What does pulse duration refer to in laser hair removal?

Pulse duration refers to the length of time that the laser beam is applied to the tissue during a laser hair removal procedure. This parameter is crucial because it affects how effectively the laser can target and damage the hair follicle without causing harm to the surrounding skin. Longer pulse durations may be more effective for larger hair follicles, while shorter pulse durations can be better for finer hair. The specific pulse duration used can also impact the thermal relaxation time of the tissue, which is the time it takes for the tissue to cool down after being heated by the laser. Understanding and optimizing pulse duration is essential for achieving effective results while minimizing side effects.