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

Ablative lasers and non-ablative lasers differ primarily in how they interact with the skin and the underlying tissues. Ablative lasers work by removing the outer layers of the skin, effectively vaporizing the tissue. This process leads to a controlled injury that promotes healing and stimulates collagen production, making them effective for treating conditions like scars, wrinkles, and severe skin damage.

In contrast, non-ablative lasers do not remove any skin layers. Instead, they work by heating the underlying tissues without damaging the surface of the skin. This method stimulates collagen production and improves skin texture and tone over time, making non-ablative lasers suitable for conditions like mild wrinkles or acne scars without significant downtime.

This distinction is crucial in laser therapy, as it influences treatment choices based on the specific skin condition, desired outcomes, and recovery time considerations, aligning with the correct understanding presented in the first choice.