SELECTIVE PHOTOTHERMOLYSIS

Définition

When the light ray reaches the skin, a part of it penetrates the surface layers. It may then be absorbed by skin chromophores. When absorbed, it is transformed into heat. Selective photothermolysis is the specific action of heat resulting from light aimed at a specific target.

Targets

The main skin chromophores are melanin, haemoglobin and water. Each chromophore has a different absorption capacity depending on wavelengths used. Perfect wavelength selection is essential for selectively reaching a precise target.

Parameters

In addition to selecting wavelengths, exposure time and fluence (energy per cm²) are two important parameters which it is essential to be able to vary independently if satisfactory results are to be obtained.