ridiculous, but instead he wrote her out a prescription. As her mother, I should have stopped her. Only that would have meant I had to give them up, and I wasn't strong enough.

In my medicated mind, I thought that I was still in control. I took them and I was OK - wasn't I? It sounds like an excuse, but I really didn't know what I was doing.

When I finally grew stronger, with better medication and counselling for my bi-polar disorder, I realised that I had to help Natasha. She was so weak, she could hardly move. 'I've done this to her,' I sobbed every night. It plagued me, how I wished I'd done things differently.

Laxatives and diet pills were part of my life but Natasha had to escape. And I had to help her. When she was sectioned, she was wheelchair-bound and fed by a tube.

It broke my heart the day she begged me to take her home. For the first time, I had to learn to say 'no' to her. After seven months, she had become stronger but I knew that I couldn't let her come home. It was time to be the mum she deserved.

I crushed her that day, but I only did it to save her life. When I look at Natasha now, I'm so proud of what she's achieved. She's studying performing arts and doing brilliantly.

My bi-polar is under control with better medication and I do my best to fight the lure of diet pills, but I do still take them. I used to torture myself for Natasha's problems but she doesn't blame me. 'You were ill yourself, Mum,' she says.

It doesn't stop me wishing I'd done things differently. I'm constantly in awe of Natasha's strength. Finally, she's the strong beautiful woman she always aspired to be.

And with her help, I'm getting there too."

The expert opinion

Susan Ringwood, chief executive of eating disorder charity B-eat (visit B-eat.co.uk), says eating disorders can run in some families. "While you can't actually inherit an eating problem itself, you might inherit some of the vulnerabilities that make having one more likely - such as a chemical imbalance in the brain, which can cause depression leading to an eating problem," she explains.

"Daughters do copy their mothers' behaviour. If a mother makes self-critical comments, it's very likely to have an adverse effect on the daughter's self-esteem."