Complications in Lasers, Lights, and Radiofrequency Devices

Abstract

Lights, lasers, and radiofrequency are unique sources of energy that are increasingly utilized for therapeutic and cosmetic purposes. As the indications for these tools continue to increase and their use expands beyond physicians to aestheticians, physician-extenders, and technicians, the incidence of complications has also risen. It is imperative that operators of these tools be as familiar with the management of potential complications as they are with their usage and indications. This article serves as a review of potential complications encountered with usage of lasers, lights, and radiofrequency devices in dermatology.

Keywords

lasers - complications - radiofrequency - side effects

• References

• 1 Anderson RR, Parrish JA. Selective photothermolysis: precise microsurgery by selective absorption of pulsed radiation. Science 1983; 220: 524-527
• 2 Alam M, Dover JS, Arndt KA. Energy delivery devices for cutaneous remodeling lasers, sights, and radio waves. Arch Dermatol 2003; 139: 1351-1360
• 3 Alster TS, Lupton JR. Prevention and treatment of side effects and complications of cutaneous laser resurfacing. Plast Reconstr Surg 2002; 109: 308-316 ; discussion 317–318
• 4 Alster TS, Khoury RR. Treatment of laser complications. Facial Plast Surg 2009; 25: 316-323
• 5 Nelson JS, Milner TE, Anvari B , et al. Dynamic epidermal cooling during pulsed laser treatment of port-wine stain. A new methodology with preliminary clinical evaluation. Arch Dermatol 1995; 131: 695-700
• 6 Kelly KM, Nanda VS, Nelson JS. Treatment of port-wine stain birthmarks using the 1.5-msec pulsed dye laser at high fluences in conjunction with cryogen spray cooling. Dermatol Surg 2002; 28: 309-313
• 7 Kelly KM, Svaasand LO, Nelson JS. Optimization of laser treatment safety in conjunction with cryogen spray cooling. Arch Dermatol 2003; 139: 1372-1373
• 8 Willey A, Anderson RR, Azpiazu JL , et al. Complications of laser dermatologic surgery. Lasers Surg Med 2006; 38: 1-15
• 9 Metelitsa AI, Alster TS. Fractionated laser skin resurfacing treatment complications: a review. Dermatol Surg 2010; 36: 299-306
• 10 Alster TS. Cutaneous resurfacing with CO2 and erbium: YAG lasers: preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative considerations. Plast Reconstr Surg 1999; 103: 619-632 ; discussion 633–634
• 11 Manstein D, Herron GS, Sink RK, Tanner H, Anderson RR. Fractional photothermolysis: a new concept for cutaneous remodeling using microscopic patterns of thermal injury. Lasers Surg Med 2004; 34: 426-438
• 12 Graber EM, Tanzi EL, Alster TS. Side effects and complications of fractional laser photothermolysis: experience with 961 treatments. Dermatol Surg 2008; 34: 301-305 ; discussion 305–307
• 13 Setyadi HG, Jacobs AA, Markus RF. Infectious complications after nonablative fractional resurfacing treatment. Dermatol Surg 2008; 34: 1595-1598
• 14 Fife DJ, Fitzpatrick RE, Zachary CB. Complications of fractional CO2 laser resurfacing: four cases. Lasers Surg Med 2009; 41: 179-184
• 15 Metelitsa AI, Alster TS. Fractionated laser skin resurfacing treatment complications: a review. Dermatol Surg 2010; 36: 299-306
• 16 Mamelak AJ, Goldberg LH, Marquez D, Hosler GA, Hinckley MR, Friedman PM. Eruptive keratoacanthomas on the legs after fractional photothermolysis: report of two cases. Dermatol Surg 2009; 35: 513-518
• 17 Dawson E, Willey A, Lee K. Adverse events associated with nonablative cutaneous laser, radiofrequency, and light-based devices. Semin Cutan Med Surg 2007; 26: 15-21
• 18 Vano-Galvan S, Jaen P. Complications of nonphysician-supervised laser hair removal: case report and literature review. Can Fam Physician 2009; 55: 50-52
• 19 Weisberg NK, Greenbaum SS. Pigmentary changes after Alexandrite laser hair removal. Dermatol Surg 2003; 29: 415-419