Ablative laser

Ablative lasers are powerful lasers used for deep skin renewal. This laser technology removes the upper layers of skin in a controlled manner while simultaneously stimulating collagen production in the deeper layers. This activates the natural healing process, resulting in smoother, firmer, and more even skin.

Ablative laser treatments are often used for indications such as acne scars, wrinkles, sun damage, and other signs of skin aging. Thanks to the precision of modern systems, treatments are more effective and safer than ever before – with advanced options like fractional ablation for a shorter recovery time.

On this page you can read all about the operation of ablative lasers, the different types (such as CO₂ en Er:YAG), practical applications and what to look out for when choosing a suitable system.

What is an ablative laser?

An ablative laser is a type of medical laser that removes the upper layers of skin in a controlled manner (ablation) to stimulate skin renewal. By vaporizing the epidermis and part of the dermis, a controlled wound is created, which activates the natural healing process. This results in visibly smoother, more even, and firmer skin.

The ablation process is often combined with thermal stimulation in the deeper layers of the skin, which promotes the production of new collagen and elastin. This makes the treatment particularly effective for deeper wrinkles, scars, and sagging skin.

There are both full-beam and fractional ablative lasers. Fractional lasers treat only a portion of the skin surface using microscopic columns (microzones), leaving the surrounding tissue intact. This promotes faster healing and reduces recovery time.

Benefits of ablative laser treatments

Ablative lasers offer powerful skin improvement results when used correctly. Key benefits include:

• Deep skin renewal – Removes damaged skin cells and stimulates new production.
• Proven effectiveness in complex indications such as (acne) scars, deep wrinkles and sun damage.
• Improvement of skin structure – Smoother skin, refined pores and more even complexion.
• Long-lasting result after just a few treatments.
• Modern systems offer fractional options for a shorter recovery time and less risk of complications.
• Visible results that clients ask for – clinically substantiated and high in customer satisfaction.

Types of ablative lasers

Within the ablative laser category, we distinguish different types, each with their own applications and advantages.

CO₂ lasers: deep resurfacing for intensive skin improvement

CO₂ lasers (10.600 nm) lasers are powerful and penetrate deeply into the skin. They are particularly suitable for treating deep wrinkles, acne scars, surgical scars, and severe skin aging. These lasers vaporize the skin's surface and cause thermal stimulation in the dermis for collagen remodeling.

Please note: Full-beam CO₂ lasers treat the entire skin surface and deliver impressive results for severe conditions, but they come with a longer recovery time and a higher risk of side effects. Furthermore, not every skin type is suitable for this type of treatment.

Fractional CO₂ lasers: controlled ablation with shorter recovery time

Fractional CO₂ lasers deliver energy in microscopic beams (microzones), ensuring only a portion of the skin's surface is treated. The healthy tissue surrounding the microzones accelerates the healing process. The treatments are safer, less painful, and have shorter downtime, while maintaining clinical effectiveness. Read more here. fractional lasers.

Er:YAG lasers: precise ablation with less thermal damage

Er:YAG lasers (2940 nm) lasers have very high water absorption and vaporize the skin very precisely, generating minimal heat in the surrounding tissue. These lasers are suitable for more superficial indications such as fine lines, pigmentation disorders, or superficial scars, but their precision and ability to perform multiple passes also allow them to be used for deeper indications. Thanks to the gentle ablation profile, the risk of complications is reduced, and recovery is generally faster than with CO₂ lasers.

Fractional Er:YAG: precise ablation with less thermal damage

Er:YAG lasers are also available in a fractional version, which treats small areas of skin while leaving the surrounding tissue intact. This allows the patient to benefit from the advantages of ablation and an accelerated recovery process. Fractional Er:YAG lasers are particularly suitable for treating mild to moderate skin aging, acne scars, and surgical scars, with a lower risk of thermal damage.

Common misconceptions about ablative lasers

While ablative lasers are known for their powerful effects, there are also persistent misconceptions about this technology. Below, we explain the most common misconceptions:

• “Ablative lasers are aggressive and risky”

Thanks to technological advances—such as fractional laser technology and advanced scanning options—treatments can now be performed in a highly controlled manner. This significantly reduces the risk of complications, provided they are administered by a qualified practitioner.

• “Not suitable for dark skin types”

While caution is advised with higher Fitzpatrick types, ablative lasers can sometimes be used on darker skin, provided they are set correctly, cooled, and used for aftercare. It's important to thoroughly analyze the skin beforehand.

• “The recovery time is always long”

With full-field CO₂ lasers, downtime can indeed be up to 7–10 days. Fractional ablative lasers, on the other hand, often provide a recovery period of only 3–5 days, depending on the intensity.