SkinCare Physicians Doctors

New Fraxel FQR for skin rejuvenation: Faster recovery, same efficacy

Published on Feb 6th, 2018 by Michael Kaminer, MD

Benefits of Fraxel Quick RecoveryFor over a decade, the Fraxel family of lasers has been a mainstay of skin rejuvenation treatments at SkinCare Physicians. These lasers are superb at improving fine lines and wrinkles, removing brown spots and pigmentation, and creating an overall improvement in skin texture and quality.

However, one of the limiting aspects of Fraxel laser treatments has been recovery, in some cases up to a week. Our patients are universally pleased with Fraxel results, but often comment that the procedure would be so much easier if we could only shorten the recovery time. Well, in our never ending quest to improve results while shortening recovery, SkinCare Physicians has developed a novel Fraxel protocol that reduces down-time to just a day or two: Fraxel Quick Recovery (FQR). Patients achieve the same impressive improvement with the new FQR treatment protocol, but recovery is shortened dramatically. Following FQR, patients experience mild redness, occasionally a bit of swelling, and the skin can take on a rough texture as it remodels for a few days. Most patients feel that they can put on makeup and be out of the house the day after treatment.

The key discovery made at SkinCare Physicians involves novel changes to the Fraxel laser settings we use to treat patients. Modifying just one parameter of the treatment protocol dramatically shortens recovery while preserving efficacy. On average, two FQR treatments have about the same efficacy as one traditional Fraxel. Importantly, the cost of one FQR treatment is approximately half that of traditional Fraxel laser treatments, allowing our patients to achieve similar effectiveness without additional expense, while benefitting from the shortened recovery time.

Please come see us to find out more about what this exciting new FQR program can do for your skin.

20 Responses to New Fraxel FQR for skin rejuvenation: Faster recovery, same efficacy

  • Laura says:

    Can you get botox on the same day as FQR?

    • Dr. Michael Kaminer says:

      Absolutely no problem to have FQR and Botox on the same day. We usually prefer to do the Botox after the FQR since we recommend patients do not lie down for 1 hour after receiving Botox.

  • Leslie says:

    Is this a procedure for fines lines and wrinkles as well?

    • Dr. Michael Kaminer says:

      FQR is primarily used to improve pigmentation, create a more even skin tone, and eliminate sun damage. FQR can create modest improvements in fine lines and wrinkles, but usually several FQR treatments are needed to see wrinkle improvement.

  • Tessie says:

    Do you still have to have your face numbed? How long does the procedure take?

    • Dr. Michael Kaminer says:

      Yes, you still have to have your face numbed with a topical anesthetic, but it takes much less time than with previous types of Fraxel laser. Numbing takes 30-45 minutes, and the laser takes approximately 15 minutes to perform.

  • Angela says:

    Dr. Kaminar
    Thank you for your time answering my question. What procedures do offer that are best for large pores?

    • Dr. Michael Kaminer says:

      A consultation with a board-certified dermatologist will help determine which procedure(s) might be best for your skin. If you live in the Boston area, feel free to call our office at (617) 731-1600 to book an appointment.

  • Angela says:

    Will this procedure eliminate large pores or only reduce the appearance? I also have sensitive skin and mild rosacea. Thank you.

    • Dr. Michael Kaminer says:

      Fraxel can improve the appearance of pores in some individuals. There are several different types of Fraxel laser, and your doctor can help determine which might be the best option for your individual skin type.

  • SonofGod says:

    Be aware if you have rosacea or sensitive skin. (Both means you have thin skin)
    In that case scenario if you do fraxel laser it will leave you with red face for 2 weeks but you will experience facial flushing and redness up to a year or more due to damaged protection skin barrier and hypersensitivity to skin stressors.
    Usually every morning and evening you will have red face from flushing!!

    • Dr. Michael Kaminer says:

      Thank you for your comment. It is important to keep in mind that there are several different lasers under the Fraxel family. In our experience, the FQR procedure is very well tolerated by patients with rosacea, and we do not see prolonged erythema or flushing following FQR (Fraxel Quick Recovery).

  • Raeleen says:

    Will this this procedure help with precancerous skin cells?

    • Dr. Michael Kaminer says:

      It can, when multiple treatments with Fraxel are performed. However, careful skin examinations on a regular basis are still recommended in addition to Fraxel treatments for precancerous skin cells.

  • Mark says:

    Is it safe to do FQR with thermage? If so is it a one day procedure or do you have to space the treatments apart?

    • Dr. Michael Kaminer says:

      Yes, it is safe to do FQR with Thermage, just not on the same day. We recommend to space the treatments at least a week apart.

  • Sarah says:

    How much does it cost?

  • Mark says:

    Do you do these on a Friday?

    • Blog Admin says:

      Hi, Fraxel FQR treatments are only done on Thursdays. Feel free to call our office at 1-617-848-1640 for more information. Thanks.

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SkinCare Physicians®

1244 Boylston Street (Route 9)
Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts 02467

Learn more about your rights and protections related to the No Surprises Act (HR133).

The dermatologists and other medical professionals at SkinCare Physicians specialize in a wide range of dermatology treatments and services, including laser hair removal, laser skin treatment, hair transplant, eyelid surgery, body contouring, psoriasis, skin cancer, BOTOX® Cosmetic, fillers, and Thermage®. From their offices in Chestnut Hill, they serve Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, Newton and Wellesley.

Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.



SkinCare Physicians®
1244 Boylston Street (Route 9)
Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts 02467

Phone: (617) 731-1600 Fax: (617) 731-1601

Learn more about your rights and protections related to the No Surprises Act (HR133).

Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.

The dermatologists and other medical professionals at SkinCare Physicians specialize in a wide range of dermatology treatments and services, including laser hair removal, laser skin treatment, hair transplant, eyelid surgery, body contouring, psoriasis, skin cancer, BOTOX® Cosmetic, fillers, and Thermage®. From their offices in Chestnut Hill, they serve Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, Newton and Wellesley.