This article is more than 5 years old. Information may no longer be current.

User error most common factor in cosmetic laser surgery complications

Health care provider error was the most commonly reported factor in cosmetic laser surgery complications, according to recent study results.

Researchers studied 494 FDA Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience adverse event reports resulting from laser- and energy-based procedures with devices between 2006 and 2011. In each case, the laser manufacturer, device, event type, injury, cause, operator and treatment indication were recorded.

Burns (36%), scarring (19.4%), infection (8%) and blistering (2.4%) were the most common complications. Thirty percent of complications were created by health care provider errors, with 20% of complications caused by laser device malfunction and 4% by patient error. Sixty-nine percent of cases had unknown indications for treatment, and 38% of procedures had unknown causes of complications.

“According to American Society for Dermatologic Surgery data, nearly 8 million medically necessary and cosmetic procedures similar to cases reviewed were performed in 2012,” the researchers reported. “This number is increasing each year, signifying the increasing importance of safety.

“To improve safety and reduce errors, we propose the implementation of a procedural sequence for cosmetic laser surgery.”

Disclosure: The researchers reported no relevant financial disclosures.