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SkinCare Physicians
1244 Boylston Street
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
617-731-1600 Office
617-731-1601 Fax - Call Us
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- Fraxel: A Game-changer in Skin Rejuvenation
Fraxel: A Game-changer in Skin Rejuvenation
If you’re looking to improve fine lines and wrinkles, remove brown spots, rejuvenate sun-damaged skin, and restore a youthful complexion, Fraxel (AKA fractional resurfacing laser) may be your new favorite treatment.
SkinCare Physicians’ dermatologists helped to pioneer laser skin resurfacing in the 1990’s. The results were nothing short of spectacular, but the procedure was not without significant risks. Fast-forward to today, and Fraxel has changed everything.
Thanks to groundbreaking research at Harvard Medical School, the Fraxel laser introduced a gentler, much safer way to resurface the skin. Instead of treating the entire surface, Fraxel’s fractionated laser beam targets 1000’s of microscopic columns of skin, giving dermatologists exceptional control to stimulate collagen, improve texture, fade sun-damaged skin, reduce fine to moderate wrinkles, and even treat a variety of scars all while leaving surrounding tissue untouched. That means powerful results, with much faster healing and far fewer risks.
Fraxel treatments are not just about looking better: they provide permanent improvement to the skin’s structure and function. In fact, recent studies have shown they can reduce the risk of developing skin cancer by up to 50%.
Patients can benefit from Fraxel laser treatments as early as their late twenties to early thirties when the skin begins to show signs of early sun damage.
Our dermatologists have developed a customizable approach to Fraxel treatments to achieve our patients’ goals and fit their schedule. Whether you want to refresh your skin before an event or you’re ready to tackle deeper concerns like wrinkles, sun damage, or scars, we can personalize your Fraxel treatment with the exact intensity and downtime for your lifestyle.
Why Fraxel has become a favorite among patients and dermatologists
Fraxel laser resurfacing is one of the most popular procedures performed at SkinCare Physicians and for good reasons. It has hugely improved our ability to treat a wide range of skin conditions both effectively and safely.
Fraxel can help to:
- Soften fine lines and wrinkles
- Even skin tone, color and texture
- Fade brown sun spots and sun damage
- Improve acne, traumatic and surgical scars
- Reduce future skin cancer risk
Which Fraxel laser treatment is right for you?
At SkinCare Physicians, we offer a variety of Fraxel procedures to match your skin needs and recovery preferences:
- Clear + Brilliant (C + B): Pioneered at SkinCare Physicians, C + B is our gentlest option for refreshing your skin. Performed by our team of nurses under our physicians’ supervision, the treatment helps to even pigmentation, brighten the skin, and smooth fine lines. It is very well tolerated with a topical local anesthetic applied for 30 minutes ahead of treatment. Redness and slight puffiness typically last 1–2 days. We may recommend a series of C + B sessions depending on your concerns and skin care desires.
- Fraxel Quick Recovery (FQR): Conceived by our own dermatologists, FQR offers deeper rejuvenation than C + B while still keeping downtime to a minimum. This laser treatment is ideal for fading pigmentation, evening out skin tone, and eliminating sun damage, with just one to two days of mild redness, and occasionally slight swelling and a sandpaper-like texture as your skin naturally renews itself.
- Full Fraxel resurfacing treatments: For those looking for the most impressive results, these slightly more aggressive options treat the more extensive brown discoloration and wrinkles of skin aging, as well as scarring including acne and surgical scars. It requires about 60 minutes of topical anesthesia, and a bit more healing with redness, swelling and sandpaper like peeling over 2 to 4 days. But the payoff is remarkable! Learn more about what to expect after a Fraxel.
If you are ready to refresh your skin with one of the most effective non-surgical treatments available, our dermatologists can advise which Fraxel option is right for you.
I have a very low pain tolerance. Topicals don’t do much for the pain. Any other options?
There are different levels of Fraxel to meet most patient needs. The FQR procedure, short for Fraxel Quick Recovery, is a gentler approach to Fraxel. It is less uncomfortable, heals faster, and is suited for patients with sensitive skin. With powerful topical anesthetics such as 30% Xylocaine gel, we’ve learned that for sensitive patients it’s best when left on for 90 minutes and rubbed in every 10 minutes or so. We also can add in oral pain meditations such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for very sensitive individuals.
How much for a session
The cost varies by type of Fraxel treatment. For more information contact our practice at 617-731-1600.