What does it mean when a laser is described as ‘ablative’?

When a laser is described as ‘ablative’, it refers to its ability to remove the outer layers of skin. Ablative lasers work by vaporizing the tissue they target, which is particularly effective for procedures that aim to improve the appearance of the skin, such as resurfacing, scar treatment, or wrinkle reduction. This process not only removes the damaged layers but also stimulates new skin growth, leading to healthier, more youthful skin.

The other options focus on different attributes of lasers but do not accurately define the term 'ablative.' For instance, while some lasers may penetrate deeply or cause less pain, this does not inherently relate to the ablative process. Additionally, suggesting that ablative lasers are effective only for skin rejuvenation or used exclusively for tattoo removal limits their broader application in dermatological procedures. Thus, the key definition of ablative laser lies specifically in its function of removing layers of skin.