When To Change Breast Implants

I’d like to talk to you about the “shelf life” of breast implants. My Delaware breast augmentation patients know that even though “diamonds are forever", breast implants aren’t.

Why Should You Replace Your Breast Implants?

Here are a few reasons you might decide to change your breast implants.

1. You want to be either larger or smaller than you are now;
2. You want to change the shape or projection of your implants;
3. You want to switch from saline-filled to gel-filled (or vice versa);
4. You have a capsular contracture (painful hardening around the implant pocket);
5. Your saline implants (one or both) have deflated;
6. You see wrinkling, rippling, bottoming out or a“double bubble”
7. You had a breast aug several years ago and now you want a breast lift because your breasts are sagging. Note that it's not always necessary to replace your implants during a breast lift. If you're happy with the size and just want to eliminate the sagging, so long as the implants are still in good shape, they won't need to be replaced with new ones.

How Long Should My Implants Last?

While most breast implant manufacturers suggest that implants will last about ten years, some women never need to replace them. Some women need to replace them within 7 years. It varies.

Will I Have New Scars if I Replace My Breast Implants?

Not usually. Unless your scars from the original breast augmentation procedure are hypertrophic, the same incisions are used.

How Will I Know If My Breast Implants Are “Too Old?”

If you don't have one of the problems in the list above, don't worry. It's a case of "if it's not broke, don't fix it." However, if you have any concerns about your implants, set up a time to come in and see me. Keep in mind that, while saline-filled implant rupture is obvious, gel-filled implant failure isn’t. So, if you have women's intuition that your breast implants need some attention, just set an appointment. I’ll examine you and tell you if I think there's anything to be concerned about. Until then, enjoy your beautiful figure!

To your health and beauty,

Joe Danyo, MD

Supplements for Thinning Hair

Hair loss sufferers are in the millions here in the US. About 35% of men and 21% of women suffer with hair loss including thinning and balding. The topic was discussed recently on The Doctors in which they aired a show featuring Jon Lovitz, the comic. The Doctors physicians offered these lifestyle changes to boost hair retention and quality:

• Eat More Protein because like your bones your hair is primarily composed of protein. The suggestion is to eat more beef, chicken and eggs to help boost protein levels. For vegetarians and vegans, vegetables such as broccoli and spinach, as well as beans, nuts, seeds, and grains like quinoa, are good sources of protein.

• Get enough Iron and Zinc, because these two minerals are needed for hair follicles to produce new hair. Red meat and green leafy vegetables are high in iron and zinc, as are avocadoes and most berries. To increase your absorption of iron, it’s suggested to eat foods rich in vitamin C when eating iron-rich foods, and to avoid taking iron supplements and vitamin E at the same time. Fact: The tannins in regular teas (ie, non-herbal) can dampen iron absorption.

• A mineral known as Silica assists the body to digest nutrients needed for great hair. Silica is founding abundance in cabbage, bell peppers, rice, bean sprouts, and onions, and often thought to be the reason that Asian women have such thick, beauatiful hair, as those foods are big ingredients in Asian cuisine. Asparagus, oatmeal, cucumbers, lettuce, potatoes, sunflower seeds and strawberries also contain ample amounts of silica.

• One more rep: Because exercise stimulates circulation and blood flow, it may stimulate more hair growth.

Dr. Ordon from The Doctors also recommends Propecia and Rogaine to fight against hair loss. For those with balding, there are technologies for hair replacement available today that are superior to the old-fashioned, visible hair plugs, and certainly are a better solution than toupees, wigs or hair extensions.  

To your health & beauty,

Dr. Joe Danyo

New Supplement Increases Botox Results by 93%

Imagine taking a vitamin supplement four days before your next Botox injection and the Botox results would be 93% more effective! It’s true and this new supplement will be on the market within the next month or so. If the supplement, which will be available by prescription, isn’t overpriced, it could be a real money-saver for those of you who benefit from Botox for wrinkles and/or migraines.

Dr. Charles Soparkar, who is an oculoplastic surgeon at The Methodist Hospital in Houston, Texas and his fellow researchers performed a study that showed that a combination of organic zinc plus the enzyme phytase, taken for four days before receiving their Botox injections, made the toxin 93% more effective. Because of the amazing results, a patent was filed for the combination, which is now called ZYTAZE™. It’s reported to be available soon. The study was not originally performed for those who receive Botox for cosmetic purposes, however. It was performed for patients with a rare form of eyelid spasm. However, this research is positive news for anyone who gets injections of Botox for cosmetic reasons.

"Surprisingly, the results showed that in over 90% of the patients studied, the zinc/phytase combination resulted in a remarkable improved responsiveness to treatment of blepharospasm using the same amount of botulinum toxin as previously used," said Soparkar. "The toxins seemed to have greater effect and last longer. Potentially, this could mean using less toxin, offering patients financial savings, greater safety, and more consistent results."

If the prescription is reasonably priced, it could result in an overall savings for those individuals who use Botox for wrinkle reduction, as less Botox will be needed and the results will last longer. I’ll keep you updated as soon as I hear further news on this topic.

To your health & beauty,

Dr. Joe Danyo