Laser facial rejuvenation is an outpatient procedure that is often done in an ambulatory surgical facility. Prior to commencing the procedure, nurses will clean your face and then cover your eyes to shield them from the laser. Using a local anesthetic, the surgeon will numb the skin. For deep treatments, general anesthesia may also be required.

During the procedure the doctor directs an intense laser beam at the skin, thereby destroying the outer layer of your skin, known as the epidermis. As well, laser also heats up the dermis, the underlying skin, causing all the collagen fibers to begin to shrink. The damaged collagen disappears while new collagen growth is stimulated, causing the skin to tighten up and improve overall appearance. This procedure tends to take around 15 minutes to 30 minutes, but sometimes up to two hours depending on how deep the treatment is, the technique being used, and the total size of the treated area. To achieve the best possible results, you may have to undergo a number of laser facial rejuvenation treatments over the course of a few weeks or months, depending on what the target is.

After the laser facial rejuvenation procedure is finished, the skin will feel itchy, raw, and a bit swollen. There might also be a bit of yellowish liquid that comes from the treated areas. To ensure scarring does not occur, do not pick at the yellowish liquid as it forms crusts along the skin. The doctor will often apply ointment to the skin and sometimes puts a watertight, airtight dressing over the treated area. They suggest taking over the counter pain relievers to dull any pain, as well as the application of ice packs. The area needs to be routinely cleaned with water and either acetic acid or saline. You will also have to apply an ointment, like petroleum jelly, to the area.

Once laser facial rejuvenation is done, your skin will be red or pink for a few months. Once everything starts to heal up, you will begin to notice an immediate difference in the appearance and quality of your skin. The effects provided by laser facial rejuvenation are known to last for a number of years. Keep in mind that the results do not happen overnight; they are not dramatic or immediate. You will see them start to show in a progressive, gradual way, especially after the skin is no longer red. You will probably first notice improvements in the pigment and texture of the skin than the removal of fine lines and wrinkles.

To ensure the best results with laser facial rejuvenation, it is best to avoid any unprotected exposure to the sun for at least a year. The exposure can actually reverse the results of laser facial rejuvenation. It will prevent the onset of any irregular pigmentation. Also, it is important to be aware of the fact that while these results last for a long time, they are not permanent. As you smile and squint, you will still create new lines and wrinkles along your face.