So-called "ablative" or skin resurfacing lasers briefly direct an intense burst of laser energy onto the surface of the skin. This energy heats water within the surface layers of the skin, causing both the water and the tissue of the skin to turn to vapor.  Every time the laser passes over the skin, some of the outermost layers of the skin are removed in a precise and controlled way to the appropriate depth.

The skin then heals over a period of time, as new layers of collagen are produced. The skin can literally resurface itself, causing an improvement in the appearance of sun damaged or acne scarred skin. After the treatment, the skin will look much healthier than it did previously.

There are two main types of ablative laser - the original machines used were carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers, and more recently erbium:YAG laser systems have been introduced. We use an Asceplion MCL 30 Dermablate erbium:YAG laser for a safe, controllable method of tissue ablation.  The wavelength of this laser is absorbed 13 times better by water than CO2 laser radiation.  It is entirely converted into rapid vaporization/ablation of tissue water and cannot remain in the skin to produce non-specific heat damages.   Due to its characteristics, the Dermablate significantly reduces recovery time.

Thanks to the very limited thermal effects, the procedure is less painful than with CO2 lasers.  Patients do not require any anesthesia for the treatment of small lesions.  Side-effects and risks are greatly reduced for this laser.