Two Types of Laser Resurfacing

Laser resurfacing is just one of the non-surgical procedures we offer to combat the signs of aging. It is an option for patients who want to rejuvenate their skin, remove fine lines and wrinkles, treat blemishes, acne, and skin discoloration- all without having to hide unsightly scarring. There are two forms of laser skin resurfacing: ablative and non-ablative. An ablative laser treatment removes the surface layers of skin, exposing the newer and less blemished skin underneath. Non-ablative lasers stimulate the growth of collagen, which is the protein that gives our skin firmness. This tightens the skin and gives you a more youthful look. Ablative laser treatment involves the use of light energy to effectively burn off the top epidermal layer while simultaneously heating the underlying layers, which stimulates collagen. This treatment usually takes between thirty minutes and two hours. You will be given topical anesthesia to help deal with any discomfort during the procedure (patients having their whole face treated might be given more general anesthesia).   Patients who have ablative treatments will experience some redness and swelling after the procedure. You might also develop some crust on the treated area- this will resolve, but you must not pick at it or you might form scars. Most people can begin wearing makeup after one to two weeks. You will need to keep the area moist and stay out of the sun in the meantime.   Non-ablative treatments are much less intense and can generally be done in-office. This procedure damages the collagen in the dermis, encouraging new collagen growth without the removal of the top layer of skin. It takes around 15 minutes, and will usually take more than one treatment to achieve your desired results.   Non-ablative procedures do not result in any downtime; in fact, you can usually go back to your normal activities immediately. You might have some redness or slight swelling, and will need to wear sunscreen, but the redness will resolve after a day or two.   Please call our office if you have any questions, or to schedule a consultation, at (703) 574-2588. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ablative laser resurfacing and how does it work?

Ablative laser resurfacing uses light energy to remove the top layer of skin while simultaneously heating the layers beneath to stimulate collagen production. It delivers strong results for wrinkles, scars, and pigmentation concerns but requires more recovery time than non-ablative options.

What is non-ablative laser resurfacing and how is it different?

Non-ablative laser resurfacing heats the collagen in the deeper skin layers without removing the surface skin. It encourages new collagen growth and skin tightening with no downtime required, though multiple sessions are usually needed to achieve the desired outcome.

How much downtime should I expect after ablative laser resurfacing?

After ablative laser treatment, you can expect redness, swelling, and peeling for approximately one to two weeks. You will need to keep the area moist, avoid sun exposure, and follow your provider's aftercare instructions closely during the healing period.

Is there any downtime after non-ablative laser resurfacing?

Non-ablative treatments require little to no downtime. You may notice some mild redness or slight swelling for a day or two after your session, but most patients are able to return to their normal daily activities immediately after the appointment.

Which type of laser resurfacing is right for my skin concerns?

The best choice depends on the severity of your skin concerns and how much recovery time you can accommodate. Ablative treatments deliver more dramatic results but require more downtime, while non-ablative options are gentler with no recovery needed. A consultation helps determine the right fit.