Common side effects of facial laser treatment include temporary redness, swelling, itching, and crusting, similar to a sunburn, while more serious but rare risks involve infection, scarring, and permanent skin color changes (hyperpigmentation/hypopigmentation), especially for darker skin tones. Proper aftercare, like sun protection and moisturizing, is crucial to minimize these risks and ensure healing, with most minor effects resolving in days to weeks, though pigmentation issues can linger.
Laser resurfacing can cause side effects, though they're milder and less likely with nonablative approaches than with ablative methods. Inflamed, swollen, itchy and painful skin. Treated skin may swell, itch or have a burning sensation. Your skin may look inflamed for several months following ablative laser treatment.
In general, the areas heal in five to 21 days, depending on the nature of the condition that was treated and type of laser used. Once the areas have healed, makeup may be worn to camouflage the pink to red color that is generally seen after laser skin resurfacing.
A systematic review of 16 RCTs showed that LLLT reduces pain from immediate post-treatment in acute neck pain and up to 22 weeks following completion of treatment in those with chronic neck pain [41].
For people with glaucoma who are on medication and require additional therapy, or for those who have a more progressive form of the condition, laser therapy can be extremely effective. Lasers can be used to lower pressure in the eyes and prevent some types of glaucoma.
It is often effective but that effectiveness may wear off after some period of time. It can be repeated but the effect may be reduced with repeat treatment. SLT is not a cure for glaucoma but one of many tools to keep it under control.
Ideal candidates for laser treatments generally include people with skin concerns such as acne, pigmentation issues, wrinkles, rosacea and vascular lesions, or those wanting to permanently remove hair on their face or body.
In the study of Bencini et al., the effect of nonablative fractional 1540 erbium glass laser was evaluated on neck wrinkles and they showed that this technique is effective for the treatment of dyschromia and wrinkles, but not effective for the neck skin laxity.
Although there are potential risks, such as temporary redness, pigmentation changes, and rare cases of scarring, you can minimize these with proper pre- and post-care. Laser treatments offer significant benefits for those looking to improve their skin's texture, tone, and overall health.
The number of laser hair removal sessions needed varies, but most people require 6 to 10 treatments for optimal results. Several factors affect how many maintenance sessions you'll need. Your hair colour, skin type, and the area being treated all play a role. The hair growth cycle also impacts treatment effectiveness.
C02 Laser Resurfacing – this ablative laser is a more intense skin rejuvenation treatment and requires 5-7 days of downtime, depending on the depth of the treatment. The skin may also stay slightly pink for a month or so after healing is completed.
How Much Younger Can Laser Resurfacing Make You Look? The degree of rejuvenation achieved through laser resurfacing varies depending on the type of laser used and the individual's skin concerns. On average, patients report looking 5 to 10 years younger after a full course of laser treatments.
IPL. When it comes to the best laser skin tightening treatment, Thermage and IPL are both excellent options that can provide for firmer, younger looking skin with little to no side effects and zero recovery time.
Top 5 Laser Therapies for Aging Skin
There is no solid research that indicates laser therapy exacerbates any malignant forms of skin cancers. Most forms of laser therapy operate at a frequency that barely penetrates the skin itself and are used primarily for cosmetic purposes.
Laser technology continues to evolve—but UltraClear™ with Laser-Coring™ is setting a new standard in 2026. For patients who want more than just a glow-up, this breakthrough treatment delivers firmer, smoother, and visibly rejuvenated skin without the risks or downtime of surgery.
You may need to avoid the procedure if you:
Fractional CO2 laser therapy uses high-energy beams of light to stimulate cell turnover, which helps exfoliate damaged or discolored skin cells while stimulating collagen production. CO2 laser treatment can minimize the appearance of deep wrinkles, lines, and uneven pigmentation.
Moisturize Your Skin
Keeping your skin well-hydrated is one of the most important steps you can take after laser treatment. Hydrated skin not only feels more comfortable but also promotes faster and smoother healing. Choose a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer that's formulated for sensitive or post-procedure skin.
A Laser Lift (sometimes called LazerLift) is a minimally invasive, in-office treatment that reduces visible signs of aging in the lower face and neck — including sagging skin, jowls, a “turkey neck,” double chin, and excess fat under the chin.
Searching for over-the-counter products meant for dry, sensitive skin will be a good place to start finding the right moisturizer for you. Drugstore brands such as CeraVe, Cetaphil, Eucerin, and Neutrogena make gentle, hydrating moisturizers that can be used after laser treatments.
Bottom line: Laser resurfacing can tighten skin, usually better than any other skin-tightening procedure. It can also diminish fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots on the skin, such as age spots.
How a Facelift Surgery Can Take 10 Years Off Your Face. If you are seeking a more youthful appearance for your face, a facelift surgery might be the procedure you're looking for. This surgery, called a rhytidectomy, will remove major wrinkles, smooth lines and reduce sagging skin on your face and neck.
Taylor had LASIK in 2019, but her casual mention of it during the podcast revealed something important about the long-term benefits.
Lasers are categorised into five main types based on their gain medium, which determines the type of laser needed for different applications. These include Solid-state laser, Liquid-state laser, Gaseous-state laser, Semiconductor laser and Metal Vapour laser.