•   (415) 550-1077
  •   San Francisco
  • |
  • Mill Valley

Evan Ransom M.D.

  • About Us
    • Dr. Ransom
    • Meet the Team
    • In the Media
    • Mission Work & Philanthropy
  • Cosmetic Surgery
    • Face & Neck
      • Facelift
      • Mini Facelift
      • Endoscopic Midface Lift
      • Neck Lift
      • Neck Liposuction (submental liposuction)
      • Revision Facelift
      • Secondary Facelift
      • Buccal Fat Removal
    • Nose Procedures
      • Rhinoplasty
      • Rhinoplasty Open
      • Rhinoplasty Closed
      • Revision Rhinoplasty
      • Ethnic Rhinoplasty
    • Ear Procedures
      • Otoplasty (ear pinning)
      • Earlobe Repair
      • Earlobe Reduction
    • Eyelid and Brow Procedures
      • Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
      • Upper Eyelid Lift
      • Lower Eyelid Lift
      • Asian Blepharoplasty
      • Endoscopic Browlift
      • Brow and Forehead Lift
    • Lip Procedures
      • Lip Augmentation
      • Lip Reduction
      • Lip Lift
      • Revision Lip Augmentation
    • For Men
      • Facelift for Men
      • Facelift for Men FAQ
      • Browlift for Men
      • Upper Eyelid Lift for Men
      • Lower Eyelid Lift for Men
      • Neck Lift for Men
      • Rhinoplasty for Men
    • Revision Cosmetic Surgery
      • Revision Facelift
      • Revision Lip Augmentation
      • Revision Rhinoplasty
      • Chin Implant Revision
      • Cheek Implant Revision
    • Reconstructive
      • Cleft Lip and Palate Repair
    • Medical Necessity
      • Functional Nasal Surgery
      • Osteoma Removal
      • Rhinophyma
      • Septoplasty
    • Implants
      • Cheek Implants
      • Chin Implants
  • Non-Surgical
    • Neurotoxin Injectables
      • Botox Cosmetic, Dysport and Xeomin
    • Injectable Fillers
      • Bellafill
      • Belotero Injections
      • Radiesse Injections
      • Juvederm Vollure XC Injections
      • Juvederm Volbella Injections
      • Restylane® Refyne
      • Restylane® Defyne
      • Restylane Lyft Injections
      • Voluma Injections
      • Non-surgical Chin Augmentation
      • Non-Surgical Cheek Augmentation
      • Soft Tissue Fillers
      • Submental Fat Reduction (Kybella™)
    • Laser Procedures
      • Lasers
      • Laser Resurfacing
      • Non-Ablative Laser Rejuvenation
      • IPL Photofacial Rejuvenation (MaxG)
    • Skin Tightening
      • Profound RF Microneedling
    • Skin Care
      • RANSOM MD
      • Alastin Skincare
  • Gallery
  • Resources
    • Videos
    • Blog
    • Testimonials
    • Virtual Consultation
    • Directions
    • Patient Forms
  • Contact
  • About Us
    • Dr. Ransom
    • Meet the Team
    • In the Media
    • Mission Work & Philanthropy
  • Cosmetic Surgery
    • Face & Neck
      • Facelift
      • Mini Facelift
      • Endoscopic Midface Lift
      • Neck Lift
      • Neck Liposuction (submental liposuction)
      • Revision Facelift
      • Secondary Facelift
      • Buccal Fat Removal
    • Nose Procedures
      • Rhinoplasty
      • Rhinoplasty Open
      • Rhinoplasty Closed
      • Revision Rhinoplasty
      • Ethnic Rhinoplasty
    • Ear Procedures
      • Otoplasty (ear pinning)
      • Earlobe Repair
      • Earlobe Reduction
    • Eyelid and Brow Procedures
      • Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
      • Upper Eyelid Lift
      • Lower Eyelid Lift
      • Asian Blepharoplasty
      • Endoscopic Browlift
      • Brow and Forehead Lift
    • Lip Procedures
      • Lip Augmentation
      • Lip Reduction
      • Lip Lift
      • Revision Lip Augmentation
    • For Men
      • Facelift for Men
      • Facelift for Men FAQ
      • Browlift for Men
      • Upper Eyelid Lift for Men
      • Lower Eyelid Lift for Men
      • Neck Lift for Men
      • Rhinoplasty for Men
    • Revision Cosmetic Surgery
      • Revision Facelift
      • Revision Lip Augmentation
