Ablative resurfacing: Laser, chemical peels, and dermabrasion

Abstract

Improving the appearance of facial rhytides and scars can be addressed by ablative resurfacing techniques. The goal of these methods is to eliminate the epidermis and at least a portion of the underlying dermis in a controlled fashion to allow for healing to a more cosmetically acceptable endpoint. Ablative resurfacing techniques include mechanical disruption, chemical disruption, or photothermolysis, achieved by dermabrasion, chemical peels, and laser-based modalities, respectively.