Laser Resurfacing
What is laser resurfacing?
Laser resurfacing is a procedure that uses laser energy to remodel layers of the skin, primarily for cosmetic improvement of wrinkles, scars, and sun damage.
What is the difference between ablative and non-ablative laser resurfacing?
There are two main types of laser resurfacing: ablative and non-ablative. Ablative lasers (like the CO2 and Er:YAG) vaporize outer layers of the skin and can lead to significant improvement in wrinkles. These are aggressive lasers that typically have a few weeks of downtime. Nonablative lasers heat (rather than vaporize) layers of the skin, which stimulates collagen and can help improve the texture and tone of the skin. Nonablative lasers have less downtime than ablative lasers.
What is a fractional laser resurfacing?
Fractional laser resurfacing delivers laser energy in a grid pattern, treating microscopic columns of skin while leaving the surrounding skin intact. This approach speeds healing and reduces complications. Both ablative and nonablative lasers can be fractionated.
What outcome should patients expect?
Patients can expect improvement in skin texture, wrinkles, scars, and pigmentation following laser resurfacing. For more aggressive ablative laser resurfacing, results can be seen after one treatment. For lighter, non-ablative laser resurfacing, often a series of treatments are required to achieve optimal outcomes.
Updated November 12, 2025
by Jacqueline Watchmaker, MD