Fraxel FTX laser treatments improve the tone, texture, and radiance of the skin. Effective for aged, sun-damaged, or scarred skin, these advanced laser skin resurfacing treatments can get you back to looking years younger. Women and men come to Essential Dermatology for Fraxel FTX treatments in Natick from Wellesley, Framingham, Wayland, Needham, and Weston, MA, and other surrounding cities for natural results without extended downtime.
How Does the Fraxel FTX Work?
The Fraxel FTX laser targets damaged, aging skin with microscopic laser columns. These penetrate into the deep layers of your skin to accelerate the body’s collagen production. The laser only treats small fractions of the tissue at a time, so the surrounding tissue is unharmed. This helps to promote rapid healing. This is an effective treatment since it stimulates the growth of healthy skin cells from the inside out. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Krathen will help to create your personalized treatment plan with the Fraxel FTX laser to help effectively rejuvenate your skin.
What Can the Fraxel FTX Treat?
Fraxel FTX treatments rejuvenate the appearance and texture of the skin by correcting signs of aging and sun damage, which include:
- Wrinkles and fine lines caused by collagen lost to sun damage and the natural aging process.
- Crow’s feet that form at the outer corners of the eyes.
- Enlarged pores resulting from a buildup of excess oil, hormonal changes, or genetics.
- Tone and texture that looks rough, uneven, or dull.
- Scars from acne, chickenpox, surgery, or injury.
- Pigmentation due to the concentration of melanin in specific spots.
- Actinic keratosis caused by years of sun exposure.
How Much Does Fraxel FTX Laser Skin Resurfacing Cost in Natick?
At Essential Dermatology, prices for Fraxel FTX laser treatments vary with the treatment area as follows:
- Hands: $975
- Neck/décolletage: $2000
- Acne scars (cheeks): $975
- Full face: $1,150
Is Fraxel FTX Right for Me?
The right laser treatment for you depends on a variety of factors, including the concerns you want to address and the amount of downtime you have available. The table provides a high-level comparison of your options.
Laser Treatment Comparison
| Treatment | Condition | Downtime | Number of Treaments | Technology |
| Fraxel® FTX | Wrinkles Pigmentation Uneven texture Scars Actinic keratosis | Less than a week | 1 to 2 for pigmentation 2 to 3 for wrinkles/scars | Non-ablative Fractional |
| IPL | Pigmentation Redness Fine Wrinkles Veins | 1 to 2 days | 2 to 4 | Non-ablative Full field |
| CO2RE® Laser Fractional CO2 | Wrinkles Pigmentation Uneven texture Scars Laxity | About a week | 1 | Ablative Fractional |
What Are Fraxel FTX Treatments Like?
Dr. Krathen performs Fraxel FTX laser skin resurfacing as an office treatment. Patients typically experience warming and a mild prickling sensation during the treatment. A topical anesthetic is applied to help minimize any discomfort.
No Surgery or
Injections
Fraxel® is non‑invasive – no cutting, no needles.
A Single
Treatment
Fraxel® is designed to create a younger-looking appearance in a single treatment.
Integrated
Cooling
Integrated cooling to help aid in patient comfort.
Minimal
Downtown
Outstanding results without extended downtime.
Look
Younger
Fraxel® is for people who want to look younger without dramatic changes.
How Long Does It Take To Recover From Fraxel FTX?
While treated areas will look sunburned for about a week, most patients can return to regular, non-strenuous activities right away. Makeup can be applied after approximately a week, as directed by Dr. Krathen.
How Many Fraxel FTX Treatments Will I Need?
In most cases, 1 to 2 Fraxel treatments are needed to correct brown spots, dyschromia, and excess pigment. For wrinkles and acne scarring, we typically perform 2 to 3 treatments spaced 6 weeks apart.
Essential Dermatology is excited to introduce the Fraxel FTX laser system. The advanced successor to the renowned Fraxel dual system, which is now available right here in our Natick clinic. The Fraxel FTX features two specialized wavelengths 1550 and 1927 nanometers, allowing our clinicians to precisely customize the energy and density to meet your skin’s unique needs. This powerful resurfacing device works by gently heating the superficial layers of the skin, specifically the epidermis and dermis. This process triggers your body’s natural healing response to effectively smooth and brighten your complexion. Fraxel FTX is incredibly versatile. It is a leading choice for reducing brown spots or lentigenies and melasma, softening fine lines, and treating various types of scarring, including acne, surgical, and dramatic scars. Treatments are safe, effective, and well-tolerated. To ensure the best results, please avoid using active therapies such as tretinoin or other retinoids for one week leading up to your treatment. On the day of your appointment,
No1: Cleanse. Wash your face gently with mild soap and water and pat dry.
No2: product use. Do not apply makeup, sunscreen, or other products. If your skin is very dry, a bland moisturizing cream such as Cetaphil, CeraVe or Vanicream is acceptable.
No3: Anesthesia. 1 hour before your appointment, apply a thick layer of prescription anesthesia cream to your entire face, including the hairline and jawline.
Important. Do not apply the cream within the bony rim of the eyes to avoid ocular exposure. Upon arrival at the office, we will remove the anesthesia cream and ensure the skin is completely dry. During the treatment, simply keep your eyelids closed. Aftercare is vital for your recovery. Avoid direct sun for a minimum of 4 weeks. We recommend daily sunscreen application, wearing wide-brimmed hats, and seeking shade whenever possible.
What to expect? the healing timeline. Days 1 to three, you may experience a sunburn-like reaction characterized by redness and swelling.
Days four to six, the skin will begin to show brown necrotic debris, which looks like tiny, grainy dots on the surface.
Day seven, by the end of the first week, this debris clears away entirely, revealing fully healed, bright, and refreshed skin.
