For 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.
Can you get botox on the same day as FQR?
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.
Is this a procedure for fines lines and wrinkles as well?
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.
Do you still have to have your face numbed? How long does the procedure take?
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.
Dr. Kaminar
Thank you for your time answering my question. What procedures do offer that are best for large pores?
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.
Will this procedure eliminate large pores or only reduce the appearance? I also have sensitive skin and mild rosacea. Thank you.
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.
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!!
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).
Will this this procedure help with precancerous skin cells?
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.
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?
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.
How much does it cost?
Hi, It usually costs $800 per treatment. Regards.
Do you do these on a Friday?
Hi, Fraxel FQR treatments are only done on Thursdays. Feel free to call our office at 1-617-848-1640 for more information. Thanks.