Technical Glossary

The principle that allows lasers to target specific chromophores (like melanin or hemoglobin) while sparing surrounding tissue by using appropriate wavelength and pulse duration.

A molecule or part of a molecule that absorbs light at specific wavelengths. In aesthetic treatments, common chromophores include melanin, hemoglobin, and water.

The distance between successive peaks of a wave, measured in nanometers (nm). Different wavelengths target different chromophores and penetrate to different depths.

The length of time a laser pulse lasts, measured in milliseconds (ms) or nanoseconds (ns). Must be shorter than the thermal relaxation time of the target.

The time required for a target to cool by 50% after heating. This determines the optimal pulse duration for selective photothermolysis.

The energy delivered per unit area, measured in Joules per square centimeter (J/cm²). Determines the intensity of the laser treatment.

The diameter of the laser beam at the skin surface. Larger spot sizes allow deeper penetration and more efficient energy delivery.

A non-laser light source that emits a broad spectrum of wavelengths. Less precise than lasers but can treat multiple chromophores simultaneously.

A laser that treats only a fraction of the skin surface, leaving untreated areas to promote faster healing and reduce side effects.

A non-invasive fat reduction technique that uses controlled cooling to selectively destroy fat cells without damaging surrounding tissue.

Electromagnetic energy that heats tissue through electrical resistance, used for skin tightening and body contouring treatments.

A non-invasive body contouring technique that uses low-frequency ultrasound to break down fat cells through acoustic cavitation.

The pigment that gives color to skin, hair, and eyes. The primary target for laser hair removal and pigmentation treatments.

The protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. The target chromophore for vascular lesion treatments.

The outermost layer of skin. Laser treatments must penetrate this layer to reach deeper targets.

The middle layer of skin containing collagen, elastin, and blood vessels. Target for skin rejuvenation treatments.

The deepest layer of skin containing fat cells. Target for body contouring treatments.

A classification system (I-VI) based on skin color and response to UV exposure, used to determine safe laser parameters.

A device that cools the skin before, during, or after laser treatment to minimize pain and protect the epidermis.

Heat-induced injury to tissue. Proper laser parameters minimize unwanted thermal damage to surrounding tissue.