Introduction
Laser Complications
Introduction
Avoiding Laser Complications
Advances in lasers and light-based devices have grown as the demand for treatments has increased worldwide . With this increase in popularity , there is also an increase in the risk for adverse events .
Understanding the devices being used , the physics of light-tissue interactions , and proper patient selection is compulsory and will reduce the risk of adverse reactions . In 1983 , Anderson and Parrish introduced the theory of selective photothermolysis , which transformed the use of lasers to what we know today . The goal of selective photothermolysis is to have sufficient energy to penetrate and be absorbed by the desired target while minimizing the effect on the surrounding tissue . Targeted chromophores are damaged when the light is absorbed , and indications for laser therapy can be broadly divided into four categories : hair removal lasers , vascular lasers , pigment lasers , and resurfacing ( ablative and non-ablative ) lasers . Each of these laser categories has their own treatment risk profiles and associated complications .
Laser Complications
“ The clinician should carefully evaluate the patient prior to treatment by evaluating their medical history , their skin , and their skin type ”
Laser complications have been defined as “ any undesirable effect that occurs with laser treatment , even if expected .” ( 1 ) The majority of the time , the complications are mild and transitory . These temporary side effects are common , and in the case of some treatments , desired clinical endpoints .
Complications range from mild to severe . Acne , purpura , and dermatitis are some of the mild complications , while hyperpigmentation , hypopigmentation , and blisters are considered intermediate adverse events . Serious complications , such as infections and scarring , are fortunately not common but do occur .
The clinician , the device , and the patient are all components involved in complications that arise with the use of lasers . Any or all these components can factor into the most common causes of laser complications .
66 iS Skin Source