Ablative vs Non-Ablative Laser Resurfacing: Which is Right for You?

Posted on February 12, 2020 in Laser Treatments

You may have heard of a laser peel, laser surgery, lasabrasion, laser vaporization or many other laser-related facial treatments. However, all of them describe the skin rejuvenation process of laser resurfacing.

This skin treatment works by breaking down cells in the various layers of skin, which forces the skin to repair itself. The process of repair can be seen in fewer noticeable wrinkles, the fading of scars and discoloration and overall younger-looking skin.

However, laser resurfacing isn’t a one-size-fits-all treatment. The two most common types of laser resurfacing are referred to as ablative or non-ablative.

Ablative Laser Resurfacing

An ablative laser penetrates deeper into the skin to produce dramatic results, quickly. This type of facial rejuvenation is usually recommended for those with deeper wrinkles or more widespread scarring and discoloration. While the healing process may be a bit longer, usually only one ablative laser resurfacing treatment is necessary to see an amazing change.

Non-Ablative Laser Resurfacing

The biggest difference that patients will notice between ablative and non-ablative laser resurfacing is the number of treatments needed to see the same results. While you may need a few more treatments, the healing time after each one is significantly less. This allows you to get back to your normal activities, including work, much faster. What makes non-ablative laser resurfacing different from its cousin is the depth in which the laser penetrates the skin.

Laser resurfacing treatments can be used to target specific areas of the face, such as crow’s feet or laugh lines. It can also be used in larger areas where there are patches of acne scarring. In some cases, a whole-face treatment is recommended. To find out if you are a good candidate for this type of facial rejuvenation, call the Ransom/MD to make an appointment today.

Posted on behalf of Ransom/MD

Dr. Ransom

Dr. Evan Ransom is an Ivy League-educated and Ivy League trained Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon. He is a Double Board Certified Head and Neck Surgeon and Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and fellowship-trained in facial plastic, reconstructive, and laser surgery. His practice is in the San Francisco Bay Area, serving patients from San Francisco, Oakland, Marin County, Palo Alto, Silicon Valley, Walnut Creek, the East Bay, and all over Northern California.