Healthy Summer Feet
Heed these tips to keep your feet and toenails healthy.
Protect Yourself in the Sun
Confused about UVA, UVB and SPF? Learn the best ways to protect your skin and stay healthy in the sun.
The Dark Side of Tanning
Tanning damages your skin. Learn safer ways to achieve a healthy glow.
Featured Articles

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
Do you struggle with red, scaly patches or tiny bumps on your body? Here’s what you need to know.
Ask an Expert
Michael G. Cedars, M.D.
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center - Alta Bates 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?
Catherine Lenz, PA-C
Sutter Medical Foundation
I'm nearing 40 and noticing frown lines between my eyebrows and was wondering if there was an ideal age to begin Botox. Is there an age at which it is too late?
This is a great question! In fact, people between the ages of 18-65 can be treated with Botox. Those lines that form between the eyebrows are a result of powerful muscle contractions caused from concentration o... continue reading about I'm nearing 40 and noticing frown lines between my eyebrows and was wondering if there was an ideal age to begin Botox. Is there an age at which it is too late?
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
Is laser treatment effective in removing the telangiectasia associated with rosacea? Also, does the use of Metrogel (or similar products) reduce the incidence of the development of telangiectasias?
One of the most common side effects from long term sun exposure or from the chronic skin condition called rosacea is the development of tiny enlarged facial blood vessels. Although many people call them spider ... continue reading about Is laser treatment effective in removing the telangiectasia associated with rosacea? Also, does the use of Metrogel (or similar products) reduce the incidence of the development of telangiectasias?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
I'm in my early 50s and I like the results I've gotten from Botox and fillers. However, my neck looks old and dry, and the skin is starting to sag. Is there anything I can do (short of a neck lift) to improve it?
The most popular treatment for the sagging skin of the neck is localized tumescent liposuction. After insertion of local anesthesia, small suction instruments are inserted under the skin. These metal cannu... continue reading about I'm in my early 50s and I like the results I've gotten from Botox and fillers. However, my neck looks old and dry, and the skin is starting to sag. Is there anything I can do (short of a neck lift) to improve it?
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?
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?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
What is the best way to deal with dry, itchy skin in the winter?
The best way to deal with dry itchy skin during the winter is to take the time to moisturize your skin daily and minimize hot showers. As the temperature drops, we start to take longer and hotter showers, which... continue reading about What is the best way to deal with dry, itchy skin in the winter?
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.
More Resources

Healthwise Medical Library
Look up helpful health information.

Patient Information
Practical info for Sutter patients.

Tools and Quizzes
Online tools to help you make decisions about your health.