Dermatologic laser surgery is a continuously evolving field of medicine. According to the
American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, over 100 million laser and light source cosmetic
procedures were performed by its members in 2003. Procedures, which include hair
removal, nonablative treatments, as well as removal of pigmented lesions, tattoos, and
unwanted vascular lesions, have revolutionized this field. With an increasing number of
physicians and nonphysicians performing these procedures and with the availability of
increasingly powerful laser technologies, the potential for problems and their legal consequences
continue to increase. This article will address the concept of negligence and the
potential for a resultant medical malpractice lawsuit that may arise in such a setting.
Inherent in this issue are the associated problems that arise when these procedures are
performed by physician extenders. An understanding of the basic principals of a cause of
action in medical malpractice will likely protect a physician from losing such a case in a
court of law.Dermatologic laser surgery is a continuously evolving field of medicine. According to the
American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, over 100 million laser and light source cosmetic
procedures were performed by its members in 2003. Procedures, which include hair
removal, nonablative treatments, as well as removal of pigmented lesions, tattoos, and
unwanted vascular lesions, have revolutionized this field. With an increasing number of
physicians and nonphysicians performing these procedures and with the availability of
increasingly powerful laser technologies, the potential for problems and their legal consequences
continue to increase. This article will address the concept of negligence and the
potential for a resultant medical malpractice lawsuit that may arise in such a setting.
Inherent in this issue are the associated problems that arise when these procedures are
performed by physician extenders. An understanding of the basic principals of a cause of
action in medical malpractice will likely protect a physician from losing such a case in a
court of law.