It’s no secret that laser treatments are some of the most advanced and cutting-edge options in the cosmetic industry. Laser skin resurfacing is one of the most popular and effective skin rejuvenation treatments performed each year, but if you’re looking to incorporate laser resurfacing into your beauty regimen, it can be difficult to know where to start. Many types of lasers exist, and finding the one that matches your concerns and preferences requires some professional help. Ablative and non-ablative are two of the main categories of lasers you’ll find, and it’s an important distinction. Here’s what to know about ablative and non-ablative lasers and what’s available at Key Laser Institute for Cosmetic Regenerative Medicine.
Ablative Lasers
Ablative lasers can be thought of as more aggressive – keep in mind that aggression isn’t bad when it comes to lasers. Aggressive lasers can more effectively treat deep-rooted concerns and turn over a whole new layer of healthy skin. Ablative treatments may be right for you if you want fewer treatments and more noticeable results at the cost of more downtime. In some cases, they may even be an alternative to cosmetic surgery.
How Do They Work?
Ablative lasers work by ablating the skin, or damaging it with concentrated light. This therapeutic damage causes the skin to peel and shed the layer of dead and damaged skin cells on the surface. Once the treated skin peels, a healthy new layer is revealed. Because the laser damages the skin, it also triggers the body’s collagen production mechanisms, resulting in tighter, smoother, younger skin over time.
What Treatments are Available?
One of the most tried and true laser treatments is the CO2 laser, which can create long-lasting correction. CO2 lasers are often used to treat tough skin concerns like acne scars and skin texture. Some fractionated lasers (such as Fraxel) are ablative, meaning they treat only a fraction of the skin to reduce downtime. Fractional lasers work similarly to microneedling.
Non-Ablative Lasers
Non-ablative laser treatments are often gentler on the skin but can take longer to produce results – they often require multiple treatments over time. However, they cause virtually no peeling and don’t require significant downtime, meaning these laser resurfacing treatments may be a good fit if you value your schedule. There are many different kinds that use different types of energy, meaning you’ll need a true expert in laser technologies to find the right one for your needs.
How Do They Work?
Non-ablative lasers deliver energy to the deeper layers of the skin without damaging the surface. When the energy reaches the underlying skin tissue, it stimulates collagen production and cellular renewal, but there’s no peeling involved. Because it stimulates collagen, non-ablative laser resurfacing can be helpful for texture, sun damage, fine lines, and – most notably – pigmentation.
What Treatments Are Available?
Clear + Brilliant is one of our most recommended lasers to people just starting out and looking for a gentle, non-ablative treatment. Although not technically a laser, BBL (broadband light) treatments are also non-ablative and the gold standard for pigmentation. These are both great ways to improve skin tone, smooth fine wrinkles, and rejuvenate your skin’s surface with minimal downtime.
Laser Skin Rejuvenation at Key Laser Institute for Cosmetic Regenerative Medicine
At Key Laser Institute, we offer a curated selection of the most cutting-edge laser platforms available for facial rejuvenation. To learn more about ablative laser resurfacing, non-ablative lasers, and how you can benefit from a hybrid approach, contact our Portland office today by calling or filling out our online form.