Complications of laser dermatologic surgery

Background and Objective Innovations in lasers, light and radiofrequency devices have allowed for improved therapeutic efficacy and safety and the ability to treat patients with an ever‐increasing number of medical and aesthetic indications. Safety remains a primary concern and the timely communication of complications and their management is vital to insure that treatments be as safe as possible. The purpose of this report on the Proceedings of the First International Laser Surgery Morbidity Meeting is to provide laser experts the opportunity to present and discuss complications that their patients have experienced and how they were successfully managed. Methods Laser experts were invited to present complications of laser, light, and radiofrequency treatments that their patients have experienced and to discuss the potential mechanisms leading to the complications their management and final outcomes. Results Nineteen unique cases are presented and the clinical management of each case discussed. Eighteen sets of pre‐ and post‐operative photos are presented. Conclusion This report shows that even experts, with extensive experience using light‐based therapies, can and do have patients who develop complications. Sound clinical judgment, and knowing how to avoid complications and their timely post‐operative management, is essential to insure optimal therapeutic outcome. Lasers Surg. Med. 38:1–15, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.