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Mallat F, Chaaya C, Aoun M, Soutou B, Helou J. Adverse Events of Light-Assisted Hair Removal: An Updated Review. J Cutan Med Surg 2023; 27:375-387. [PMID: 37272371 DOI: 10.1177/12034754231174852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND With light-assisted hair removal becoming widely used, reports of adverse effects are increasing. OBJECTIVE To review all the reported optical incidents and cutaneous complications of laser or intense pulse light-assisted hair removal. METHODS A PubMed database systematic search was performed to identify studies reporting such adverse events before July 2022 using the Mesh terms "adverse effects" AND "hair removal" AND ("laser" OR "intense pulse light"). RESULTS Altogether, 358 references were identified. After excluding duplicates, unrelated articles, guidelines, and conference abstracts, then adding references from studies bibliography, 104 publications were included. Ocular incidents consisted of anterior uveitis, iritis and iris atrophy, pupillary distortion, posterior synechiae, anterior chamber pigment, and cataracts in the anterior subcapsular region. Cutaneous complications consisted of pain, burns, folliculitis, leukotrichia, paradoxical hypertrichosis, pigmentary changes, changes in nevi, pili bigemini, herpes infection, hyperhidrosis, bromhidrosis, Fox-Fordyce disease, and frostbite from the cooling system. They were mostly correlated to skin type and body area as well as to light device and set parameters. Intense pulse light devices were found to be less painful than alexandrite laser, yet more painful than diode laser; Nd:YAG laser had the highest pain score. CONCLUSION Optical incidents can be systematically avoided. Cutaneous complications are usually related to professional errors and patient characteristics. Better knowledge of laser physics and adequate training of laser operators are key recommendations to avoid undesirable side effects. Safety recommendations help prevent most of the reported complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farid Mallat
- Faculté de Médecine, Université Saint-Joseph, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Céline Chaaya
- Faculté de Médecine, Université Saint-Joseph, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Maroun Aoun
- Faculté de Médecine, Université Saint-Joseph, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Boutros Soutou
- Faculté de Médecine, Université Saint-Joseph, Beirut, Lebanon
- Dermatology Department, Hôtel-Dieu de France, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Josiane Helou
- Faculté de Médecine, Université Saint-Joseph, Beirut, Lebanon
- Dermatology Department, Hôtel-Dieu de France, Beirut, Lebanon
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Flegel L, Kherani F, Richer V. Review of Eye Injuries Associated With Dermatologic Laser Treatment. Dermatol Surg 2022; 48:545-550. [PMID: 35333214 DOI: 10.1097/dss.0000000000003427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The eye is susceptible to damage during dermatologic laser treatments. OBJECTIVE Discuss the anatomy of the eye related to these procedures, the principles of laser-eye interactions, and ocular injuries reported with dermatologic laser treatments. METHODS PubMed and Embase searches were conducted to identify cases of eye injuries associated with dermatologic laser treatments. RESULTS One hundred nineteen cases of eye injury associated with dermatologic laser treatments were identified. Fifty-nine cases targeted the eyelid during resurfacing and caused ectropion, while 60 cases resulted from direct injury of ocular structures. In most of the cases of the latter, improper eye protection was used (44 of 60, 73%). In nearly all these cases, it was the patient who sustained a potentially avoidable ocular injury (52 of 60, 87%). Thirty-one patients had persistent ocular symptoms at follow-up (52%). The most common procedure in this context was laser hair removal of the face (35 of 60, 58%). Most of the cases developed injuries specific for the particular laser based on its wavelength and affinity to target certain ocular chromophores (59 of 60, 98%). CONCLUSION Most of the dermatologic laser-associated eye injury cases have occurred in the context of laser resurfacing or laser hair removal and are potentially preventable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Flegel
- Department of Dermatology and Skin Science, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Femida Kherani
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Surgery, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Heights Laser, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Vincent Richer
- Department of Dermatology and Skin Science, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Pacific Derm, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Ocular Complications After Laser or Light-Based Therapy-Dangers Dermatologists Should Know. Dermatol Surg 2021; 47:624-629. [PMID: 33731574 DOI: 10.1097/dss.0000000000002974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Laser and light-based technologies have been used in the medical field for over 50 years. In dermatologic and cosmetic practice, cutaneous side effects are commonly discussed; however, ocular injury may also occur. OBJECTIVE To complete a systematic review of the current literature regarding ocular complications in the dermatologic field after laser and/or light-based therapies. MATERIALS AND METHODS A systematic review of the Medline database was performed in August 2020 using the search terms "laser or light and ocular and complication." The inclusion criteria were articles written in English discussing ocular complications after laser or light-based therapy for dermatologic or cosmetic indications. RESULTS A total of 36 articles were included for review. Carbon dioxide was the most frequently used laser causing ocular damage, and the most common ophthalmologic complication was temporary ectropion. Patients described visual disturbances and pain as the most common symptoms. A large proportion of articles did not report the use of appropriate eye protection at the time of injury. CONCLUSION Although ocular injury post-laser or light-based procedures are rare, clinicians must be acutely aware of the signs and symptoms associated with eye damage. The informed consent process should thoroughly describe the possibility of ocular complications post-treatment, and medical practices should have appropriate emergency plans and protective equipment in place to decrease both patient and staff risk of injury.
