Ablative vs. Non-Ablative Lasers: What’s the Difference?

Detroit laser skin resurfacing is one of the most transformative non-surgical procedures and is designed to meet various skin concerns, from simple rejuvenation to intensive correction. There are two main types of laser resurfacing treatments: ablative and non-ablative. Here, cosmetic surgeon Dr. George Goffas explains the difference between these therapies and which option might best suit your skin rejuvenation goals.

Ablative laser skin resurfacing

Ablative lasers use a high-energy beam of light that precisely removes the outer layers of aged or damaged skin. The light energy vaporizes the water within the skin cells, creating controlled damage to reinvigorate the body’s natural cell renewal process. The affected skin peels away to reveal smoother, clearer, more youthful skin underneath.

Benefits of ablative lasers:

• Reduces deeply etched wrinkles and lines
• Softens skin creases such as nasolabial folds
• Significantly improves overall skin texture and tone
• Minimizes or eliminates the appearance of scars

Ablative laser treatments are the gold standard for addressing significant skin issues and thus require 1-2 weeks of downtime to allow the skin to heal and regenerate. Most patients are pleased with their results after just 1-3 treatments. 

At Cosmetic Surgeons of Michigan, PC, Dr. Goffas uses an ablative Erbium (Er:YAG) laser to dramatically improve virtually all skin imperfections. Laser resurfacing can be performed alone or as a complement to surgical procedures, such as a facelift. 

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Non-ablative laser skin resurfacing

Non-ablative lasers offer a less invasive, yet still highly effective approach: this type of laser therapy targets deeper layers of skin, instead of the skin’s surface. The light energy heats the underlying skin tissue (without harming the top layer of skin) to encourage new collagen and elastin growth. As new collagen layers form in the weeks following the treatment, the health and appearance of the skin improve. 

Benefits of non-ablative lasers:

• Enhances skin firmness and elasticity
• Reduces fine lines and minor surface imperfections
• Corrects pigmentation irregularities
• Suitable for mild to moderate skin aging

Patients can typically return to their normal activities immediately following a non-ablative treatment, making it an excellent option for those with busy schedules and those looking for gradual improvements with minimal recovery time.

Fractional lasers

Fractional laser skin resurfacing represents a bridge between the ablative and non-ablative laser techniques. These lasers deliver heat and light in a pixelated fashion, meaning that instead of treating 100% of the skin, they target micro-columns of skin across the treatment area, leaving the surrounding tissue intact. This method allows the skin to heal much faster than if the entire area were treated at once, as the healthy, untreated skin promotes rapid recovery of the treated zones. Patients can get many of the benefits of an ablative laser with less downtime for recovery, and fractionated lasers can be divided into many types based on whether the treatment is ablative or nonablative.

Broadband Light or Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

Broadband Light (BBL) therapy, also known as Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy, is non-ablative and uses short blasts of light that penetrate the skin and work to rejuvenate the skin. Though there is minimal downtime associated with this treatment, several treatments are typically required to achieve the desired results.

Choosing between ablative and non-ablative lasers

The choice between ablative and non-ablative laser treatments depends largely on your skin condition, desired outcomes, and availability for downtime. During your consultation, you and Dr. Goffas can discuss your options. 

Reveal healthier, clearer skin with laser skin rejuvenation

Are you ready to explore your options with laser skin resurfacing? Schedule your consultation with Dr. Goffas at our St. Clair Shores cosmetic surgery practice. Call (586) 773-6900 or fill out our contact form at the top of this page. Cosmetic Surgeons of Michigan, PC proudly serves patients in St. Clair Shores, Grosse Pointe, and the greater Detroit areas.