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.