Catch Skin Cancer Early
Use the ABCDE method to do monthly skin checks and detect changes in moles.
Protect Yourself in the Sun
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The Dark Side of Tanning
Tanning damages your skin. Learn safer ways to achieve a healthy glow.
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Help for Common Skin Problems
Discover preventive strategies and treatments for age spots, broken vessels and skin tags.
How to Catch Skin Cancer Early
Skin cancer is curable when caught early. Learn how to perform skin self-exams and when to get checkups.
Living with Psoriasis
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Ask an Expert
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
I'm 75 and have keratosis on my face and upper torso. My PCP is sometimes reluctant to take care of them using LN2, since Medicare regards this as cosmetic. Does the wart remover "Freeze Away" work sufficiently or is there a better product?
Your primary care physician is correct about benign seborrheic keratoses. They are considered by Medicare to be cosmetic unless they are causing irritation such as itching, bleeding, pain or get caught on cloth... continue reading about I'm 75 and have keratosis on my face and upper torso. My PCP is sometimes reluctant to take care of them using LN2, since Medicare regards this as cosmetic. Does the wart remover "Freeze Away" work sufficiently or is there a better product?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
I'm female (58) who was raised at a high altitude and has a fair complexion. I have sunburned many times. My family has a history of melanoma. The skin on my face has darkened in blotches and I'm worried.
Although it does not sound like you have an immediate concern, anyone with a strong family history of melanoma should be checked by a dermatologist for a full body skin examination at least yearly. It is import... continue reading about I'm female (58) who was raised at a high altitude and has a fair complexion. I have sunburned many times. My family has a history of melanoma. The skin on my face has darkened in blotches and I'm worried.
Larry K. Fan, M.D.
California Pacific Medical Center
I recently read about the new "gummy bear" breast implants. I understand that it's a more cohesive gel, but does this make it a better choice than the regular saline or silicone types? Are there any side effects and how long do these last?
Today's breast implants are made from a variety of state-of-the-art materials including saline, silicone gel, and highly cohesive silicone gel. All of the breast implants currently approved by the FDA are consi... continue reading about I recently read about the new "gummy bear" breast implants. I understand that it's a more cohesive gel, but does this make it a better choice than the regular saline or silicone types? Are there any side effects and how long do these last?
Larry K. Fan, M.D.
California Pacific Medical Center
I've had my lips augmented with dermal fillers and like the results, but don't like the bruising. I read about a new technique using a "blunt-tip cannula" that replaces needles. Is it available in Northern California and is it better?
Facial fillers, such as Restylane and Juvederm, are injected using very small needles. Recently, an alternative technique for injecting fillers using blunt-tipped microcannulas has been developed. Yes, the tech... continue reading about I've had my lips augmented with dermal fillers and like the results, but don't like the bruising. I read about a new technique using a "blunt-tip cannula" that replaces needles. Is it available in Northern California and is it better?
Catherine Lenz, PA-C
Sutter Medical FoundationSutter Medical Foundation
What can be done about aging, thinning skin on the arms and legs as we get older? Is there a best ingredient in over-the-counter products? This is happening despite excellent nutrition and otherwise very good health.
This question undoubtedly is asked by patients every day. Truth be told, there are preventive measures that can slow down the aging process, but sadly there is no way to completely avoid or reverse the aging pr... continue reading about What can be done about aging, thinning skin on the arms and legs as we get older? Is there a best ingredient in over-the-counter products? This is happening despite excellent nutrition and otherwise very good health.
Larry K. Fan, M.D.
California Pacific Medical Center
If I get liposuction to get rid of my belly fat, will I reduce the health risks associated with being "apple" shaped?
Liposuction is a great way to contour and reshape the body (including the belly) by removing unwanted fat. Unfortunately, liposuction is not a treatment for weight loss, nor does it appear to influence the risk... continue reading about If I get liposuction to get rid of my belly fat, will I reduce the health risks associated with being "apple" shaped?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
I just read information about sun protection, noting the ingredients necessary for a good sun screen. I checked the sunscreens I use and see NONE of those ingredients. Can you recommend a product with the best ingredients?
One does not need to look at the specific ingredients of a sunscreen to determine if it is effective or not. The main issues in choosing a sunscreen are evaluating its sun protection factor (SPF) and whether it... continue reading about I just read information about sun protection, noting the ingredients necessary for a good sun screen. I checked the sunscreens I use and see NONE of those ingredients. Can you recommend a product with the best ingredients?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
I have some ugly and large varicose veins on my legs. I've read about laser treatments to remove them, but would like to know how many treatments it takes, does the treatment hurt, and will my insurance cover the procedure?
I assume from your question that you are referring to the large veins that stick out from the skin surface as raised lumps and not small spider veins. Spider veins are a cosmetic problem and treatment for them ... continue reading about I have some ugly and large varicose veins on my legs. I've read about laser treatments to remove them, but would like to know how many treatments it takes, does the treatment hurt, and will my insurance cover the procedure?
Carolyn E. McAloon, DPM
SEBMF HMO Network
What causes broken veins around the ankles? Is there any preventive measures that can be taken?
Those small dilated veins around the ankle are very common (I have them too) and are called telangectasias or "spider veins." They are not usually a health concern and are most often asymptomatic. On occasion t... continue reading about What causes broken veins around the ankles? Is there any preventive measures that can be taken?
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