Catch Skin Cancer Early
Use the ABCDE method to do monthly skin checks and detect changes in moles.
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.
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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
Do you struggle with red, scaly patches or tiny bumps on your body? Here’s what you need to know.
Ask an Expert
Karen Horton, M.D.
California Pacific Medical Center
Is a 68-year-old female a good candidate for breast augmentation?
Breast augmentation is a personal decision some women choose to make during their lifetimes. A breast augmentation will increase the size of the breasts, and may add volume that has been lost with breastfeeding... continue reading about Is a 68-year-old female a good candidate for breast augmentation?
Kelly M. Gallego, M.D., FACS
Surgery Center Division
What kind of anti-aging treatments are available for wrinkled hands? Of course, hands are always visible and mine have begun to look splotchy and wrinkled.
Many patients have concerns about the appearance of their hands. Patients frequently report that their hands make them look older than they feel. Like the face, neck, and superior chest, the hands are quite vis... continue reading about What kind of anti-aging treatments are available for wrinkled hands? Of course, hands are always visible and mine have begun to look splotchy and wrinkled.
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?
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?
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?
Karen Horton, M.D.
California Pacific Medical Center
I'm considering breast implants. What should I look for (beyond board certification) in selecting my plastic surgeon?
For any surgical procedure, you should do your homework. This includes breast augmentation. Your plastic surgeon should be board certified in Plastic Surgery. Remember that any surgery, cosmetic or not, is a ma... continue reading about I'm considering breast implants. What should I look for (beyond board certification) in selecting my plastic surgeon?
Jane Varner, M.D.
Palo Alto Foundation Medical Group
My son is in school all day, then jumps into a car to travel to an outdoor swim practice. He has about five minutes to get ready. If we apply sunscreen in the morning, is it still effective eight hours later? What sunscreens are best for his situation?
I'm SO glad that your family is remembering sunscreen! The most recent statistics from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) show that approximately 70,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with melanoma... continue reading about My son is in school all day, then jumps into a car to travel to an outdoor swim practice. He has about five minutes to get ready. If we apply sunscreen in the morning, is it still effective eight hours later? What sunscreens are best for his situation?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
What causes dark hyperpigmentation in the skin on the knees? And what can be done for this?
Dark brown coloring of the knees is often also associated with some thickening of the skin. In most patients, it would be due to a condition called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation due to friction from cloth... continue reading about What causes dark hyperpigmentation in the skin on the knees? And what can be done for this?
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?
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