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Brian D. Zelickson, MD, director of Zel Skin & Laser Specialists in Edina, Minn. was named president of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS), the world’s largest professional organization dedicated to promoting excellence in patient care by advancing laser applications and related technologies. A member of the faculty at the University of Minnesota Medical School’s Department of Dermatology and director of its Electron Microscopy Laboratory, Dr. Zelickson took office at Laser 2011, the ASLMS annual scientific conference being held in Grapevine, Texas, in early April.

Ultra Amazing Skin
introducing the first ever FDA–approved ultrasound technology, Ulthera™

Zel Skin & Laser Specialists is excited to announce the latest ultra effective treatment to lift and tighten lax skin and its underlying supportive connective tissue–Ulthera. It is the only non–invasive device that has been approved by the FDA for skin tightening—and it’s only available at Zel.

Utilizing ultrasound technology, Ulthera precisely targets tissue beneath the skin’s surface, leaving the top layers and the epidermis totally unaffected. The skin’s response to the ultrasound energy stimulates the growth of new collagen, and over time a natural tightening, firming and lifting of the skin occurs.

New. The Cool Way to Reduce Fat.™

Brian Zelickson, MD, medical director of Zel Skin & Laser Specialists in Minnesota, is the first physician in the United States to use a new non–invasive technology, Zeltiq, outside of clinical studies to cool and gently reduce fat cells in targeted areas. The non–invasive procedure results in a noticeable, natural–looking fat reduction in treated areas without the need for needles, incisions, anesthesia, pain medication or recovery time.

The Zeltiq Procedure uses an advanced tissue cooling technology to safely target and eliminate fat cells without harming the skin. During the procedure, a non–invasive applicator delivers precisely controlled cooling to target and eliminate fat cells in specific areas of the body. In the months following the Zeltiq Procedure, there is a gradual reduction in the thickness of the fat layer. Two to four months after the initial procedure, patients meet with their physician to assess the cosmetic improvement and consider whether additional procedures are necessary to achieve more fat reduction.

The science behind Zeltiq was discovered by Harvard Medical School dermatologists at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. Since its initial discovery, the Zeltiq Procedure has been studied by leading aesthetic specialists around the world, including Dr. Zelickson who directed a clinical trial on Zeltiq at Zel Skin & Laser Specialists. Despite the name, Dr. Zelickson is on the medical advisory Board of Zeltiq and does not have a proprietary interest in the company.

“This is the very first technology that can reproducibly reduce fat in a non–invasive fashion with literally no discomfort,” said Dr. Zelickson. “It was conceived of by dermatologists having significant knowledge of the skin and subcutaneous tissues in order to make the procedure specifically targeted to the fat as well as being very gentle and safe. We are honored and excited to offer this to our patients.”

The Zeltiq Procedure is performed under physician supervision in a medical office. Zeltiq’s advanced cooling technology is effective for spot treatment of localized fat deposits and works best on modest fat bulges in highly–targeted areas often referred to as love handles, back fat or saddlebags. Through controlled cooling of fat cells, Zeltiq crystallizes lipids in the body to induce a natural, controlled reduction of fat cells–clinically known as apoptosis. The fat cells in the treated area are gently eliminated through the body’s normal metabolic processes.

Dr. Brian Zelickson is President elect of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery

The American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery is the world’s largest scientific organization dedicated to promoting research, education and high standards of clinical care in the field of medical laser applications. It provides a forum for the exchange of scientific information and participates in communicating the latest developments in laser medicine and surgery to clinicians, research investigators, government and regulatory agencies, and the public. To learn more about ASLMS click here (http://www.aslms.org)

Dr. Brian Zelickson Talks About Light and Laser Therapies
on Showcase Minnesota

Aging skin tip – Thermage NXT system

The new Body Tip 16.0 for the Thermage NXT system is now available at Zel. It’s a faster and more comfortable way to contour, shape and tone the body and also improve the appearance of cellulite. For more information about this exciting new treatment option, call 952–929–8888.

New Prescription Eyelash Thickener LATISSE™ available at Zel

Zel Skin & Laser Specialists is one of the first centers in Minnesota to offer the Latisse prescription eye thickener to patients. Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in Dec. 2008, Latisse is a novel treatment for hypotrichosis of the eyelashes, a condition of inadequate or not enough eyelashes, and is the first and only science-based treatment approved by the FDA to enhance eyelashes by increasing the length, thickness and darkness of lashes.

The active ingredient in Latisse is bimatroprost, the same ingredient in Allergan’s treatment for glaucoma called Lumigan. Patients taking Lumigan discovered a side of effect of the drug to be eyelash growth, which prompted the company to study it for the new use. “We are seeing tremendous interest in a product that can actually grow eyelashes,” said Dr. Zelickson.

Latisse is a once–a–day prescription treatment that is applied to the base of the upper eyelash with a sterile, disposable applicator. Latisse users should expect to see longer, fuller and darker eyelashes in as little as eight weeks, with full results expected in 16 weeks on average. Regular daily treatment is required to maintain the benefits of Latisse. When the application is stopped, the eyelashes gradually return to the state they were before treatment. Latisse retails for $120 and requires a prescription. If you are interested in this exciting new product, please call 952–929–8888 to schedule a consult.

