ANATOMY
This is the outermost layer of the skin and acts as the body’s first line of defense.
What is the epidermis?
This type of radiation, used in cosmetic lasers, is considered safe because it doesn’t damage DNA.
What is non-ionizing radiation?
This term refers to the distance between two peaks in a wave and is measured in nanometers.
What is wavelength?
Unlike lasers, this treatment modality uses electrical current rather than light to heat tissue.
What is radio frequency (RF)?
A laser pulse lasting one billionth of a second is known by this term.
What is a nanosecond?
For laser hair removal to be effective, the hair must be in this active growth stage.
What is the anagen phase?
These wavelengths are stronger and more energetic, but don’t travel deeply into the skin.
What are short wavelengths?
This laser parameter describes the surface area of energy applied to the skin and is often measured in mm.
What is spot size?
This method of fat reduction uses freezing temperatures to destroy subcutaneous fat cells non-invasively.
What is cryolipolysis?
This optical device inside a laser cavity releases energy in extremely short, high-powered bursts.
What is a Q-switch?
Found in the basal layer of the epidermis, these cells are responsible for producing melanin.
What are melanocytes?
This part of the laser system surrounds the active medium and includes mirrors that amplify light.
What is the optical resonator?
This process occurs when laser energy is absorbed by the chromophore, converted to heat, and damages the target.
What is selective photothermolysis?
This term describes the skin's natural resistance to electrical current, which converts RF energy into heat.
What is impedance?
Fractional lasers deliver energy in these tiny columns, allowing faster healing and less downtime.
What are microthermal zones (MTZs)?
This protein found in the dermis is crucial for wound healing and gives skin its strength.
What is collagen?
This is the desired laser-tissue interaction, where energy is taken in by the target.
What is absorption?
This term refers to the amount of time it takes for a target to lose at least 50% of its heat to surrounding tissues.
What is thermal relaxation time (TRT)?
This type of RF is not typically used on the skin due to the aggressiveness, used in surgery to cauterize tissue.
What is monopolar RF?
This wavelength is best for starting tattoo removal treatments because it penetrates deeply and works on most ink colors.
What is 1064 nm?
In this layer of the epidermis, cells begin to flatten and lose their nuclei and organelles.
What is the stratum granulosum?
This term describes how photons in a laser beam travel in a synchronized wave pattern, maintaining equal distance between energy peaks.
What is coherence?
The setting used to intensify the laser pulse without adding any heat.
What is pulse duration (ms)?
To achieve optimal skin tightening with RF, the target tissue must be held at this temperature range for approximately 15 minutes.
What is 42–45°C?
This ink color carries a high risk of allergic reactions and granuloma formation during tattoo removal.
What is red ink tattoos?