Edgar Franklin Fincher, MD, PhD

There are many lasers and laser-like procedures available these days. Obviously, some have more risk than others.  The more aggressive the treatment, the more the potential for complications.  As cosmetic surgeons, our objective is always to offer our patients the best results and to eliminate any possibility for complications.

There are many procedures, mainly non-ablative type treatments, that can be done by non-physicians such as RNs, physician assistants, or nurse practitioners who have had significant training by qualified physicians and many hours of hands on training.  Even then, these procedures should only be done under direct supervision by trained laser surgeons.  Generally these procedures include laser hair removal and some forms of non-ablative or "light" laser procedures.  The ability to perform these procedures differ depending upon the state's medical board licensing regulations.

Laser skin resurfacing is a procedure that should never be performed by anyone other than a highly trained and experienced laser surgeon.  This means a dermatologic surgeon, plastic surgeon, facial plastic surgeon and some oculoplastic surgeons who have had intensive training specifically in the area of laser skin resurfacing.  This should never be done by a non MD professional and not by any MD, only by one who has had specific training and experience in this area of expertise.

When performed by experienced and trained MDs, the risks are minimal and the results are generally extremely good to excellent.  Anyone considering these types of procedures should only seek out trained laser surgeons in order to achieve the best results.