Lasers, Light, and Energy-Based Devices in Plastic Surgery: A 3-Year Review of a Resident Cosmetic Clinic Experience

The increasing utilization of laser and light-based technologies in plastic surgery has heightened the need for comprehensive training programs within residency programs, allowing trainees to remain competitive in the cosmetic medicine field.

This review intends to describe our trainees' experience with lasers in their last 2 years of training while participating in their resident cosmetic clinic.

This retrospective chart review examines laser procedures conducted from 2021 to 2023 within the Resident Cosmetic Clinic at the study institution. Data were gathered from internal records and patient charts, focusing on demographics, procedure types, complication rates, and training structures.

This study analyzed 162 resident cosmetic laser, light-based device, and radiofrequency cases between 2021 and 2023. There were 90 patients with an average age of 46.8 years with the majority being females (95.6%). Intense pulsed light was the most frequently used modality used in 46.01% of procedures. The overall complication rate was 6.17%.

The findings suggest that resident laser clinics, under proper supervision, provide a safe and effective training ground for future plastic surgeons. This study underscores the need for standardized and comprehensive education to enhance resident knowledge and skills in laser and other energy-based devices.