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Section 1 – Introduction & Study Overview

Energy-based devices have transformed modern aesthetic practice. What began as a narrow set of indications for vascular and pigment conditions has matured into a broad toolkit for rejuvenation, resurfacing, and corrective work across diverse patient populations.

A Decade in Focus is a 10-year retrospective analysis from an academic plastic surgery practice, co-authored by John Hoopman, CMLSO. Presented at the AAPS 2025 Annual Meeting, it examines demographics, device mix, outcomes, and complications across 632 patients and 1,693 unique encounters. Few studies offer this depth and duration of real-world data.

Highlights include: most patients were women (85.76%), Fitzpatrick Skin Type III was most common, and IPL accounted for nearly half of all encounters. Complications were rare and typically mild, and crossover between surgical and device-based patients was minimal.

Section 2 – Purpose & Methods

The study’s purpose was twofold: first, to characterize who received energy-based treatments and which devices were used; second, to analyze outcomes and complications to better understand safety and performance. A secondary objective was to measure crossover between device and surgical pathways.

This was a retrospective chart review of departmental records and Epic EHR data from 2013 to 2023. Researchers collected demographics, devices used, and complications. The design mirrors quality reviews performed in academic medical centers, ensuring findings are practical and transferable.

Section 3 – Results & Data Highlights

• Cohort Size: 632 patients, 1,693 encounters.
• Sex Distribution: 85.76% female.
• Most Common Skin Type: Fitzpatrick III (36.55%).
• Device Mix: IPL (47.61%), 2940 nm laser (16.43%), 532 nm laser (15.38%).
• Complications: Minor only: edema and hyperemia. Severe events were rare.
• Crossover: 0.95% of device patients later had surgery; 0.79% of surgical patients later received device care.

Section 4 – Clinical Interpretation

The data supports a key point: provider skill drives outcomes. Devices are tools; results depend on selecting the right tool, for the right patient, with the right parameters. The low complication rate suggests disciplined screening and parameter use across the decade.

Patients who chose devices versus surgery tended to remain in those care paths. This suggests providers should clearly communicate distinctions during consults, helping patients align expectations with treatment type and downtime tolerance.

Section 5 – Safety & Complication Prevention

Most complications were mild and transient, underscoring that safe outcomes are achievable with structured protocols. John Hoopman emphasizes:

• Skin Type Protocols: Fitzpatrick-specific screening and conservative parameter ramping.
• Target-Driven Parameters: Aligning fluence, pulse width, and spot size with tissue target.
• Endpoint Recognition: Identifying cues like erythema or vessel darkening.
• Peri-Treatment Care: Cooling and aftercare to reduce inflammation.
• Documentation & Consent: Educating patients on realistic outcomes and downtime.

Section 6 – Device & Parameter Strategy

With IPL comprising nearly half of encounters, providers need strong playbooks for pigmentation and photodamage while respecting melanin safety. For lasers, 2940 nm resurfacing and 532 nm vascular/pigment work demand precise parameter selection. Training helps shorten the learning curve.

• IPL: Filter choice, fluence stacking, pulse sequencing.
• 2940 nm: Density, energy per spot, single vs. staged passes.
• 532 nm: Spot, fluence, pulse width for superficial targets.
• Fitzpatrick I–VI: Decision trees for safety across all skin types.
• Combination Planning: Sequencing devices with injectables or surgery for optimal outcomes.

The study validates a device-agnostic framework grounded in physics and tissue response—precisely the approach John teaches.

Section 7 – Why Train with John Hoopman

• Evidence-Based: John co-authored this 10-year study; training ties directly to data.
• CMLSO Credentials: Certified Medical Laser Safety Officer with decades of experience.
• Device-Agnostic: Principles apply across platforms, not just one manufacturer.
• Risk Management: Protocols and checklists reduce complications.
• Immediate Practicality: Techniques you can use in clinic the next day.

Section 8 – Who This Training Is For

• MD/DO/NP/PA/RN providers needing evidence-based, device-agnostic training.
• Practice owners who want consistent outcomes across staff.
• New adopters who want to avoid early mistakes.
• Experienced users expanding indications or combining devices.

Section 9 – How the Course Works

Both live and online courses share the same evidence-based foundation.

Section 10 – Citation & Download

Thota B, Nadarajan V, Dogaroiu A, Kim L, Niksic A, Peters V, Barillas J, Hoopman J, Kenkel J. A Decade in Focus: Examining Lessons Learned from Laser and Light-Based Device Procedures in an Academic Practice. AAPS 2025 Annual Meeting Abstracts. PRS Global Open. 2025.

📄 Download the full study (PDF)