Laser and electrocautery plume

As our specialty likely conducts the highest proportion of laser and electrosurgical procedures of any specialty, current recommendations for electrocautery, laser resurfacing, and LHR should include adequate air filtration and the use of high-filtration masks and smoke evacuators by the health care practitioner.

References

1. JAMA Dermatol. 2016 Jul 6. doi: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2016.2097. [Epub ahead of print]

2. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2011 Sep;65(3):636-41.

3. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1995 Mar;32(3):436-41.

4. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1989 Jul;21(1):41-9.

Dr. Wesley and Dr. Talakoub are co-contributors to this column. Dr. Talakoub is in private practice in McLean, Va. Dr. Wesley practices dermatology in Beverly Hills, Calif. This month’s column is by Dr. Wesley. Write to them at dermnews@frontlinemedcom.com.