What does selective photothermolysis refer to?

Selective photothermolysis refers to the principle of precisely targeting specific chromophores within the skin using a light source, such as a laser. This technique is fundamental to laser treatments, allowing practitioners to focus energy on substances that absorb the light within the skin, such as melanin in hair follicles or hemoglobin in blood vessels. By delivering energy specifically to these targets, it's possible to achieve desired therapeutic effects, such as hair removal or the reduction of vascular lesions, without damaging the surrounding tissues.

This precise targeting minimizes unwanted side effects and enhances treatment efficacy because it focuses energy where it's needed most. The importance of doing so lies in the different absorption profiles of various chromophores, which allows for selective treatment tailored to the specific problem being addressed.