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Yan MK, Kocak E, Yoong K, Kam JK. Ocular injuries resulting from commercial cosmetic procedures. Clin Exp Optom 2020; 103:430-433. [DOI: 10.1111/cxo.12952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Revised: 06/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mabel K Yan
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia,
| | - Enis Kocak
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia,
| | - Kevin Yoong
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia,
| | - Jonathan K Kam
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia,
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Crowell EL, Jampel H, Berkenstock M. Alexandrite laser induced uveitis & pigment dispersion: A case report and review of the literature. Am J Ophthalmol Case Rep 2020; 18:100632. [PMID: 32181413 PMCID: PMC7063328 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajoc.2020.100632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2019] [Revised: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To describe a complication of an upper eyelid alexandrite laser procedure. Observations A 55-year-old woman presented with left eye blurred vision and photophobia after a left upper eyelid procedure with an alexandrite laser. She had elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), anterior chamber cell and pigment, posterior synechiae, and retroillumination defects in the left eye. She was treated with topical prednisolone and brimonidine. Six months later, although her anterior chamber had cleared and IOP had normalized, the patient reported decreased vision-related quality of life from persistent photophobia. Conclusions and Importance Alexandrite lasers are commonly used for hair removal and skin depigmentation. When used periocularly without proper eye protection, they have the potential to create irreversible ocular complications. This case demonstrates the importance of proper eye protection with periocular laser procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric L Crowell
- Dell Medical School, 1601 Trinity St., Bldg. B, Z1200, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Henry Jampel
- Dell Medical School, 1601 Trinity St., Bldg. B, Z1200, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Meghan Berkenstock
- Dell Medical School, 1601 Trinity St., Bldg. B, Z1200, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
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Plăcintă IA, De Freitas RA, Rahhal-Ortuño M, Udaondo P. Retinal toxicity after facial laser epilation. Rom J Ophthalmol 2020; 64:70-74. [PMID: 32292862 PMCID: PMC7141925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A 39-year-old man presented to the ophthalmology emergency room complaining of decreased visual acuity and metamorphopsia on his left eye after undergoing Nd:YAG facial hair epilation without wearing proper eye protection. Fluorescein angiography showed a foveal staining initially, with an increase in foveal leakage over late phases. On optical coherence tomography, a subfoveal retinal pigment epithelial detachment with associated subretinal fluid and no signs of choroidal neovascularization or cystoid macular edema was observed. Observation with monthly follow-ups was adopted. By the fourth month, the subretinal fluid had already disappeared and visual acuity had returned to 20/20. Over one-year follow-up, the retinal pigment epithelial detachment experienced a decrease in its size. Conservative management may be a valid option in assessing accidental foveal photocoagulation when choroidal neovascularization or cystoid macular edema is absent. The use of wavelength specific goggles is mandatory for the patient and the aesthetician operating the cosmetic laser, especially when operating on the face or around the eyes. Abbreviations: Nd:YAG = neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet, OCT = optical coherence tomography, PED = pigment epithelial detachment, CME = cystoid macular edema.
