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Help for Common Skin Problems
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How to Catch Skin Cancer Early
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Living with Psoriasis
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Ask an Expert
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
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?
Toni J. Brayer, M.D.
Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation
I bruise very easily - and have since I was a child. Why am I like a banana?
A bruise occurs when small capillaries under the skin rupture and blood leaks out. It is usually due to trauma but it is common for some people to "bruise easily" or find bruises and not even remember any traum... continue reading about I bruise very easily - and have since I was a child. Why am I like a banana?
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?
Susan Maayah, M.D.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
I'm 53 and in menopause. Since perimenopause, my melasma has returned. I had it my 30s due to birth control pills. I'm using TriLuma and am fanatical about sunscreen. I'm Asian and dermatologists have told me laser or other procedures might worsen it.
Melasma is typically caused in women by exposure to estrogens. For this reason, any hormone replacement you are taking that contains estrogen can contribute, so I would refrain from using estrogens. Also, the h... continue reading about I'm 53 and in menopause. Since perimenopause, my melasma has returned. I had it my 30s due to birth control pills. I'm using TriLuma and am fanatical about sunscreen. I'm Asian and dermatologists have told me laser or other procedures might worsen it.
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
How much hair loss is too much in women? How do I know if something is wrong?
Men and women can lose 100 hairs per day normally. Some days there might be a bit more or less. These hairs are replaced by new ones growing in from the root of the same follice, pushing out the old hairs in a ... continue reading about How much hair loss is too much in women? How do I know if something is wrong?
Larry K. Fan, M.D.
California Pacific Medical Center
I recently read about cosmetic surgeons using endoscopes to perform face lifts and brow lifts. Besides small incisions, are there any other benefits to this procedure (cost, downtime, results)? Also I'm in my 50s. Would I still be a good candidate?
An endoscope is a small camera that enables surgeons to work precisely through small incisions, which results in reduced scars and faster recovery. Endoscopic techniques in plastic surgery are useful for proced... continue reading about I recently read about cosmetic surgeons using endoscopes to perform face lifts and brow lifts. Besides small incisions, are there any other benefits to this procedure (cost, downtime, results)? Also I'm in my 50s. Would I still be a good candidate?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
I've heard about laser skin treatments for collagen rejuvenation. Can you tell me how it works and how many treatments I'll need? Also, does the treatment hurt and what can I expect afterwards?
There are two basic types of cosmetic laser treatments that offer skin rejuvenation. There are classified as ablative and non-ablative. The most effective for wrinkle removal and collagen regeneration is the CO... continue reading about I've heard about laser skin treatments for collagen rejuvenation. Can you tell me how it works and how many treatments I'll need? Also, does the treatment hurt and what can I expect afterwards?
Larry K. Fan, M.D.
California Pacific Medical Center
I'm 37 and just had my second child. I exercise and eat well, but notice a lot of sagging skin on my body after this second pregnancy. I've heard about "Mommy Makeovers". Can you tell me more about this?
A "Mommy Makeover" is a series of procedures aimed at reversing unwanted changes associated with pregnancy.The process of pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding can be hard on a woman's body and cause a woman... continue reading about I'm 37 and just had my second child. I exercise and eat well, but notice a lot of sagging skin on my body after this second pregnancy. I've heard about "Mommy Makeovers". Can you tell me more about this?
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