There may be some redness around the treated area for a few hours after the procedure. Many patients are able to return to work almost immediately after surgery because there is usually no swelling. Pigmentation may or may not lighten immediately after laser treatment. During the first 1-2 weeks after pigmentation, the spot may even darken. It is possible, however, to see the effects of skin lightening and rejuvenation immediately after laser treatment in some cases, each patient's response may differ. When your skin heals from your final Nd: YAG laser treatment, the results will become apparent. Depending on the circumstances, these results may last for a lifetime.