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Ask an Expert
Michael G. Cedars, M.D.
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center - Summit Campus
Can you give me some information about dermal fillers? How long do they typically last, and are there side effects? Of all the dermal fillers currently on the market, which one do you think is the best?
Depending on the filler, they typically last six to 12 months, and most require only a single treatment to create their effect. They vary also in terms of stiffness, so the best one for, say, the lips would be ... continue reading about Can you give me some information about dermal fillers? How long do they typically last, and are there side effects? Of all the dermal fillers currently on the market, which one do you think is the best?
Susan Maayah, M.D.
Mills-Peninsula Medical Center
How do I prevent, or treat, recurring urinary tract infections?
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are very common in women. This is due to the short urethra that leads from the bladder to outside the body and the plethora of bacteria that reside in the surrounding areas inclu... continue reading about How do I prevent, or treat, recurring urinary tract infections?
Steven C. Hao, M.D., FACC
Mills-Peninsula Medical Center
If you are a cardiac patient, what does it mean when your ankles are swollen? How much is too much, and for how long? Could this be diet, meds or both?
Ankle swelling can be due to a number of issues, with cardiac issues likely to be the most concerning. Other causes include, but are not limited to, venous insufficiency (incompetent valves), venous thrombosis ... continue reading about If you are a cardiac patient, what does it mean when your ankles are swollen? How much is too much, and for how long? Could this be diet, meds or both?
Susan Maayah, M.D.
Mills-Peninsula Medical Center
If HPV high risk is detected during my PAP smear result, should I get vaccinated? Or is it too late for any benefit of a vaccine? I have been monogamous for the last 10 years. Also, what's the likelihood of getting cancer once HPV is detected?
High-risk HPV detection on a pap smear indicates you are at risk for developing cervical cancer at any point in the future. With a healthy immune system, many women clear this, but sometimes severe cases requir... continue reading about If HPV high risk is detected during my PAP smear result, should I get vaccinated? Or is it too late for any benefit of a vaccine? I have been monogamous for the last 10 years. Also, what's the likelihood of getting cancer once HPV is detected?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
My 7-year-old son gets nosebleeds often. What causes them and can they be prevented?
Generally nose bleeds occur because the small blood vessels are shallow within the tissues of the nose. This is normal, but the constantly wetting then drying of the nose can cause the nasal tissue to crack (si... continue reading about My 7-year-old son gets nosebleeds often. What causes them and can they be prevented?
Junaid H. Khan, M.D., FACC, FACS
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center - Alta Bates Campus
I've been through some bad loses this year (relationship, foreclosure) and have had chest pain and shortness of breath. My doctor said I had stress cardiomyopathy (broken heart syndrome). What are the other symptoms, is it dangerous, will I get it again?
I am sorry for your losses.Cardiomyopathy can be a serious condition. In addition to chest pain and shortness of breath, patients can have dyspnea on exertion, fatigue, edema, and in some cases hepatic or kidne... continue reading about I've been through some bad loses this year (relationship, foreclosure) and have had chest pain and shortness of breath. My doctor said I had stress cardiomyopathy (broken heart syndrome). What are the other symptoms, is it dangerous, will I get it again?
Rakesh Donthineni, M.D.
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center - Alta Bates Campus
I'm in my 50s and was recently diagnosed with degenerative disc disease in my back. Will the pain get worse as I get older? And is there anything I can do for the pain besides pain medication? Also does this condition ever require surgery?
Degenerative disc disease is part of the 'wear and tear' of the spine that occurs with age and use. Back pain is very common and best managed with the appropriate medications, exercises to keep your trunk/core ... continue reading about I'm in my 50s and was recently diagnosed with degenerative disc disease in my back. Will the pain get worse as I get older? And is there anything I can do for the pain besides pain medication? Also does this condition ever require surgery?
Larry K. Fan, M.D.
California Pacific Medical Center
Is it possible to lift small breasts without needing implants to fill up the sagging skin?
A woman's breasts often change over time, losing their youthful shape and firmness due to conditions such as pregnancy, breast feeding, weight changes, aging, and gravity.A breast lift procedure raises and firm... continue reading about Is it possible to lift small breasts without needing implants to fill up the sagging skin?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
How long should a couple attempt to get pregnant before seeking fertility treatments? My husband and I have been trying for over a year.
Infertility has been traditionally defined as an inability to conceive after 12 months of regular, unprotected intercourse. This set-point of what is normal versus what is abnormal was determined decades ago fr... continue reading about How long should a couple attempt to get pregnant before seeking fertility treatments? My husband and I have been trying for over a year.
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