Management of Adverse Effects

23.5.1 Selection of Laser

Laser-induced dermal adverse events depend on the properties of the laser light and laser-chromophore interactions. Depending on the target chromophore, the wavelengths of light will, in part, determine the depth of penetration and as such, the tissue interaction. In general, the penetration depth in skin increases with wavelength. For example, for hair removal, longer wavelength devices such as diode and Nd:YAG have lower absorption coefficients for melanin, thereby penetrating deeper into the epidermis/dermis where the hair bulb resides. By extending the pulse duration of such lasers, the desired efficacy can be achieved, and the thermal-mediated adverse events reduced.

Updated: October 7, 2015 — 4:08 pm