HELPS CONTROL:

• Mild to moderate wrinkles
• Skin growths
• Birthmarks
• Age spots or liver spots
• Uneven skin tone
• Sun-damaged skin
• Acne or scarring
• Stretch marks
• Rough texture

PRICE RANGE: Treatments range from $1,000 to $3,000.

AVERAGE DOWNTIME: Downtime is typically 2-4 weeks. Mild redness, swelling, and flaking may occur up to several months after treatment.

ABLATIVE LASER TREATMENT OVERVIEW

WHAT IT DOES: An ablative laser operates using intense heat to vaporize undesirable skin cells. During ablative laser resurfacing, a powerful beam of light energy is directed at a specific target on the skin. This laser beam removes the epidermis, or outer layer of the skin, while simultaneously heating the underlying tissue to a temperature that denatures existing collagen and stimulates the production of new collagen, which continues to develop for up to six months post-procedure. The outcome is improved skin appearance, tone, and texture.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:Ablative laser skin resurfacing can involve considerable social downtime. Treated areas might need to be bandaged and kept covered for several days post-treatment. Patients should avoid activities such as gym workouts or environments like swimming pools, where there is a heightened risk of infection following laser skin resurfacing. Additionally, the initial weeks after the procedure can be socially challenging due to significant redness, flaking, and scabbing of the skin. Prospective patients should be well-informed and prepared to ensure a smooth recovery with minimal complications.

While highly effective, ablative laser treatments may not be suitable for individuals with darker skin tones. The higher pigment levels in darker skin absorb more light energy, increasing the risk of thermal injury beyond the treated area and potentially causing skin damage and potential hyperpigmentation. However, in some instances, clinicians can safely perform ablative laser treatments by using lower settings or limiting the number of passes. This decision should be made by an experienced clinician with a proven track record of successful laser skin resurfacing and tightening on darker skin tones.

ABLATIVE LASER RESURFACING FAQS

How does ablative laser work?

The term "ablative" literally means "removing body tissue," highlighting the ablative laser's capability to vaporize all or part of the epidermis (the top skin layer). In contrast, non-ablative lasers do not remove the epidermis, keeping it intact through a process known as selective photothermolysis. An ablative laser delivers an intense wavelength of light into the skin, creating thermal injury that removes the outer skin layer while stimulating new collagen production in the deeper layers. Although ablative lasers are associated with longer recovery times, they offer more dramatic and long-lasting results.

What is the difference between ablative and non-ablative lasers?

Both ablative and non-ablative lasers operate on the concept of "controlled wounding," where inducing trauma within the skin stimulates a natural healing response. This process leads to collagen remodeling, dermal repair, and new collagen production. Non-ablative lasers generate energy absorbed by intradermal water at a specific wavelength, increasing the temperature and causing thermal injury. This injury denatures collagen and triggers the wound response, resulting in reduced fine lines and wrinkles, improved skin texture, and skin tightening due to new collagen formation and dermal thickening.

Unlike ablative lasers, which vaporize part or all of the epidermis, non-ablative lasers do not physically damage the epidermis. This distinction results in minimal downtime and lower risks associated with non-ablative laser treatments.

Non-ablative laser energy can be delivered in non-continuous pulses or through a fractional laser, which divides the light into a grid of microscopic columns. Fractional non-ablative lasers create thousands of tiny, deep columns known as microthermal treatment zones, delivering heat into the skin without affecting the surrounding tissue. This method allows for faster recovery and reduces the likelihood of post-procedure complications.

How long does ablative laser treatment last?

What sets an ablative laser apart from most other non-surgical aesthetic procedures is its ability to remove the top layer of skin, resulting in the generation of entirely new skin after the healing process. This new skin is then influenced by the patient's biological conditions and lifestyle habits. Patients in good health who maintain a healthy lifestyle can enjoy years of skin improvement following an ablative laser treatment. While the promise of new skin may entice some to seek frequent ablative laser treatments, it is crucial to wait six months to assess the full results. An experienced clinician can then recommend any additional laser resurfacing with an ablative laser if beneficial.

Is ablative laser resurfacing painful?

For certain conditions, such as moderate wrinkling and facial scarring, an ablative laser yields the best results because it removes the top layer of skin, unlike non-ablative lasers. The level of discomfort can vary depending on the type of ablative laser, the active ions used (such as erbium or carbon dioxide), and the specifics of the treatment. For instance, a non-fractional ablative laser using carbon dioxide (CO2) is more invasive and potentially more uncomfortable than an erbium-based fractional laser. The sensations during laser skin resurfacing also vary based on the treatment area. For example, the cheek area might experience milder sensations, while regions with thinner skin or close to bone, such as the forehead and around the eyes, may be more sensitive. However, methods like local anesthetics are highly effective at reducing discomfort, and most patients rate the discomfort of ablative laser skin resurfacing as mild to moderate..

Is ablative laser safe?

Ablative lasers offer some of the most significant non-surgical improvements for the skin, but this comes with a higher potential for risks. However, advancements in delivery systems, such as pulse wave and fractional ablative lasers, have greatly reduced recovery times and complication risks. Despite ongoing improvements in cosmetic ablative laser technology, studies have already demonstrated its effectiveness and safety for skin resurfacing. Before undergoing an ablative laser treatment, it is essential to consult with a trusted medical professional to determine if this approach can achieve the desired results for facial or body treatments.

What is an ablative CO2 laser?

Ablative lasers are classified into two main types based on their energy sources: erbium and carbon dioxide (CO2). Both types target water chromophores in the tissue, which are evenly distributed throughout. As the laser heats these water molecules, they convert to gas, causing the skin cells to evaporate or "ablate." While both erbium and CO2 lasers function on this principle, the CO2 ablative laser penetrates deeper into the skin, promoting greater neocollagenesis but also increasing the potential for injury. This ability to reach deeper layers makes CO2 ablative lasers the "gold standard" for treating deeper skin issues such as warts, acne scars, wrinkles, and advanced photoaging. For instance, many acne laser treatments for deep scarring utilize CO2 ablative lasers. On the other hand, erbium-based ablative lasers are typically used for more superficial conditions like fine lines, wrinkles, and skin laxity, offering shorter downtime and a lower risk of adverse side effects post-treatment.

*Always consult your physician before undergoing any procedure

**Follow all product use instructions and warnings

***If irritation occurs, discontinue use; if irritation persists, consult your physician