Dr. Brian Zelickson Speaks at Harvard Medical School

Dr. Brian Zelickson recently answered some tough questions posed by national and international leaders in laser and aesthetic skin therapy at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Zelickson was a key speaker at the expert course, The Laser and Aesthetic Skin Therapy: What’s the Truth? The topic of discussion focused on the real benefit of each new and emerging technology in treating aging skin, vascular lesions, wrinkles, tattoos, acne and more problems.

Clarisonic is here

This cordless device with its sensitive brush head offers everything you need to sonically cleanse and clarify your skin. It removes dry skin, reduces oily areas and blemishes, and diminishes the appearance of large pores, fine lines and wrinkles. Your skin looks smoother, healthier and radiant. No wonder Oprah calls it “a miracle massage for your face”! To purchase, stop by or call us at 952–929–8888.

Silk’n and Tria Hair Removal Systems Now Available at Zel

Zel is the only place in Minnesota that offers both the Silk’n and Tria personal laser hair removal systems. These remarkable light–based devices allow you to achieve clinical results in removing unwanted hair in the privacy of your home. For more information or to purchase, simply stop by or call us at 952–929–8888.

Zel Exhibits Work of Photographer Ruth Thorne–Thomsen

The otherworldly photographs of American photographer Ruth Thorne–Thomsen will be on display at Zel this fall. Thorne–Thomsen, whose work is in major museums around the world, uses a process called pinhole photography to create myth–like scenes. The photographs have been graciously loaned to Zel by the Jon Oulman Gallery and Salon (www.jonoulman.com).

Fraxel Laser:
As Seen on the Today Show 

Zel has the new Fraxel Repair laser treatment recently featured as a “mini–medical miracle” on NBC’s Today Show. Here’s a video of the Today Show segment, which contains great graphics and before–and–after photos:



You can read more about the Fraxel and other laser skin treatments here.



VelaShape:
A New Non-Invasive Treatment for Cellulite

Want your thighs to look smoother and smaller during the upcoming shorts–and– swimsuit season, but don’t want to undergo liposuction?

Then consider the VelaShape procedure now available at Zel.

VelaShape is a new FDA–approved non–surgical solution for the temporary reduction of the appearance of cellulite. Clinical studies have shown the procedure also temporarily reduces thigh circumference by an average of three–quarters–of–an–inch.

VelaShape achieves these results by using a combination of infrared light and radio frequency energies. The heat from both types of energies increases the metabolism of the skin’s fatty top layer and shrinks the size of fat cells. In addition, VelaShape’s gentle vacuum–suction device increases blood circulation and massages the skin, resulting in a smoother, less dimpled surface.

Although its results are not as obvious as liposuction, VelaShape does provide fast, visible improvements with as few as four office visits–and without surgery. The results can last from one to six months (or more).

VelaShape can also help reduce fat on other areas of your body, such as your stomach, those “love handles” around your abdomen and your upper arms.



With age comes a pearl of wisdom:
New Pearl Laser skin rejuvenation treatment

At Zel, we’re continually updating our laser technology so we can offer you state–of–the–art skin repair and rejuvenation treatments. Recently, we obtained the Pearl laser, a new and highly effective laser therapy that uses pulses of light to gently resurface sun– and age–damaged skin. Not only does this treatment gently remove the top layer of damaged skin, it also stimulates new collagen growth, filling out and decreasing fine lines and wrinkles. The result: a healthier, more vibrant appearance.



A Warning About Mesotherapy:
It’s Not a Proven Safe Alternative to Liposuction

At Zel, we believe in evidence–based medicine. In other words, we offer our patients only those treatments and procedures that have been proven safe and effective by scientific studies.

That’s why we are currently not offering one of the latest fat–melting fads: mesotherapy. This non–FDA approved procedure is often touted as a non–surgical alternative to liposuction, various liquid chemicals are injected into the skin’s subcutaneous tissue (the mesoderm) to stimulate fat cells and cause them to “melt away.”

Despite all the hype and publicity surrounding mesotherapy, no credible evidence exists to show that the procedure actually works. During the 50 years since mesotherapy was first “invented” in France, its practitioners have produced not a single randomized, double–blinded controlled study to show that the procedure dissolves fat cells.

Nor have they proven that it’s safe. In fact, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved the procedure.

Until such studies are conducted and published in peer–reviewed journals, consumers should be leery of mesotherapy. Here are some of our specific concerns:

     • The substances used in the injections have never been standardized.
       So during the mesotherapy procedure, you could be injected with just
       about anything, from prescription medications to plant extracts to
       vitamins–none of which has been studied for this purpose.

     • One drug frequently used is phosphatidylcholine, which can cause
       severe skin reactions. Brazil, a country usually less strict about
       approving drugs than the United States, has specifically banned
       phosphatidylcholine for this procedure.

     • Even when phosphatidylcholine isn’t the substance used for the
       injections, consumers are at significant risk of developing various
       prolonged skin reactions and infections.

     • No one knows what long–term effects these injected substances may
       have on the bodyís other tissues.

     • It is also now becoming common to inject a pure solution of
       deoxycholate. This can be very painful and cause long term
       inflammation and injury.

While it is very enticing to be able to reduce fat with a series of injections, until the substance and protocols have been FDA approved exercise and diet with or without standard liposuction is still the best therapy for fat reduction. Currently several prospective randomized studies using well defined protocols are now underway. Until this data is out and the FDA approves this for use we follow the Position Statement of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery to not recommend this therapy.

Our promise to you is that we believe in evidence based medicine and will only offer you proven FDA approved therapies.