Michael Gold, MD: Mastering Device Complications and the Importance of Preparedness in Dermatology

At the 2025 American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Annual Meeting, Michael Gold, MD, a dermatologist practicing at Gold Skin Care Center in Nashville, Tennessee, presented in several sessions across aesthetic dermatology, acne, and more.

Gold spoke with Dermatology Times to discuss highlights and pearls from one of his sessions, titled, "Complications of Cosmetic Procedures," underscoring the critical importance of recognizing, addressing, and learning from complications associated with energy-based devices, fillers, and toxins.

"Believe it or not, everybody sees complications in their practices—whether from a device, filler, toxin, or anything we do," Gold said. He referenced a well-known adage in the field: "If you haven't seen a complication related to that procedure, you haven't done enough procedures."

Gold believes that a defining characteristic of a great dermatologist is not just their ability to achieve excellent results but also their competence in handling complications when they arise.

"I think that part of what separates a good doctor from a really good doctor is that if somebody has an adverse event, whether you did it or a colleague did it, you become very knowledgeable on how to take care of it," he said.

One key focus of the session was complications arising from energy-based devices. He stressed that dermatologists who utilize such devices must be fully prepared to manage any resulting adverse events.

"If you're doing a device in your practice, and you don't know how to handle any kind of complication that comes in, then you really shouldn't be doing that device," he warned.

While delegation is a common practice, he emphasized that the provider remains ultimately responsible for patient outcomes. "You may delegate the task, but you as the provider still have to know how to deal with anything that can go wrong," Gold said.

During the session, Gold presented a comprehensive overview of device-related complications. Some of these cases stemmed from his own clinic, demonstrating his expertise in handling complications effectively over his 30-year career.

In addition to sharing his personal experiences, Gold also discussed cases referred to him from other providers and even legal cases involving complications.

Aesthetic devices, while often seen as "toys" in the industry, come with significant responsibilities, Gold asserted. "They're toys that can have issues, and if we don't know how to handle the issues, then we're really in trouble," he said.