During laser hair removal, what is the purpose of fluence?

Fluence refers to the amount of energy delivered per unit area during laser hair removal treatments. It is typically measured in joules per square centimeter (J/cm²). The purpose of fluence is to control energy delivery levels to ensure that the laser effectively targets the hair follicles without damaging the surrounding skin.

By adjusting the fluence, practitioners can tailor the treatment to the specific needs of the patient, accounting for factors such as hair color, hair thickness, and individual pain tolerance. This precision helps to maximize treatment efficacy while minimizing potential side effects. Proper fluence settings are crucial because insufficient energy may not effectively destroy the hair follicles, while too much energy could lead to skin burns or other adverse reactions.

Other factors such as hair texture, skin tone, and pulse duration do play a role in the overall laser hair removal process, but they are not the primary purpose of fluence. Instead, fluence specifically focuses on controlling the energy output to achieve the desired results safely and efficiently.