An airline steward who has dedicated his life to transforming himself into a Ken doll has been admitted to hospital after his new nose started to rot on his face.

Brazilian national Rodrigo Alves, who suffers from body dysmorphic disorder, has been diagnosed with necrosis, his flesh apparently unable to withstand his 42 cosmetic operations.

The 32-year-old is being treated for the condition in Spain, where he first noticed a hole appearing above the left ala on the latest incarnation of his nose.

According to the Daily Mail , doctors say the London local's face is at risk of becoming gangrenous if the necrosis is allowed to spread.

(Rodrigo Alves)

"I had nose reconstruction three months ago and it appears the new cartilage has been rejected by my body," Alves told The Mail .

"It is very frightening and I'm trying to get back to London as soon as possible for help.

"A horrible hole has appeared in my nostril and the infection is eating my nose and I've been warned if it is not stopped it could eat into my face."

Necrosis is a relatively common hazard of plastic surgery, which can interrupt the blood supply to parts of the body, ushering the condition in.