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Living with Psoriasis
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Ask an Expert
Steven Machtinger, M.D.
Mills-Peninsula Medical Group
What does it mean when a product is labeled “hypoallergenic?”
Here's a direct quote from the FDA about the term "hypoallergenic" as it relates to cosmetics:"Hypoallergenic cosmetics are products that manufacturers claim produce fewer allergic reactions than other cosmetic... continue reading about What does it mean when a product is labeled “hypoallergenic?”
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?
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'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'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?
Larry K. Fan, M.D.
California Pacific Medical Center
I read about a new procedure that heats up layers of facial skin using radiofrequency. It's supposed to help promote collagen on wrinkles and sags. Can you tell me if this really works, is it painful, and what is the cost?
Ten years ago, the only option we had to lift and tighten sagging skin was surgery. Today, there are a number of noninvasive skin treatments that can lift and tighten the skin without surgery. These noninvasive... continue reading about I read about a new procedure that heats up layers of facial skin using radiofrequency. It's supposed to help promote collagen on wrinkles and sags. Can you tell me if this really works, is it painful, and what is the cost?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
What does serum used under a moisturizer do, and is it necessary? What is the best moisturizer?
The primary purpose of a moisturizer is to make your skin feel better by reducing dryness. Moisturizers do not prevent wrinkles or aging. If you do not have dry skin, you do not need a moisturizer. Using the wr... continue reading about What does serum used under a moisturizer do, and is it necessary? What is the best moisturizer?
Larry K. Fan, M.D.
California Pacific Medical Center
I remember a number of years ago, before dermal fillers, cosmetic surgeons would use a patient's fat to plump up areas on the face that had lost volume. Is this still done, and are there any advantages to this over using fillers?
Both dermal fillers and fat are excellent ways to plump up the face and restore lost facial volume associated with aging. Advantages of using one's own fat include longer lasting results, the ability to treat m... continue reading about I remember a number of years ago, before dermal fillers, cosmetic surgeons would use a patient's fat to plump up areas on the face that had lost volume. Is this still done, and are there any advantages to this over using fillers?
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?
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