Background: As the desire to maintain a youthful appearance escalates nationwide, the numbers of patients presentingwith complications subsequent to cosmetic treatments performed by non-professionals are increasing. Objective: The purpose of this stud...
Background: As the desire to maintain a youthful appearance escalates nationwide, the numbers of patients presentingwith complications subsequent to cosmetic treatments performed by non-professionals are increasing. Objective: The purpose of this study was to overview complications from cosmetic therapeutic attempts by nonprofessionals,and to discuss their management from a dermatologist’s point of view. Methods: During the period January 1st, 2011 to December 31st, 2013, a total of 24 patients who visited the SeveranceHospital at Yonsei University for complications that developed after cosmetic treatments by oriental doctors,non-medical personnel, and general practitioners were enrolled in this study. Patient clinical characteristics, pasthistory, diagnosis, biopsy results, and treatment information were collected. Results: The most common complication was a granulomatous foreign body reaction (n=15, 62.5%), followed byskin necrosis (n=8, 33.3%), and misdiagnosis and malpractice by non-professionals (n=5, 20.8%). Three patients hadmore than 2 complications combined. Patients with granulomatous foreign body reactions were usually managed withconservative treatments or excisions, while those with skin necrosis were managed with debridement and secondaryintention healing. Conclusion: As the number of cosmetic therapeutic attempts made by non-professionals increases, dermatologistsneed to understand the potential complications that can arise following these procedures, and should take an activerole in managing the patients.