The recognition of laser treatments for aesthetic improvement is seeing dramatic growth. With a long history of use through the medical community for surgery, similar web-site optometry, dentistry as well as other applications, the laser has been embraced by the dermatology and plastic surgery industry, taking over procedures as varied as hair removal, acne treatment, vein removal, tattoo removal, and skin rejuvenation.

For many procedures, lasers happen to be considered the minimally invasive alternative, yet there is still a push to use lasers that need even less downtime. Enter non-ablative lasers - technology that will provide dramatic skin rejuvenation results with minimal downtime.

Probably the best approach to define non-ablative lasers is to first explain ablative lasers. The distinction between the two is crucial for patients and doctors to understand since they select laser skin rejuvenation procedures.

Ablative lasers (such as CO2 lasers) use heat and light to vaporize damaged cells from the surface of the skin and also to penetrate in to the deeper layers. Often referred to as "resurfacing," these ablative treatments can improve skin texture, smooth moderate wrinkles, and correct pigmentation problems.

Non-ablative lasers use light to penetrate beneath the skin without removing outer layers. The most usual types of non-ablative lasers are IPL (Intense Pulsed Light), BBL (Broad Based Light) and fractional laser. When delivered to the dermis, the laser energy encourages the production of collagen and makes it possible for skin renewal from within. Non-ablative lasers can treat age spots, acne, veins, redness, sun damage, minor wrinkles, scars, and poor skin texture.

During ablative laser treatments, patients often need to be sedated with local anesthesia. After the procedure, a healing period of several days to a few weeks should be expected, during which there will be significant discomfort, swelling and scabbing. Patients should intend to take some time off work.

Non-ablative lasers, then again, don't usually require downtime or recovery. Unlike ablative treatments, the non-ablative procedure isn't performed with general anesthesia or sedation, although some patients report minimal discomfort (often in comparison to the snapping of a rubber band) which is often mitigated with a topical anesthetic. Post-procedure discomfort is minimal. Patients are generally able to return to their daily activities immediately, although they could appear "flushed." Even though the influence on the skin is less dramatic, non-ablative lasers are nevertheless able to achieve substantial improvement.

The selection of a qualified physician is as important with non-ablative lasers as it is with every other cosmetic treatment, regardless of the fact that they can be minimally invasive. A physician must possess the education and experience to find out candidacy and select from among-the many products on the market. In actually performing the process, the physician has to be well-versed in the details and application of the laser technology to achieve improvement without damaging the skin. Patients should carefully review their physician's credentials ahead of selecting and embarking upon a photo rejuvenation plan of action.