Laser skin resurfacing are cosmetic laser treatments commonly used to treat fine lines and wrinkles, sun-damaged skin, and scars. The procedure can be further subclassified into 2 categories: ablative and non-ablative.
Ablative lasers are more invasive. In this procedure, a highly concentrated beam of light energy (laser) is used to remove the upper layers of the skin. The procedure destroys and removes the aged and damaged upper layer of the skin, triggering the skin’s repair mechanism and thereby stimulating collagen production. The procedure results in younger looking skin with improved tone and texture. Though more effective, this more aggressive approach to skin resurfacing requires post procedural care and longer recovery times.
Non-ablative lasers provide a less intense option for laser skin resurfacing. The highly concentrated beam of light energy (laser) is used to heat up the targeted tissue without actually destroying and removing the surface of the skin. Similarly, the heat and injury triggers repair mechanisms that stimulate collagen production. As the procedure is less invasive, recovery time following the treatment is minimal. However, a series of treatments may be necessary to achieve the desired results.
Disclaimer:
The information on this website is provided for educational and information purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult with a licensed medical provider and follow their recommendations regardless of what you read on this website. If you think you are having a medical emergency, dial 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Links to other third-party websites are provided for your convenience only. If you decide to access any of the third-party websites, you do so entirely at your own risk and subject to the terms of use for those websites. Neither Dermatology and Skin Cancer Consultants, nor any contributor to this website, makes any representation, express or implied, regarding the information provided on this website or any information you may access on a third-party website using a link. Use of this website does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. If you would like to request an appointment with a health care provider, please call our office at (731) 784-4300.
