Laser skin resurfacing or laser resurfacing is a procedure that uses laser to improve the skin’s appearance and rejuvenate the skin. It can also treat minor facial flaws like wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, uneven skin tone, and texture, sun-damaged and mild to moderate acne scars.
Typically two types of lasers, ablative and non-ablative. An ablative laser is a minimally invasive method that wounds in order to remove the outer layer of skin (epidermis) while heating up the skin beneath (dermis). This stimulates the productions and growth of new collagen fibers.
On the other hand, a non-ablative type is a non-wounding laser that is less invasive and has a shorter recovery period. Without removing the outer layer of epidermis, heat is applied and delivered into the skin to stimulate the production of collagen.
While both can be delivered with a fractional laser which is the delivery of heat through tiny columns knowns as microthermal treatment zone which leaves microscopic columns of untreated tissue throughout the treatment area. This can shorten recovery time and reduce the risk of side effects.