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Your Trusted Dermatology Experts in Natick, MA
Essential Dermatology is committed to delivering evidence-based, patient-centered dermatological care with a focus on empathy and cost-effectiveness. Our team, led by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michael Krathen, provides comprehensive medical and cosmetic solutions for patients in Natick, Marlborough, and Needham, Massachusetts. With over a decade of experience, Dr. Krathen combines advanced training and collaboration to address skin health, wellness, and aesthetic goals. We prioritize personalized treatment plans, utilizing cutting-edge technologies like IPL photofacials, CO2 resurfacing, and chemical peels to achieve optimal results.

Our practice emphasizes transparency, patient education, and accessibility, serving communities including Framingham, Wellesley, and Weston. By integrating medical expertise with cosmetic innovation, we help patients of all ages achieve healthier, radiant skin while maintaining the highest standards of safety and professionalism.
Services
Medical Dermatology Cosmetic Dermatology BOTOX Cosmetic Dermal Fillers Chemical Peels Laser Treatments Mohs Surgery Skin Cancer Treatment IPL Photofacial Microneedling
Highlights and features
  • We offer board-certified dermatology expertise with over a decade of experience.
  • Our team provides personalized treatment plans tailored to individual skin needs.
  • We utilize advanced technologies like CO2 resurfacing and IPL photofacials.
  • Our practice serves multiple communities across Massachusetts with convenience.
  • We prioritize patient education and transparent communication about treatments.
What people say
Board-certified expertise Personalized treatment plans Successful acne treatment Advanced cosmetic options Thorough skin cancer care
Services
BOTOX Cosmetic
BOTOX Cosmetic is a FDA-approved neuromodulator that temporarily relaxes facial muscles to reduce dynamic wrinkles. Ideal for smoothing frown lines, crows feet, and forehead furrows, this minimally invasive treatment delivers natural-looking results within 7-10 days. Our board-certified dermatologist customizes dosages to maintain facial expressiveness while achieving a rejuvenated appearance. Patients enjoy long-lasting effects for 3-4 months with proper maintenance.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels exfoliate damaged skin layers using medical-grade acids to improve texture, tone, and clarity. We offer superficial to deep peels targeting acne scars, sun damage, and fine lines. Phenol peels address severe aging, while gentler options like glycolic acid refresh skin with minimal downtime. Combined with laser therapies, these treatments stimulate collagen production for radiant, youthful skin tailored to individual concerns and recovery preferences.
Mohs Surgery
Mohs surgery precisely removes skin cancer while preserving healthy tissue. This micrographic technique achieves high cure rates for basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. Our dermatologist excises tumors layer by layer, examining each under a microscope to ensure complete removal. Ideal for sensitive areas like the face, this outpatient procedure minimizes scarring and offers immediate reconstruction options for optimal functional and cosmetic outcomes.
Laser Treatments
Our advanced laser therapies target pigmentation, vascular lesions, and textural irregularities. The Lumenis UltraPulse CO2 laser resurfaces skin to reduce wrinkles and scars, while Fraxel Dual stimulates collagen for tone and elasticity. These non-invasive treatments address sun damage, rosacea, and aging signs with customizable intensity, offering dramatic results for facial and body rejuvenation with controlled recovery periods.
Dermal Fillers
Hyaluronic acid fillers like JUVDERM restore lost volume to cheeks, lips, and under-eye areas. Sculptra stimulates collagen production for long-term facial rejuvenation. These injectables smooth nasolabial folds, enhance lip fullness, and redefine contours with immediate, natural results. Our specialists combine fillers with BOTOX for comprehensive liquid facelifts, addressing static wrinkles and volume loss to reverse aging signs safely and effectively.
People
Dr. Michael Krathen
Board-Certified Dermatologist
Dr. Krathen graduated summa cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania and completed dermatology residency at Boston University/Tufts. With over a decade of experience, he specializes in medical and cosmetic dermatology, teaching at Stanford and authoring medical journal articles. He prioritizes patient-centered care and advanced treatments.
Brooke Simas PA-C
Physician Assistant
Brooke earned her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies at Johnson & Wales University. Certified in dermatology, she specializes in medical and cosmetic treatments, including microneedling and injectables. Her patient-focused approach emphasizes education and personalized skincare solutions.
Nicole
Medical Assistant
Nicole graduated from College of the Holy Cross with a Pre-PA focus. Born in the Dominican Republic, she brings cultural sensitivity to patient care. She supports dermatology services while preparing for a future in healthcare leadership.
Julia Giusti-Kizik
Medical Assistant
Julia graduated from Johns Hopkins University with research experience in developmental psychology and sickle cell disease. She contributes clinical expertise to patient consultations and procedural support in the dermatology practice.
Stephanie Hoang
Medical Assistant
Stephanie, a first-generation college graduate from College of the Holy Cross, specializes in patient coordination and pre-procedural care. Her background in Health Studies informs her compassionate approach to dermatology services.
Questions
What skin conditions do you treat?
We treat acne, eczema, psoriasis, skin cancer, rosacea, pigmentation disorders, and aging concerns like wrinkles. Our services include medical diagnosis and cosmetic enhancements for comprehensive skin health.
Are your cosmetic treatments non-surgical?
Yes, we specialize in minimally invasive options like BOTOX, fillers, chemical peels, and laser therapies. These treatments require no hospital stays and offer quick recovery for facial rejuvenation.
Do you offer skin cancer screenings?
Yes, we provide full-body skin exams and advanced treatments including Mohs surgery. Early detection of melanoma and non-melanoma cancers is a core focus of our medical dermatology services.
Can I combine multiple treatments?
Absolutely. We often combine BOTOX with fillers, or chemical peels with laser treatments, for enhanced results. Your provider will create a customized plan to address multiple skin concerns simultaneously.
What is your cancellation policy?
We require 24-hour notice for cancellations. Missed appointments without prior notice incur a $100 fee. This policy ensures we can offer slots to other patients needing timely care.
Do you accept insurance?
Medical dermatology visits are typically covered by insurance. Cosmetic treatments are self-pay. Contact our billing team for verification of your specific plan’s coverage and benefits.
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