Wellness
Laser Resurfacing Types Explained
Discover the key differences between ablative, non-ablative, and fractional laser resurfacing to find the right treatment for your skincare goals.
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What is it?
Laser resurfacing is a cosmetic procedure that uses concentrated beams of light to improve skin texture and appearance. Treatments are primarily categorized as ablative or non-ablative.
Ablative lasers, such as CO2 and Erbium lasers, remove the outer layer of skin (epidermis) and heat the underlying dermis to stimulate collagen growth. This approach provides dramatic results but requires more recovery time.
Non-ablative lasers are less invasive, heating the dermal layer to promote collagen production without injuring the skin's surface. This results in a shorter recovery period but subtler outcomes. Both types can be delivered via a fractional laser, which treats microscopic columns of skin, leaving surrounding tissue intact to speed up healing.
Why is it trending?
Laser skin resurfacing has become one of the most popular minimally-invasive cosmetic procedures. Its rising popularity is due to the desire for significant, long-lasting results without undergoing major surgery. The treatment effectively addresses common concerns like fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, acne scars, and uneven skin tone. Advances in technology, particularly the development of fractional lasers, have broadened its appeal by reducing downtime and potential side effects compared to older methods. This makes skin rejuvenation more accessible for people with busy lifestyles.
How does it affect people?
The effects depend on the chosen treatment. Ablative lasers offer significant improvements in skin smoothness and firmness but require a recovery period of one to two weeks, often involving redness, swelling, and peeling. Non-ablative treatments have minimal downtime but typically require multiple sessions to achieve desired results, which appear more gradually. Benefits for all types include improved skin texture and reduced appearance of scars and wrinkles. However, risks can include changes in skin pigmentation (especially for darker skin tones), redness, swelling, and, rarely, scarring or infection.