What is the primary difference between ablative and non-ablative lasers?

The primary difference between ablative and non-ablative lasers lies in their mechanism of action on the skin. Ablative lasers are designed to remove the outer layers of the skin, making them effective for resurfacing techniques. This removal process stimulates the body's natural healing response, encouraging the growth of new, healthier skin. The result often includes improvements in texture, tone, and the reduction of various skin imperfections.

In contrast, non-ablative lasers work by targeting the deeper layers of the skin without removing the outer layer. They focus on stimulating collagen production and tightening the skin from within, leading to gradual improvements over time without the need for significant recovery or downtime.

The other options mischaracterize the differences in effectiveness or treatment methods, but option A accurately captures the fundamental distinction between these two types of lasers in terms of their impact on skin layers.