What is “tissue cooling,” and why is it important?

Tissue cooling refers to the method of lowering the temperature of the skin and surrounding tissues during laser procedures. This process is crucial because it serves to protect the adjacent non-target tissues from heat damage while the laser energy is being applied to the treatment area. When lasers are used, they generate heat that can inadvertently affect surrounding tissues, potentially leading to burns or other injuries. By implementing a cooling mechanism—such as cold air, gel, or specialized cooling devices—practitioners can minimize the risk of such thermal injuries, making the treatment safer and more effective.

Ensuring that the surrounding tissue remains at a safe temperature helps to maintain patient comfort, reduce side effects, and promote faster recovery times, which is essential in a clinical setting. Thus, the primary objective of tissue cooling is to safeguard healthy tissues, allowing the treatment to be focused on the intended target without causing collateral damage.