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

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.