FRIDAY, Oct. 15 (HealthDayNews) -- A new laser treatment that can be used to treat the wrinkles and discoloration of sun-damaged skin has been developed by researchers at the Wellman Laboratories of Massachusetts General Hospital.

The Fraxel (fractional photothermolysis) Laser Treatment (FLT) resurfaces the skin without the side effects, infection risks and recovery time of traditional abrasive resurfacing techniques and chemical peels, the researchers said.

Laser energy is applied to the damaged skin areas a fraction at a time, creating small micro thermal zones that are invisible to the naked eye. Patients are able to return to routine activities within one or two days.

"I am excited about the clinical benefits that the Fraxel laser may provide," Dr. Sandy Tsao, of the hospital's Dermatology Laser Center, said in a prepared statement.

"With this new approach, patients are likely to experience a softening of facial wrinkles and lightening of uneven pigmentation. Other potential benefits include the improvement of stretch marks, acne scarring and hand wrinkles. The recovery is minimal and benefits increased after a few treatments," Tsao said.

Fraxel has U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval for clinical use.

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