Laser skin resurfacing are cosmetic laser treatments commonly used to treat fine lines and wrinkles, sun-damaged skin, and scars. The procedure can be further subclassified into 2 categories: ablative and non-ablative.

Ablative lasers are more invasive. In this procedure, a highly concentrated beam of light energy (laser) is used to remove the upper layers of the skin. The procedure destroys and removes the aged and damaged upper layer of the skin, triggering the skin’s repair mechanism and thereby stimulating collagen production. The procedure results in younger looking skin with improved tone and texture. Though more effective, this more aggressive approach to skin resurfacing requires post procedural care and longer recovery times.

Non-ablative lasers provide a less intense option for laser skin resurfacing. The highly concentrated beam of light energy (laser) is used to heat up the targeted tissue without actually destroying and removing the surface of the skin. Similarly, the heat and injury triggers repair mechanisms that stimulate collagen production. As the procedure is less invasive, recovery time following the treatment is minimal. However, a series of treatments may be necessary to achieve the desired results.