What is the difference between ablative and non-ablative lasers? Please advise, so confused!

Thank you for your question. Ablative laser skin resurfacing removes the most superficial layer of the skin along with many of the skin's imperfections and blemishes. Non-ablative laser skin resurfacing leaves the surface of the skin intact as it passes through to the deeper layers of the skin where it stimulates a new layer of skin to form. Both techniques stimulate collagen and elastic fiber production in the deep layers of the skin, which causes your body to begin creating new, fresh looking skin. I suggest that you consult with a board certified facial plastic surgeon.



Best wishes,

Fractional laser is an amazing and highly effective treatment in our office. We use the laser treatment to help with acne scars, large pores, fine wrinkles, tissue collagen loss, scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, active acne, and for brightening dark pigmentation. Although there are very strong fractional lasers such as CO2 laser, we use lighter treatments for corrective skincare and maintenance of results. Our Thulium fractional laser, clear and brilliant laser, and Ultra Thulium laser are excellent options in our clinic. We also perform CO2 fractional and erbium depending on skin tone and tolerance for downtime. Patients do have to use a Melarase cream before and after treatment to help further reduce pigmentation after laser. Dark spots can improve with these treatments. I recommend fractional laser for incisional scars as well, especially after plastic surgery.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

ablative burn and cause char = ie needs wound healing, looks like a burn.  nonablative heat the skin cause what looks like a sun burn == ie needs NO wound healing, looks like allergy/redness.  They have various reasons for use and can be used to treat wrinkles, pores, scars, age spots etc.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Thank you for sharing your good question. Ablative laser skin resurfacing removes the top layers of skin. This improves skin texture, tone, elasticity and sun damage. Non-ablative lasers treat the deeper skin and give more tightening. Typically ablative lasers require one treatment whereas non-ablative lasers require several treatments. Often, a combination approach is needed to give best results for some patients (particularly patients with acne scars). I hope this is helpful.Good luck,

HI!

At my practice we have offer both types of lasers, our lasers help with a broad range of skin issues. 



For me, I would recommend the best laser based on how quickly the patient is expecting results and what are the concerns. Also take into consideration weather & travel. We wouldn't want a patient to do an Ablative laser if you would be going into the sun shortly after the procedure. 



Some of the non ablative lasers do the same thing as ablative lasers but they have completely different recoveries. Most of the non ablative lasers are done in a series. 



If a patient has more than 1 skin issue, I would be recommending the more Ablative laser so we can take care of all issues at once with one recovery. 



If a patient comes with 1 skin concern and doesn't have any down time, than the non Ablative laser would be the best option.