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New laser treatment for sun-damaged skin

BOSTON, Sept. 27 (UPI) -- Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston have developed a new laser treatment for wrinkles and sun-damaged skin.

The team from the Wellman Laboratories and the Dermatology Laser Center said Fractional Photothermolysis or Fraxel Laser Treatment can resurface skin without the side effects and infection risks of current ablation resurfacing and chemical peels.

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Laser energy is applied to the surface of the skin a fraction at a time, creating micro thermal zones so small they are invisible to the naked eye. Unaffected healthy tissue, which contain cells that promote rapid healing of the outer skin layers, separate the zones.

After treatment patients can immediately apply makeup and return to their normal routines in a day or two, the researchers said.

The treatment, approved by the Food and Drug Administration, also could be helpful for stretch marks, acne scarring and skin pigmentation.

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