DERMATOLOGISTS HAVE performed surgery and cosmetic invasive procedures on the skin since the 19th century. They are responsible for developments in chemical peels, hair transplantation, dermabrasion, sclerotherapy, laser surgery, and liposuction. As with any medical treatment, those procedures carry inherent risk for possible complications.

“If you've been thinking of having your face or body rejuvenated, but have been scared off by the thought of major surgery, then maybe it's time to think again. A wealth of new techniques and technologies have transformed the field of cosmetic treatment. The common feature of all these new treatments is ‘minimally invasive’ – that is, less cutting, less open surgery, less risk and less downtime. Not only that – the cost is often far lower,” says one (of many) Web sites (see http://www.shanghaiexpat.com/Article1103965.phtml accessed March 10, 2010). For individuals who choose a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure aimed at improving appearance, fighting the signs of aging, and restoring their youthful looks (as opposed to treating a “real” disease), any visual side effect is considered a “catastrophe.” Therefore, we include in this chapter, aside from “true emergencies/catastrophes,” what we call “aesthetic catastrophes.”

SCARRING

A significant number of procedures in dermatology carry a risk of scarring. In some procedure scarring is inevitable, such as in surgical rhytidectomies and hair transplantations, whereas in others scarring is considered a complication, such as in chemical peels or laser surgery.