Feb
If you’re feeling frustrated with stubborn acne scars and you’re ready to enhance your skin’s texture and appearance, Fraxel laser treatments might be just what you’re looking for! At Essential Dermatology, Dr. Michael Krathen specializes in offering cutting-edge solutions, like Fraxel laser therapy, to help reduce acne scars and rejuvenate your skin.
Below, we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions about using the Fraxel laser for acne scars to help you decide if it’s the right option for you:
Fraxel laser is a non-invasive treatment designed to improve skin texture. It utilizes fractional laser technology to make tiny, controlled micro-injuries in the skin. This process stimulates your skin’s natural healing response, encouraging collagen production to repair the damaged areas, including acne scars, while leaving surrounding skin intact for quicker healing.
Fraxel laser is considered one of the best treatments for acne scars because of its ability to precisely target problem areas while boosting overall skin health. However, the best treatment for you depends on your unique skin type, the severity of your acne scars, and your skincare goals. During a consultation at Essential Dermatology, Dr. Michael Krathen or Brooke Simas, PA-C tailor a plan that works best for your needs.
It’s natural to be a little nervous about pain, but most of our patients describe the feeling as mild discomfort, and it is often reported as a similar feeling to a rubber band snapping on the skin. Before treatment, a topical numbing cream is applied to minimize any discomfort.
This depends on the depth and severity of your acne scars. Some of our patients at Essential Dermatology notice significant improvement after just one Fraxel session, but for optimal results, 3 – 5 sessions spaced several weeks apart are often recommended. Dr. Michael Krathen, Brooke Simas, PA-C, and Lauren Allen (aesthetician) work directly with you to create a customized skincare treatment plan based on your skin goals.
Like any type of skincare treatment, there are potential side effects to be aware of. With Fraxel laser, the most common side effects include redness, swelling, and a mild sunburn-like sensation, which typically fade within a few days. Your healthcare provider offers aftercare instructions to ensure the best healing and results.
You will likely notice some improvement within a week or two as your skin heals and regenerates. However, collagen remodeling takes time, so the full results of Fraxel laser treatments take a few months to become fully apparent.
Fraxel is a favorite among busy patients because there’s minimal downtime. You can expect some mild redness and swelling for a few days, but most of our patients return to their regular activities relatively quickly. Just be sure to follow all post-treatment care guidelines provided by Drs. Michael Krathen and Sameer Gupta.
Fraxel laser for acne scars is a game-changing treatment that can help you achieve smoother, more confident skin. Whether you are dealing with minor imperfections or deep scars, the experts at Essential Dermatology in Needham and Natick, Massachusetts, are here to assist. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Michael Krathen, Brooke Simas, PA-C or Lauren Allen today by calling one of the two office locations or by visiting this LINK!
Dr. Michael Krathen is a board-certified dermatologist with over a decade of medical training and experience. He studied biology and Spanish, graduating summa cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania, where he also completed medical school. His training included a medical internship at the Beth-Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston and a dermatology residency at the combined Boston University/Tufts Residency Program.
Author of various medical journal articles, Dr. Krathen taught at Stanford University School of Medicine and the VA Hospital in Jamaica Plain.