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Balyen L. Inadvertent macular burns and consecutive psychological depression secondary to Alexandrite laser epilation: A case report. Saudi J Ophthalmol 2019; 33:105-108. [PMID: 30930674 PMCID: PMC6424673 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjopt.2018.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2017] [Revised: 03/08/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Unwanted hair is an important aesthetic problem in many cultures. Laser epilation devices have become commonly available at the present time. Nowadays, laser hair removal is widely practiced as a cosmetic procedure, however, some ocular complications may occur. The retina is the most vulnerable to laser-related injury which can lead to serious visual impairment. Laser epilation can cause serious complications and medical costs if not performed carefully and appropriately. The use of laser hair removal devices by unskilled aestheticians who is untrained and do not have the proper protective equipment at the beauty centers, can cause serious ophthalmological and psychological disorders and thus substantial labour productivity loss and economic loss. Therefore, the protective eyewear must be used by both the aesthetician and the patient during the procedure of laser epilation. In this way, we can improve the safety of both patients and aestheticians and at the same time ensure their healths. I reported the case of a 49-year-old female with a unilateral maculopathy responsible for an acute visual field defect and consecutive psychological depression secondary to Alexandrite laser epilation. This report is important to raise the awareness of ophthalmology and dermatology society and public about risks of their misuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lokman Balyen
- Kafkas University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, Kars, Turkey
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Klyuchareva SV, Ponomarev IV, Topchy SB, Pushkareva AE, Andrusenko YN. Treatment of basal cell cancer in the periorbital area using a pulsed copper vapour laser. VESTNIK DERMATOLOGII I VENEROLOGII 2018. [DOI: 10.25208/0042-4609-2018-94-6-15-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
An increase in life expectancy in developed countries is inevitably accompanied by an increase in the number of nonmelanoma skin diseases, which are primarily represented by basal cell cancer (BCC) occurring in elderly and old-age patients. The pathogenesis of such diseases is associated both with impaired proliferation and differentiation of the keratinocytes of the epidermal basal layer, as well as with the transformation of the vasculature in the papillary dermis in the vicinity of BCC. In recent years, such conditions have been increasingly treated using CO2 , neodymium, diode and pulsed-dye lasers. In many cases, these devices allow malignant BCC cells to be successfully eliminated. However, the use of near-infrared lasers in the periorbital area is limited due to a higher risk of damaging the organs of the visual system. Therefore, a search for new laser surgery methods that can be used for treating malignant skin tumours seems to be a prospective research direction.Methods. 3 male and 9 female patients diagnosed with primary BCC were treated using a copper vapour laser (Yakhroma-Med). The age of the patients varied from 34 to 77 years. Laser treatment was carried out in one session under the following irradiation parameters: the wavelength of 511 and 578 nm, the average power of up to 3 W and a series of 15 ns pulses. The pause between the pulses was 60 μs, with the exposure time ranging from 200 to 600 ms. The light spot diameter on the skin surface was 1 mm. The follow-up monitoring duration was 24 months.Results. In all the BCC patients, one session of copper vapour laser treatment allowed malignant cells in the disease area to be completely eliminated without relapses during 2 years after the therapy. The duration of skin healing in the irradiated area was 2 weeks in patients under the age of 40 years, compared to 3–4 weeks in elderly patients. After the treatment, short-term side effects, such as a slight edema, erythema and peeling, were observed.
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Huang A, Phillips A, Adar T, Hui A. Ocular Injury in Cosmetic Laser Treatments of the Face. THE JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND AESTHETIC DERMATOLOGY 2018; 11:15-18. [PMID: 29552271 PMCID: PMC5843357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The eye is a vulnerable and commonly injured organ in cosmetic laser procedures of the face. Treatment of the eyelids and periorbital areas increases this risk, especially when ocular protection devices are not used or are removed during the procedure. A study has shown that injury from laser epilation of the periocular areas is one of the most common causes of litigation in cutaneous laser surgery. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this review is to determine the causes of ocular injury in cosmetic laser procedures and derive lessons on critical safety elements to prevent future injury. METHODS: We conducted a review of the current literature through a PubMed search on case reports of ocular injury in cosmetic laser treatments of the face. Twenty-one cases are examined. RESULTS: In more than 62 percent of cases, ocular protection was not used or protection was used but removed during the procedure to treat areas close to the eye. However, despite the proper use of intraocular corneal shields and wavelength-specific goggles, accidents occurred in 33 percent of cases. CONCLUSION: Ocular protection devices are essential to prevent most cases of laser-induced eye injury. Use of high fluence and long wavelength lasers increases the risk of ocular injury due to deeper penetration of the organ by radiation. Inadequate cooling between pulses also predisposes to injury by cosmetic lasers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Huang
- Drs. Huang, Adar, and Hui are with the Department of Dermatology at the State University of New York Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York
- Ms. Phillips and Dr. Hui are with Bay Area Cosmetic Dermatology in San Francisco, California
| | - Arianna Phillips
- Drs. Huang, Adar, and Hui are with the Department of Dermatology at the State University of New York Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York
- Ms. Phillips and Dr. Hui are with Bay Area Cosmetic Dermatology in San Francisco, California
| | - Tony Adar
- Drs. Huang, Adar, and Hui are with the Department of Dermatology at the State University of New York Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York
- Ms. Phillips and Dr. Hui are with Bay Area Cosmetic Dermatology in San Francisco, California
| | - Andrea Hui
- Drs. Huang, Adar, and Hui are with the Department of Dermatology at the State University of New York Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York
- Ms. Phillips and Dr. Hui are with Bay Area Cosmetic Dermatology in San Francisco, California
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Brás S, Gonzalez B, Segurado-Miravalles G, Boixeda P. Treatment of lupus erythematosus of the eyelids with pulsed dye laser. Lasers Med Sci 2016; 33:215-219. [DOI: 10.1007/s10103-016-2131-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2016] [Accepted: 12/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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