Models may want to consider certain plastic surgery options, or perhaps make the most of their finest assets.

?There are several questions in my in-box concerning plastic surgery. Some agents hyperventilate at the mention of teenagers having plastic surgery, but if a young man or woman has the necessary requirements for a modeling career except for a flaw which could be surgically corrected, it would be wise for that young person to at a very minimum consider the surgery. At this point, I would stress that any consultation should be done with a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, or the equivalent authority in your own country.

Less-than-perfect noses are a fairly common cause for concern, and the following question from a reader and new model typifies this. My husband, Ian, is a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery who performs a variety of procedures on models from time to time. When he decides to perform the surgery, he must be sure that the patient is having the procedure for her own self-esteem and not to impress anyone or to get a job. Here is a question about a rhinoplasty (nose job) and his answer.

Q. I have started my modeling career and I love it, but I have been told that my nose is holding me back. It has an ugly hump, and I am wondering if I should have surgery to correct it. Is this a good idea, and do you think it would help my career?

A. Dr. Ian Matheson, M.D. C.M., replies: “Cosmetic surgery is a serious decision, and a rhinoplasty (nose job) will not guarantee a successful modeling career. However, taking down the hump and making the nose look smaller could possibly add to your self-confidence, which is a crucial element for a model. One often finds that a patient with a big nose can also have a receding chin, and the combination of a rhinoplasty and a chin implant can often greatly improve a profile.

“The before-and-after photos provided here are a good example of that improvement. In this case, the patient had the bony hump and the cartilage that were protruding on the dorsum of the nose lowered. The nasal bones were then fractured and moved inward. A silicone chin implant was placed over the bone at the front of the chin. The post-operative photograph shows the results.”

This next question concerns parts modeling, an area of specialization that includes hands, feet, legs, eyes, lips, armpits (deodorants), and backs (sun and skin-care products).

Q. Everyone has told me that my hands are beautiful and that I should be a hand model. How do I get started and what is involved?

A. Hand modeling is a versatile and lucrative branch of the industry in both print and television. It can be as grueling and demanding as any other type of modeling. The good news is there is no height requirement. Clients are specific about the hands showing their products. A small hand can make a product look bigger.

I interviewed Dani Korwin, who owns Parts Models Inc., in New York City, which has been in business for 20 years. Dani worked as a regular model for a period of time before realizing that “there was a need for specialization.” Dani’s agency covers all body parts, but the focus is on hands, legs, and feet. Her input covers various aspects of this specialty.

She says: “If a model has the right body part, I would say she can make a living in the business. This is not like the fashion and beauty end of the industry. There is a longer shelf life, so to speak, for the models. My advice is to take a realistic view of yourself and realize this is a business like any other business. If you want to be successful, you really have to devote yourself to it full-time. This enterprise is not a hobby and it is not something to be done on a part-time basis. It is a profession and clients, advertisers, magazines, and photographers spend good time and good money for the model and model services.”

Dani emphasized the importance of regular manicures and pedicures, the use of nourishing creams morning and night, and the use of sun-block on a daily basis. Models are advised to submit photographs to Parts Models Inc., 7529 FDR Station, New York, NY 10150. Dani adds, “This is the only way we will consider anyone. If we are interested, we will schedule an appointment.” The modeling agency's web site is www.partsmodels.com.

I am asked loads of questions about the minimum height requirement for fashion models. So many girls want to be international runway models despite the fact that they are less than the 5'9" mandatory minimum height required by designers. Here is a question from a girl who tells me she is a successful print model but would like to model in Paris and Milan.

Q. When I see models on the runways in Europe, I know I could look as good and walk as well as they do. But I am 5'7" and am told I am too short and it will never happen for me. Is this true?