Patients who are considering facial skin rejuvenation will consult with a physician to discuss various aspects of the procedure. It is important to search for a qualified dermatologist who has experience performing facial skin rejuvenation. In some states, no medical license is required to perform some procedures, such as chemical peels and lasers. However, this is not advised, and patients should seek out licensed and experienced physicians.

Dermatologists are skilled in the use of a wide variety of surgical and nonsurgical methods of treating skin conditions. As a result, they will be able to recommend a procedure based on:

• Type of skin condition being treated
• Location of the skin being treated
• Degree of damage
• Patient's skin type
• Patient's treatment goals
• Time required for recovery
• Patient's age
• Patient's medical history

Prior to the procedure, patients should follow any preparatory advice recommended by their physician. This may include dietary restrictions and changes in medication regimen. The choice of technique will dictate how the procedure unfolds. Some procedures, such as botulinum toxin injections and others that may take place in a physician's office, can be completed in as little as 30 minutes without the use of anesthetics. However, more invasive surgical procedures (e.g., eyelid surgery) may require use of anesthetics and a brief hospital stay.

Recovery time for facial skin rejuvenation varies significantly, depending on the technique used to treat patients. Many techniques - such as soft tissue filler and botulinum toxin injections, microdermabrasion and some laser and intense pulse light (IPL) treatments - require no recovery time. Most invasive procedures can require between several days to weeks of recovery time. Patients will be asked to avoid sun exposure while healing and limit exposure once healed to maintain the results of the procedure.

In most cases, patients will feel no significant pain as a result of the procedure. Minor discomfort may occur, however, in addition to mild redness and swelling. In many cases, repeat procedures will be necessary at some point to maintain the restorative effect achieved during the initial procedure.