In an effort to help laser surgeons identify potentially litigious procedures, dermatologist H. Ray Jalian, MD, of the Massachussetts Dermatology Laser and Cosmetic Center—in conjunction with Columbia Law School—presented “The Most Common Causes of Litigation in Laser Surgery” at the 2012 American Society for Laser and Medicine Surgery. Based on a review of malpractice and legal claims filed from 1989-2012, he identified the top five laser-based treatments and accompanying adverse events that led to the legal action.
Procedures:
Permanent Hair Reduction
Skin Rejuvenation (CO2[SUBSCRIPT 2] resurfaing, Ablative and nonablative fractional resurfacing and IPL)
Leg vein treatments
Tattoo removal
Vascular lesions
Adverse events:
Burns
Scars
Pigmentation problems
Disfigurement
Emotional distress
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