Dermatology Online Journal

This manuscript addresses the significantconsiderations concerning the development anduse of medical devices in dermatology. With therapidly growing demand and booming marketfor medical devices, especially lasers, it is crucialthat dermatologists become familiar with thenuances associated with supporting clinical studies,consumer-driven marketing strategies, and thecomplex relationships that exist between physicians,industry, and consumers. An examination of theserelationships includes an overview of the potentialbiases pertaining to advisory panels and treatingclinicians. The aim of this paper is to serve as anintroduction to the background of medical devicesand to offer dermatologists important informationon what should be considered before recommendingtreatment.