Detroit Cosmetic Surgeon Cautions on Wrinkle-Removing Pills

    DETROIT, MI, August 19, 2013 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The latest trend in plastic surgery isn't surgical at all, but instead revolves around the use of designer supplements sold in high-end venues that claim to restore a youthful look to the skin, including removing wrinkles. Dr. Mark N. Berkowitz (http://www.accentscosmeticsurgery.com/), a Detroit, Michigan cosmetic surgeon with advanced training in oculofacial surgery, suggests that these claims might be too good to be true.

"So-called 'neutraceuticals' are a good idea in theory, but there simply isn't enough evidence that these products make a real difference in fighting signs of aging," cautions Dr. Berkowitz, a face lift specialist in suburban Detroit. "There's a lack of clinical evidence at the level you'd expect from products that are positioned as premium and scientific."

The majority of neutraceuticals have not undergone double-blind placebo-controlled studies in order to objectively measure their efficacy. The clinical trials that have been conducted on others often represent a very small sample size, or were studied only in the short-term. Products that have undergone clinical tests may use phrases such as "clinically proven" to emphasize the legitimacy of their results. In reality, the recorded improvements may be as little as a five percent change.

The primary ingredients in nutraceuticals often include high-strength antioxidants, particularly resveratrol. Antioxidants work to help the body eliminate free radicals that are responsible for accelerating the aging process. Elements that help protect the skin from damaging UV rays are also frequently listed on ingredient labels, while hyaluronic acid is commonly added as well.

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is the basis of dermal fillers, which are administered by injection to minimize wrinkles caused by volume loss or to add definition to the cheeks and lips. The body produces hyaluronic acid naturally, so there are only minimal risks of adverse effects.

"Unlike oral supplements containing HA, injectable hyaluronic acid can be administered exactly where it can best make a difference in your appearance by restoring lost volume," says Dr. Berkowitz, who sees patients from as far away as Grand Rapids at his Michigan plastic surgery practice for both surgical and nonsurgical facial rejuvenation procedures.

BOTOX Cosmetic injections offer another option for people who want to look younger without surgery. The most frequently performed nonsurgical cosmetic procedure in the country last year, BOTOX Cosmetic, works by temporarily paralyzing the targeted muscles to prevent the formation and deepening of dynamic wrinkles. Dynamic wrinkles develop as the result of repeated muscle movement in the same way, and are a typical byproduct of everyday facial expressions.

"While nutraceuticals aren't necessarily harmful, they simply don't deliver the safe, proven results of
cosmetic procedures," says Dr. Berkowitz. "There's no point wasting the time and money on various pills when there is already an approach out there that works--and works well--to minimize the signs of facial aging."

Led by Dr. Mark N. Berkowitz, Accents Cosmetic Surgery & Medical Spa (http://www.accentscosmeticsurgery.com) serves Michigan residents out of its suburban Detroit location. As one of only 19 Michigan surgeons with advanced training in oculofacial cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, Dr. Berkowitz is sought after by patients from across the state, from Lansing to Grand Rapids, and beyond. From facelifts to anti-aging medspa treatments, Accents continues to lead the way in patient satisfaction and excellence in results.

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