Pulsed lasers enable selective heating of specific targets, this phenomenon is referred to as?

The phenomenon where pulsed lasers enable selective heating of specific targets is known as Selective Photothermolysis. This term is derived from the combination of “phototherapy” and “thermolysis,” indicating that light (photons) is used to disrupt or destroy tissue through heat (thermolysis).

When a pulsed laser is applied, it delivers energy in short bursts, allowing for precise targeting of specific chromophores within the skin, such as melanin in hair follicles or hemoglobin in blood vessels. This selective absorption of the laser light leads to localized heating, resulting in tissue destruction or modification while minimizing damage to surrounding structures.

This principle is crucial in practices like laser hair removal or treatment of vascular lesions, where the goal is to target unwanted hair or blood vessels without affecting the healthy skin around them. The specificity and control provided by pulsed lasers make Selective Photothermolysis an essential concept in laser therapy and dermatology.