What is nonablative resurfacing and how does a pulsed dye laser accomplish this?

Theoretically, gentle heating of the superficial dermal layer will stimulate the production of new collagen. This helps to fill in fine wrinkles on the face. There is some controversy about this procedure, but most patients think it is helpful.

Pulsed dye lasers at low to moderate fluences (nonpurpuric settings) are used for this nonablative resurfacing. The low fluences help to stimulate collagen production. Many other lasers and intense pulsed light (IPL) machines are also purported to be effective.

Goldberg DJ: Nonablative resurfacing, Clin Plastic Surg 27:287–292, 2000.