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How to Catch Skin Cancer Early
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Living with Psoriasis
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Ask an Expert
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
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?
Deborah Kurzrock, R.D.
Mills-Peninsula Medical Center
I am a vegetarian. I have unhealthy hair, dandruff, and hair loss. A recent blood test indicated my testosterone is slightly higher than normal. I started including egg and ground flaxseed powder in my diet. Can you suggest a diet to promote hair growth?
The following can cause increased hair loss: poor nutrition, genes, hormones, age, certain medications, stress, rapid weight loss and some medical conditions.I will address the nutrition component. Listed are s... continue reading about I am a vegetarian. I have unhealthy hair, dandruff, and hair loss. A recent blood test indicated my testosterone is slightly higher than normal. I started including egg and ground flaxseed powder in my diet. Can you suggest a diet to promote hair growth?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
What are the best acne treatments for women over 35?
Acne is caused by heredity, hormones and stress. Years ago diet and cosmetics were blamed for acne, but current thinking downplays these factors. Often women who escaped teenage acne get adult acne, and it''s o... continue reading about What are the best acne treatments for women over 35?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
I burned my hand on the oven yesterday, and now the blister has opened up. Is it best to leave the burn uncovered so that it can dry, or should I bandage it?
A burn that blisters is usually a second-degree burn. This type of burn is treated as a minor burn if the area is not larger than 2 to 3 inches in diameter and not located on the face, hands, feet, genitals, gr... continue reading about I burned my hand on the oven yesterday, and now the blister has opened up. Is it best to leave the burn uncovered so that it can dry, or should I bandage it?
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
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?
Carolyn E. McAloon, DPM
SEBMF HMO Network
What causes broken veins around the ankles? Is there any preventive measures that can be taken?
Those small dilated veins around the ankle are very common (I have them too) and are called telangectasias or "spider veins." They are not usually a health concern and are most often asymptomatic. On occasion t... continue reading about What causes broken veins around the ankles? Is there any preventive measures that can be taken?
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?
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