Disclosures

Did you receive any funding to support your research for this TOPIC?
No

Were you provided with any honoraria, payment or other compensation for your work on this study?
No

Do you have any financial relationship with any entity which may closely compete with the medications, materials or instruments covered by your study?
No

Do you own or have you applied for any patents in conjunction with the instruments, medications or materials discussed in your study?
No

This work was not supported by any direct or non direct funding. It is under the author's own responsability

Objectives: Learning objectives for the session:
Overview on complications encountered with the use of lasers and energy based devices
Specific subjects to be covered include post liposuction and associated EBD complications, and complications seen with the use of plasma pens
Causes of these problems
Treatment of complications
Prevention of complications

Introduction: All treatments that can solve a clinical concern might also cause a new concern. Lasers and energy based devices, in general, are quite safe. Complications are uncommon, but every practitioner experiences these on occasion. Our lasers and EBD session will focus on the causes, so that complications can be minimized. Treatment of complications-yours or those of a referring colleague--will be discussed. Prevention is the best way to minimize postop problems.

Materials / method: In order to best focus on timely topics, I will review post liposuction complications and concerns seen following the use of plasma pens for resurfacing.
Liposuction in conjunction with the use of energy based devices can cause contour irregularities, fibrosis or tethered scarring, residual skin excess, and undertreatment with residual fat excess. Plasma pens can generate striping, uneven coloration, prolonged erythema, slow healing, and uneven correction. Both treatments must be performed in the proper manner with monitored recovery.

Results: Treatment of complications includes further fat reduction and/or dissolution of scar tissue using injectables or a minimally invasive approach in the case of post liposuction concerns. Excess skin may require surgical excision. Burns due to EBDs may heal primarily, but full thickness skin loss may need surgery also. Plasma pen concerns may benefit by using a "blender"--usually a laser or different provider--in order to correct striping. Slow healing may benefit from the use of topicals and biological agents. Alternative approaches to contouring and resurfacing may assist with resolution.

Conclusion: A good rule for each practitioner is to avoid performing a procedure if you are unable to successfully treat potential complications. Choosing the correct patient and using good technique are helpful. Treatment of complications can be simple or quite complex. Prevention, of course, is the best way to address risks.

Disclosures

Did you receive any funding to support your research for this TOPIC?
No

Were you provided with any honoraria, payment or other compensation for your work on this study?
No

Do you have any financial relationship with any entity which may closely compete with the medications, materials or instruments covered by your study?
No

Do you own or have you applied for any patents in conjunction with the instruments, medications or materials discussed in your study?
No

This work was not supported by any direct or non direct funding. It is under the author's own responsability