Non-Invasive Photofacial IPL/Photodynamic Treatments
Photofacial treatments are becoming more popular across the country. We know your time is valuable, but now you can look your best without the downtime associated with laser treatments. Zel Skin’s photofacial treatments use intense beams of light to help lessen the appearance of sun damage, reduce pore size, and reduce the appearance of freckles, light acne scars, small facial veins, rosacea, and overall red skin.
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) treatments target the lower layer of the skin with high energy broad-spectrum light waves. Photodynamic treatments (PDT) involve a photosensitizing compound that is applied to the skin and later activated by blue light, targeting more superficial skin. Both treatments work best on fair, tan-free skin, especially that found on the neck, shoulders, back, and hands. Both IPL treatments and PDT treatments encourage regrowth of collagen, which helps reduce fine lines and improve and even out skin tone. If you’re wondering which option is best for your skin, talk to a dermatologist.
What to Expect from IPL and Photodynamic Treatments
An IPL treatment begins with a thorough skin cleansing. Your practitioner will cover your eyes to protect them during the procedure. Then, a cooling gel will be applied to the treatment area to cool the skin and provide lubrication for the instrument. The practitioner will run this instrument across your treatment area. It emits high-energy, broad-spectrum light waves that feel like snaps of a rubber band as they pulse into the skin. Redness or swelling from the procedure often disappears within a day, but it can take up to a week. Typically, there is no downtime, as makeup can be applied right after treatment.
Patients with severe acne may experience longer recovery times, and a few people may experience changes in skin pigmentation, bruises, blistering, and crusting, all of which resolve quickly. Sun exposure must be avoided, and sunblock must be used consistently for at least two weeks after treatment. Three to five treatments spaced a month apart often yield the best results, which can last a year or more.
Photodynamic treatment also begins with a thorough cleansing of the skin. A photosensitizer cream is applied, followed by the prescribed incubation time, which may be up to several hours. The heat of the blue light application can feel tingly, warm, hot or burning. The skin will appear red and irritated for three to ten days after treatment, but this can be lessened with application of ice. PDT causes sensitivity to all light for about six weeks after treatment. No exposure to sunlight is allowed for 48 hours after treatment, and sunscreen and sun protection must be used after that. Two or three treatments spaced four to six weeks apart may be needed to achieve the desired result.
Rejuvenate Your Skin with Zel
If you are interested in these procedures, you will need to visit a doctor for IPL and photodynamic treatments. At Zel Skin & Laser Specialists, we’re committed to technologies clinically proven to provide results. We are a dermatologist-directed skin care clinic, led by Dr. Brian Zelickson. Our medically-trained staff will work with you to determine the best corrective treatment options for your skin. Our goal is to help you look good and feel good too, by working with you to achieve and maintain your skin’s best appearance.
Contact us to schedule a consultation today.
*Results may vary per patient. Services vary by location.
Zel Skin & Laser Specialists – Plymouth ★★★★★ on Google5:27pm
Felt COvid safe ... always a great experience working with professionals
Brian brings a unique combination of medical science, clinical expertise, integrity and compassion to his patients. He provides the latest technology available in the field of dermatology but with a personalized touch for each patient. He is highly respected by his colleagues throughout the country for his expertise and sincerity.
Everyone I have met at Zel is amazing!
It is rare to find a dermatologist who is as knowledgeable about the many facets of clinical and cosmetic dermatology as Dr. Zelickson. Because of his knowledge and honesty, doctors worldwide know they can depend on his assessment of new therapies, procedures and medical devices. This, in turn, has made him a much sought–after speaker for the plethora of professional medical society meetings and engagements that we have throughout the year. I am honored to know Dr. Zelickson and consider him a friend to the profession.
Dr. Brian Zelickson was one of our initial Thermage investigators and helped us understand the mechanisms of non–invasive skin tightening. He is a renowned expert on how collagen can affect skin tightening and wrinkle reduction.
Dr. Brian Zelickson is one of this country’s leading laser experts. Not only is he unparalleled as a laser surgeon, it is not an exaggeration to state that his superb research helps determine the future of dermatologic laser surgery.
Dr. Zelickson is a highly regarded skin/light expert in our industry. When Candela looks for both medical and scientific advice for new laser applications, we often turn to him for his counsel. The input he provides us always starts with patient safety and satisfaction. We feel fortunate to be able to tap into Brian as an independent resource. The patients who are treated with Candela devices are often the beneficiaries of Brian’s input to us.
Most patients prefer seeing a doctor who is known for a particular specialty or procedure, but all patients want to see the doctor who invented the procedure or therapy. Dr. Brian Zelickson is one of the most respected physicians in the field of cosmetic dermatology and aesthetic medicine. He has lectured around the world and is one of the most sought–after speakers for all major meetings in dermatology.
I would rate Dr. Zelickson's clinic 10 stars!
We have felt honored to have Dr. Brian Zelickson, a world–renowned dermatologist who is distinguished as a high–quality care physician, serving as the investigator evaluating Syneron non–invasive skin tightening technology
I trained with Dr. Zelickson at Mayo Clinic, and I found him to be a very bright and creative dermatologist and scientist. Later, he was our best advisor when we set up our clinic in the Basque Country in Spain. I call him the ‘paparazzi of dermatology.’ His contribution to our speciality is probably among the best of this century.
Tuve la suerte de conocer al Dr. Brian Zelickson en Minneapolis hace muchos anos y desde entonces acudo regularmente a compartir sus conocimientos. Es un científico honrado, brillante, creativo e innovador. Nunca deja de sorprenderte agradablemente.
Dr. Zelickson is a very well–respected dermatologist, not only in the U.S., but also in Europe. He is famous for being the author of relevant dermatological studies published in many prestigious medical journals and for the improvements he’s made on minimally invasive cosmetic procedures that are being used by dermatologists all over the world.
Our view from Europe of Dr. Brian Zelickson is that he is one of the leading four or five U.S. laser dermatologists. His research contributions, his superb lectures and his expert knowledge of laser skin surgery make him a valued friend, colleague and guest.
Dr. Brian Zelickson is one of the world’s leaders in cutaneous laser surgery. He has performed groundbreaking research over the past decade, advancing the field as well as expertly providing the most up–to–date laser treatments for his patients.
Brian Zelickson is a world–renowned laser expert who helps develop the lasers and treatment parameters used by the rest of the world. He is where others turn to learn the latest techniques in laser surgery. If you want the best treatment available, delivering the best results in the safest environment available, there is no need to look anywhere else.
I have met many laser experts in my 20 years of teaching, lecturing and running a busy practice. There is no one who I respect more than Brian. If I have a clinical question or research idea, Brian is one of the few individuals I call, as I know I can count on his intellect, integrity and common sense.
Dr. Zelickson is one of America’s most knowledgeable laser experts. He has done pioneering work with many of the laser and light–based technologies developed in the world over the last 10 years. He is a giant in the field.
Dr. Zelickson is one of the world’s leaders in the field of lasers for the treatment of the skin. His many years experience in treating thousands of patients with lasers and other medical devices makes him one of the most sought–after doctors in this field. Innovation and caring are his trademarks.