      • Revision Rhinoplasty
      • Chin Implant Revision
      • Cheek Implant Revision
    • Reconstructive
      • Cleft Lip and Palate Repair
    • Medical Necessity
      • Functional Nasal Surgery
      • Osteoma Removal
      • Rhinophyma
      • Septoplasty
    • Implants
      • Cheek Implants
      • Chin Implants
  • Non-Surgical
    • Neurotoxin Injectables
      • Botox Cosmetic, Dysport and Xeomin
    • Injectable Fillers
      • Bellafill
      • Belotero Injections
      • Radiesse Injections
      • Juvederm Vollure XC Injections
      • Juvederm Volbella Injections
      • Restylane® Refyne
      • Restylane® Defyne
      • Restylane Lyft Injections
      • Voluma Injections
      • Non-surgical Chin Augmentation
      • Non-Surgical Cheek Augmentation
      • Soft Tissue Fillers
      • Submental Fat Reduction (Kybella™)
    • Laser Procedures
      • Lasers
      • Laser Resurfacing
      • Non-Ablative Laser Rejuvenation
      • IPL Photofacial Rejuvenation (MaxG)
    • Skin Tightening
      • Profound RF Microneedling
    • Skin Care
      • RANSOM MD
      • Alastin Skincare
  • Gallery
  • Resources
    • Videos
    • Blog
    • Testimonials
    • Virtual Consultation
    • Directions
    • Patient Forms
  • Contact
  • About Us
    • Dr. Ransom
    • Meet the Team
    • In the Media
    • Mission Work & Philanthropy
  • Cosmetic Surgery
    • Face & Neck
      • Facelift
      • Mini Facelift
      • Endoscopic Midface Lift
      • Neck Lift
      • Neck Liposuction (submental liposuction)
      • Revision Facelift
      • Secondary Facelift
      • Buccal Fat Removal
    • Nose Procedures
      • Rhinoplasty
      • Rhinoplasty Open
      • Rhinoplasty Closed
      • Revision Rhinoplasty
      • Ethnic Rhinoplasty
    • Ear Procedures
      • Otoplasty (ear pinning)
      • Earlobe Repair
      • Earlobe Reduction
    • Eyelid and Brow Procedures
      • Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
      • Upper Eyelid Lift
      • Lower Eyelid Lift
      • Asian Blepharoplasty
      • Endoscopic Browlift
      • Brow and Forehead Lift
    • Lip Procedures
      • Lip Augmentation
      • Lip Reduction
      • Lip Lift
      • Revision Lip Augmentation
    • For Men
      • Facelift for Men
      • Facelift for Men FAQ
      • Browlift for Men
      • Upper Eyelid Lift for Men
      • Lower Eyelid Lift for Men
      • Neck Lift for Men
      • Rhinoplasty for Men
    • Revision Cosmetic Surgery
      • Revision Facelift
      • Revision Lip Augmentation
      • Revision Rhinoplasty
      • Chin Implant Revision
      • Cheek Implant Revision
    • Reconstructive
      • Cleft Lip and Palate Repair
    • Medical Necessity
      • Functional Nasal Surgery
      • Osteoma Removal
      • Rhinophyma
      • Septoplasty
    • Implants
      • Cheek Implants
      • Chin Implants
  • Non-Surgical
    • Neurotoxin Injectables
      • Botox Cosmetic, Dysport and Xeomin
    • Injectable Fillers
      • Bellafill
      • Belotero Injections
      • Radiesse Injections
      • Juvederm Vollure XC Injections
      • Juvederm Volbella Injections
      • Restylane® Refyne
      • Restylane® Defyne
      • Restylane Lyft Injections
      • Voluma Injections
      • Non-surgical Chin Augmentation
      • Non-Surgical Cheek Augmentation
      • Soft Tissue Fillers
      • Submental Fat Reduction (Kybella™)
    • Laser Procedures
      • Lasers
      • Laser Resurfacing
      • Non-Ablative Laser Rejuvenation
      • IPL Photofacial Rejuvenation (MaxG)
    • Skin Tightening
      • Profound RF Microneedling
    • Skin Care
      • RANSOM MD
      • Alastin Skincare
  • Gallery
  • Resources
    • Videos
    • Blog
    • Testimonials
    • Virtual Consultation
    • Directions
    • Patient Forms
  • Contact
  • Yelp
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram

Laser Resurfacing: Ablative VS. Non-Ablative

San Francisco & Mill Valley, CA

Home  | Our Blog |  Laser Resurfacing: Ablative VS. Non-Ablative

Posted on April 5, 2019 in Non-Surgical

From fine lines and wrinkles to scarring, stretch marks and even melasma, laser resurfacing continues to take the world of cosmetic skincare by storm. Yet, the question posed by many patients is, “Which is right for me? Ablative or non-ablative?” To take a closer look at the differences between ablative and non-ablative laser treatments, continue reading below.

To begin, ablative lasers (think fractional CO2) are more invasive, meaning that they remove the outer layers of skin that is aged or damaged. This is accomplished by transmitting intense bursts of heat to targeted areas of the skin. There is a clear benefit to underlying skin, as ablative laser resurfacing signals the production of collagen as part of the skin’s natural healing process. As such, results are significant in regards to the visible signs of aging and skin damage.

Non-ablative lasers also stimulate the body’s production of collagen by heating designated areas of skin tissue. The idea is that new collagen will fill in fine lines and wrinkles, as well as other skin imperfections. Yet, because non-ablative lasers do not remove damaged skin tissue, multiple treatments are usually needed to achieve the results that a patient wants.

With a greater understanding of ablative and non-ablative laser resurfacing, it’s important to note that although results are more dramatic using an ablative laser, there is a higher risk of infection and a lengthy downtime is usually needed. Most patients require up to two weeks of recovery, and may experience redness, swelling, acne and changes in skin color. On the other hand, while non-ablative lasers require multiple treatments, individuals benefit from reduced risks and zero downtime.

The Refined Technology of Cynosure Icon Palomar 1540

Combining the power of ablative lasers and the safety of non-ablative lasers, the Cynosure Icon Palomar 1540 is a refined technology used to treat a variety of cosmetic conditions of the face and neck. At the Ransom/MD, Dr. Evan Ransom uses the Cynosure Icon Palmar 1540, as well as the Er: YAG 2940 to rejuvenate the skin, smooth fine lines and improve skin texture irregularities.

To learn more about the latest advancements in laser technologies, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Ransom, call 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.

Share This :

Recent Blog Posts

  • How Long Can I Be Under Anesthesia?
  • The Role of Skin Tightening in Neck Lifts
  • The Artistry of Neck Lifts in Facial Rejuvenation
  • How Do I Know if I Need an Open or Closed Rhinoplasty?
  • Solving Drooping Eyebrows and Forehead Lines with a Brow Lift
BACK TO ALL BLOGS

Schedule A Consultation!

The first step to any cosmetic or reconstructive procedure is scheduling a consultation. Dr. Ransom will carefully review your concerns and develop a treatment plan that is most effective for your unique needs. To schedule your consultation, call our San Francisco office at (415) 550-1077 or request an appointment through our online form. 

Read Patient Reviews »

SAN FRANCISCO

450 Sutter Street, Suite 1212
San Francisco, CA, 94108

MILL VALLEY

655 Redwood Highway, Suite 250
Mill Valley, CA, 94941

Call Us

(415) 550-1077

Follow Us

Resources

  • Directions
  • Virtual Consultation
  • Blog
  • Testimonials

Policies

  • Terms & Conditions
  • HIPAA Privacy Policy
  • Sitemap
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Statement

Copyright © 2021 Ransom/MD. All Rights Reserved.

SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION
CLOSE

Schedule a Consultation