What is it called when a laser removes tissue?

The term used when a laser removes tissue is "ablative." Ablative lasers work by delivering energy that vaporizes the outer layers of the skin, effectively removing tissue. This process can treat a variety of skin concerns, such as scars, wrinkles, and uneven texture. The result is skin that may heal and regenerate, leading to improvements in its appearance.

In contrast, non-ablative lasers do not remove the outer layers of skin but instead work by heating the underlying tissues to stimulate collagen production without damaging the surface. Thermal may refer to the heat produced by lasers in both ablative and non-ablative options but is not a term that specifically describes the removal of tissue. Fractional lasers are designed to treat a fraction of the skin at a time, allowing for quicker healing and are categorized into either ablative or non-ablative types. Therefore, the focus on tissue removal distinctly aligns with the definition of ablative.