A Prospective Comparison of Patient-Reported Outcomes after Facial Laser Resurfacing

Background: Laser resurfacing is a minimally invasive method for addressing facial or neck skin rejuvenation, which is neglected in modern surgical approaches. Despite its popularity, there is a paucity of outcome data. In this article, the authors present patient-reported outcomes to assess the effectiveness of a single surgeon’s approach to skin rejuvenation. Methods: Adult patients undergoing first-time facial laser resurfacing with broadband light and hybrid erbium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet/thulium laser or hybrid thulium fractional laser alone between March of 2023 and February of 2024, performed by the senior author (G.G.) and a laser specialist (L.S.), were analyzed prospectively. Data on patient demographics, laser technique and settings, prophylactic medication, and postprocedure management were collected. Patient-reported outcomes were assessed during early and late recovery periods using 10 FACE-Q surveys related to appearance, health-related quality of life, and adverse effects. A paired t test compared pretreatment and posttreatment responses. Results: A total of 71 patients (69 female, 2 male) were identified. Their mean age was 56 years (range, 40 to 78). Most patients (>50%) experienced tightness, swelling, tenderness, discomfort, and burning in the early recovery period, which dissipated over time. Postprocedure facial ( P < 0.001) and skin ( P < 0.001) appearance scores improved significantly; facial line scores improved, but not significantly ( P = 0.053). Overall, most patients were satisfied with the treatment outcome and their decision to undergo laser resurfacing. Conclusions: Patients were highly satisfied with both the decision to undergo the procedure and the outcome, particularly in facial appearance and health-related quality of life. They experienced minimal adverse effects in the early recovery period that dissipated over time. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.