What is it called when a laser removes tissue?

When a laser removes tissue, it is referred to as ablative. Ablative lasers work by delivering energy to the skin, which results in the removal of the outer layers of tissue. This process is often utilized in various dermatological procedures for skin resurfacing, scar removal, and wrinkle reduction. By targeting and vaporizing the tissue, ablative lasers stimulate the body’s natural healing process, encouraging the production of new skin cells and collagen, which can improve overall skin texture and appearance.

Non-ablative lasers, on the other hand, do not remove tissue; they work by targeting deeper layers of the skin without damaging the surface, making them suitable for tightening and rejuvenation with minimal downtime. Fractional lasers can be either ablative or non-ablative; however, "fractional" typically refers to the delivery method rather than the removal of tissue itself. Selective lasers are designed to target specific chromophores in the skin, rather than remove tissue. Therefore, the term that accurately describes the process of tissue removal is indeed ablative.