Adjusting spot size in laser treatment can impact which of the following?

Adjusting the spot size in laser treatment significantly affects both the speed of treatment and the depth of penetration. When the spot size is increased, the laser energy is distributed over a larger area, which can expedite the treatment process because larger areas can be covered in less time. Conversely, a smaller spot size concentrates energy on a smaller area, which can be beneficial for treatments requiring precision but may slow down the overall treatment time.

Additionally, the spot size plays a crucial role in determining how deeply the laser energy penetrates into the skin. A smaller spot size tends to allow for deeper penetration because it focuses energy more intensely, making it effective for targeting deeper layers of tissue. Conversely, a larger spot size can result in more superficial penetration as the energy spreads over a wider area.

While the patient's skin color can influence laser absorption and treatment effectiveness, it is not directly impacted by the adjustment of the spot size. Thus, the primary factors influenced by spot size adjustments are indeed the speed of treatment and depth of penetration, making the combination of both the correct choice.