Why choose Fraal FTX? While some results can be achieved with a fractional CO2 laser, Fraxel is one of the most sought-after aesthetic treatments because it delivers exceptional results with significantly less downtime in a much lower risk of infection. You can achieve your skin goals without the lengthy recovery period required by more invasive ablative lasers. As you can see in this set of before and after images, just one treatment with the Fraxel 1927 wavelength resulted in at least a 30% reduction in brown spots and lentigenies. Start your journey. Who is the ideal candidate for Fraxel? The short answer? anyone dealing with sun damage, unwanted pigment, or those simply seeking smoother, more radiant skin. Because the laser is so customizable, it is an excellent fit for every stage of your skin’s journey. In your 30s and 40s, it is the perfect choice for prejuvenation, helping you stay ahead of the aging process and maintain a healthy glow. In your 40s and 50s, it provides active rejuvenation, targeting early sun damage and fine lines to refresh your appearance. In your 50s, 60s, and 70s. It serves as a powerful tool for skin restoration, significantly improving texture and reversing years of cumulative sun exposure. In closing, experience the transformative power of Fraxel FTX for yourself. Contact Essential Dermatology today to schedule your consultation and start your journey to clearer, more radiant skin at any age.
Can You Combine Fraxel FTX With Other Treatments?
Yes. The results from Fraxel FTX can be complemented or enhanced with other facial rejuvenation treatments such as:
Introducing Fraxel FTX
At Essential Dermatology, we have also added Fraxel FTX to our laser treatment services, as there are several Fraxel laser types available on the market. Fraxel FTX is the latest version of the Fraxel FTX, designed to deliver improved speed, user comfort, and efficiency while delivering similar, highly effective results for skin rejuvenation. While the Fraxel FTX (1550/1927 nm) is a versatile, non-ablative fractional laser that treats both deep texture (wrinkles, scars) and surface pigmentation (sun spots) in one session, this new product delivers more and makes it the more desirable option for many of the patients who visit our office in Natick and Needham, Massachusetts interested in skin rejuvenation services.
Fraxel
Before & After Photos
Before & After
Image courtesy of Solta
*Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.
Fraxel
Before & After Photos
Before & After
Image courtesy of Solta
*Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.
Fraxel
Before & After Photos
Before & After
Image courtesy of Solta
*Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.
Fraxel
Before & After Photos
Before & After
Image courtesy of Solta
*Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.
Fraxel
Before & After Photos
Before & After
Image courtesy of Solta
*Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.
View All Cases >
*Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.
Fraxel FTX FAQs
Who is a good candidate for Fraxel FTX laser treatments?
Fraxel FTX is often a good option for patients who want to improve visible signs of aging, sun damage, acne scarring, uneven skin tone, or rough skin texture without surgery. Many men and women choose Fraxel because it can address multiple concerns in a single treatment series. A consultation with Dr. Michael Krathen can help determine whether Fraxel FTX is appropriate based on your skin type, goals, and available downtime.
Can Fraxel FTX be used on areas other than the face?
Yes. While facial rejuvenation is one of the most common reasons patients seek Fraxel treatment, the technology can also be used on other areas affected by sun damage or aging. The neck, chest, and hands are frequently treated because these areas often show pigmentation changes, textural irregularities, and signs of cumulative sun exposure. Treatment recommendations vary depending on the specific area being addressed.
How does Fraxel FTX differ from traditional laser resurfacing?
Fraxel FTX uses fractional laser technology, meaning it treats microscopic portions of the skin while leaving surrounding tissue intact. This approach helps stimulate the body’s natural healing response while reducing recovery time compared to some more aggressive resurfacing procedures. Patients often choose Fraxel when they want meaningful skin improvement with less downtime than traditional fully ablative laser treatments.
Can Fraxel FTX improve acne scars that are years old?
Many patients seek Fraxel treatment specifically for long-standing acne scars. The laser stimulates collagen remodeling beneath the skin, which can help improve the appearance of certain depressed scars over time. While individual results vary depending on scar type and severity, Fraxel FTX is commonly incorporated into treatment plans designed to improve skin texture and create a smoother overall appearance.
When can I resume my normal skincare routine after treatment?
Your return to normal skincare products will depend on how your skin is healing and the specific recommendations provided by your dermatologist. During the early recovery period, gentle cleansers, moisturizers, and diligent sun protection are often encouraged. Products containing potentially irritating ingredients may need to be temporarily avoided until the skin has recovered. Dr. Krathen will provide detailed post-treatment instructions based on your individual treatment plan.
Can Fraxel FTX help prevent future signs of aging?
Fraxel FTX cannot stop the natural aging process, but it can improve existing signs of aging and support healthier-looking skin by stimulating collagen production. Many patients incorporate periodic maintenance treatments as part of their long-term skincare strategy. Combined with sunscreen use, proper skincare, and healthy lifestyle habits, Fraxel treatments may help maintain a more refreshed and youthful appearance over time.
What factors influence how long Fraxel FTX results last?
The longevity of results depends on several factors, including age, skin condition, sun exposure, skincare habits, and lifestyle choices. Patients who consistently protect their skin from ultraviolet damage and follow recommended skincare routines often maintain improvements longer. Natural aging continues after treatment, so maintenance procedures may be recommended depending on your goals. During your consultation, Dr. Krathen can discuss realistic expectations, treatment timelines, and strategies to help maximize and preserve your results for years to come while supporting ongoing skin health and rejuvenation.
Schedule a Consultation
The Fraxel FTX laser is a great method for refreshing your skin that is completely non-invasive. If you wish to get younger-looking skin, contact Dr. Krathen at Essential Dermatology. To get started, call our office at (508) 545-9713 or request a consultation by filling out our online form.
