What process is used to destroy a target without damaging the surrounding tissue in laser treatments?

Selective photothermolysis is the process that precisely targets specific tissues while minimizing damage to the surrounding areas. This technique utilizes specific wavelengths of light that are well absorbed by the target tissue, such as hair follicles or pigmented lesions, while being minimally absorbed by the adjacent healthy tissues.

The term "selective" refers to the ability to choose a target based on its unique optical properties. "Photothermolysis" combines 'photo', relating to light, and 'thermolysis', relating to heat destruction. The laser energy is delivered in a way that selectively raises the temperature of the target tissue to a point where it is destroyed, such as through coagulation or vaporization, without significantly affecting the neighboring skin.

In contrast, thermal ablation destroys tissue through a broader application of heat, which can affect surrounding areas more than selective photothermolysis. Photomechanical disruption involves the use of rapid pressure waves to break apart tissues, which is less targeted than selective photothermolysis. Cryotherapy employs extreme cold to destroy tissue, but it does not involve laser technology or the precision associated with selective photothermolysis.