TOPLINE:

A Facebook survey revealed that a higher number of respondents had positive screens for body dysmorphic disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and depression following complications from cosmetic procedures.

METHODOLOGY:

• Researchers distributed an anonymous 40-question survey through a Facebook cosmetic-complication support group to individuals who experienced complications from energy-based devices and lasers.
• Analysis included validated mental health screenings: Patient Health Questionnaire-2 for depression, Primary Care PTSD Screen, and Body Dysmorphic Disorder Questionnaire-Dermatology version.
• Of 100 individuals who accessed the survey, 71 (99% women) completed it.
• Complications resulted from microneedling with radiofrequency in 29% of cases, followed by laser procedures in 24%, ultrasound skin tightening in 11%, radiofrequency skin tightening in 11%, microneedling alone in 4%, body contouring in 1%, and other procedures in 20%.
• Respondents most often attributed complications to estheticians or laser technicians (47%), followed by nondermatologist physicians (17%), dermatologists (14%), advanced practice providers (12%), and other providers (10%).

TAKEAWAY:

• Complications reported included scarring (38%), hyperpigmentation (26%), erythema (24%), burns (23%), blisters (11%), hypopigmentation (3%), and other issues (71%), with multiple complications often occurring simultaneously.
• A high proportion screened positive for mental health conditions following complications: 66% on the body dysmorphic disorder scores, 63% on the PTSD screen, and 50% on the depression scale.
• Burns were associated with a fivefold increased risk for positive PTSD screening results (P < .05), whereas a positive depression screening result correlated with a higher risk for positive PTSD screening results (P < .05).
• Nearly half (46%) said they thought about the complication for more than 3 hours a day. Greater daily preoccupation with complications showed a correlation with higher risk for positive PTSD and depression screenings (P < .05).

IN PRACTICE:

“The majority of procedures in this study were performed by providers with historically less formal aesthetic training,” the authors wrote, citing importance of “proficiency in device-tissue interaction, clinical endpoints, patient variability, and complication management.” They added that “given the significant physical and psychological consequences, stronger regulation of cosmetic procedural training and oversight is warranted.” 

SOURCE:

The study was led by Kathleen M. Coerdt, MD, SkinCare Physicians, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, and was published online on November 11 in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.

LIMITATIONS:

The study was limited by its small sample size, retrospective survey design, and potential recall bias.

DISCLOSURES:

No funding was received for this study. The authors reported having no relevant conflicts of interest.

This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication.