Ablative Or Non-Ablative Laser Skin Resurfacing. What’s The Difference?

In today’s culture of social media and video conferencing, it seems that our faces are on display now more than ever before. As a result, more and more people are turning to cosmetic treatments and procedures to enhance their look and – in particular – rejuvenate their skin. While facelift and other invasive surgeries can certainly produce dramatic results, many patients may not be interested in going under the knife. In other cases, patients may not be physically, financially, or logistically able to have plastic surgery. For these men and women, nonsurgical laser skin resurfacing may be a fantastic option.

World-renowned board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Khorsandi and the award-winning team at VIP Plastic Surgery are proud to offer the most advanced and effective laser skin resurfacing (LSR) treatments available in Las Vegas, NV. Discover what options you have for nonsurgical skin regeneration treatment, including ablative and non-ablative laser skin resurfacing, and find out which may be right for you.

What is laser skin resurfacing?

Laser skin resurfacing is an incredibly beneficial skin rejuvenation treatment that offers a wide variety of options to fit the needs of virtually every patient. Depending on the type of LSR treatment used, patients can address mild to fairly advanced age-related skin concerns, including:

• Lines
• Wrinkles
• Sun damage (sun spots)
• Hyperpigmentation or discoloration
• Rough skin texture
• Uneven skin tone
• Dull skin
• Enlarged pores
• Scarring

How does laser skin resurfacing work?

The exact details of your Las Vegas laser skin resurfacing treatment may vary depending on your skin type, the severity of your concerns, your specific goals, and other factors. One of the most fundamental decisions you’ll need to make as you consider your various options for treatment is the choice between ablative and non-ablative skin resurfacing. Use this helpful information to better understand how each treatment works and which may be most appropriate for you.

Ablative laser skin resurfacing: This more aggressive skin rejuvenation technique involves destroying and removing one or more of the topmost layers of skin (epidermis) to help generate new and healthy skin cells for a more youthful overall complexion. Typically, ablative lasers are reserved for patients with fairly advanced signs of facial aging, such as deep lines and wrinkles. During an ablative laser skin resurfacing session, patients may receive anesthesia to help minimize discomfort. Following skin rejuvenation with an ablative laser, patients should expect some level of redness, flaking, discomfort, and scabbing as the skin begins to heal. Dr. Khorsandi is proud to offer the following ablative lasers for skin resurfacing in Las Vegas:

• Fraxel Repair CO2
• Syneron CORE CO2
• Venus ViVa RF

Non-ablative laser skin resurfacing: For patients with early or mild signs of facial aging, including fine lines and wrinkles or an uneven skin texture, non-ablative laser skin resurfacing may be an appropriate option. Furthermore, patients who have less available downtime may prefer the more gentle approach of non-ablative lasers, which typically produce very subtle and short-lived side effects. In fact, many patients are able to return to their normal daily activities virtually immediately after non-ablative laser skin resurfacing. With this type of treatment, there is no skin removed, meaning the damage is greatly reduced compared to ablative LSR. Instead, non-ablative LSR targets the deeper layers of the skin and stimulates the production of collagen, a vital component for youthful, firm, glowing skin. Among the most popular non-ablative skin lasers offered at VIP Plastic Surgery in Las Vegas are:

• Clear + Brilliant®
• Fraxel Dual
• PicoFocus
• Revlite SI
• EliteMPX

How do I find a Las Vegas plastic surgeon for laser skin resurfacing near me?

When it comes to your skin, and especially your face, choosing a highly qualified and board-certified plastic surgeon is essential for achieving beautiful, natural-looking, and long-lasting results. If you are ready to turn back the clock and get the gorgeous skin you’ve always wanted without going under the knife, call the knowledgeable team at VIP Plastic Surgery to schedule your private in-office or virtual consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Khorsandi today, and take the first step toward finally feeling comfortable and confident in your own skin after just one laser skin resurfacing treatment in Las Vegas, NV!