Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of absorption in laser treatment?
What is the primary function of absorption in laser treatment?
What is the effect of larger spot sizes in laser treatments?
What is the effect of larger spot sizes in laser treatments?
Which wavelength absorption is responsible for damaging artificial melanin in tattoos?
Which wavelength absorption is responsible for damaging artificial melanin in tattoos?
Which ANSI standard pertains to the safe use of lasers in healthcare?
Which ANSI standard pertains to the safe use of lasers in healthcare?
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Which of the following is a characteristic of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)?
Which of the following is a characteristic of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)?
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What is a crucial precaution when working with laser systems to protect eye safety?
What is a crucial precaution when working with laser systems to protect eye safety?
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What is a key safety guideline cited by OSHA for laser use?
What is a key safety guideline cited by OSHA for laser use?
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What is the purpose of wavelengths that target Water in laser treatments?
What is the purpose of wavelengths that target Water in laser treatments?
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What does pulsewidth refer to in the context of aesthetic laser treatments?
What does pulsewidth refer to in the context of aesthetic laser treatments?
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What does the term 'Selective Photothermolysis' imply?
What does the term 'Selective Photothermolysis' imply?
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Which range of wavelengths is considered non-ionizing radiation in the electromagnetic spectrum?
Which range of wavelengths is considered non-ionizing radiation in the electromagnetic spectrum?
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Why are shorter wavelengths more hazardous for darker skin during laser treatments?
Why are shorter wavelengths more hazardous for darker skin during laser treatments?
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What is the consequence of using ionizing radiation in aesthetic laser treatments?
What is the consequence of using ionizing radiation in aesthetic laser treatments?
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What does the acronym LASER stand for?
What does the acronym LASER stand for?
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What determines the depth of penetration in laser treatment?
What determines the depth of penetration in laser treatment?
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Which component is NOT a basic part of a laser system?
Which component is NOT a basic part of a laser system?
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What type of laser wavelength does the Alexandrite laser operate at?
What type of laser wavelength does the Alexandrite laser operate at?
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What is indicated by the terms 'high frequency' and 'short wavelength' in the electromagnetic spectrum?
What is indicated by the terms 'high frequency' and 'short wavelength' in the electromagnetic spectrum?
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Which component is not part of the definition of 'Selective Photothermolysis'?
Which component is not part of the definition of 'Selective Photothermolysis'?
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What is the primary energy source that creates the wavelength in a laser?
What is the primary energy source that creates the wavelength in a laser?
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Who developed the theory of Selective Photothermolysis?
Who developed the theory of Selective Photothermolysis?
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What describes the generation of extremely high intensity energy in a laser?
What describes the generation of extremely high intensity energy in a laser?
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Which type of laser medium is a Pulsed Dye Laser classified as?
Which type of laser medium is a Pulsed Dye Laser classified as?
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What fundamental aspect of light does all laser light differ from compared to other light on Earth?
What fundamental aspect of light does all laser light differ from compared to other light on Earth?
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What characterizes the light produced by lasers?
What characterizes the light produced by lasers?
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Which property is NOT associated with Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)?
Which property is NOT associated with Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)?
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What is the wavelength range for the Icon/Max R IPL device used for hair removal?
What is the wavelength range for the Icon/Max R IPL device used for hair removal?
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Which laser type is used for tattoo removal and skin rejuvenation?
Which laser type is used for tattoo removal and skin rejuvenation?
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What aspect of IPL devices makes them appear similar to natural light?
What aspect of IPL devices makes them appear similar to natural light?
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Which Cynosure device targets vascular, pigment, and photo facial treatments?
Which Cynosure device targets vascular, pigment, and photo facial treatments?
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What wavelength range is used by the Picosure device for tattoo removal?
What wavelength range is used by the Picosure device for tattoo removal?
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Which of the following is NOT a type of laser associated with Cynosure?
Which of the following is NOT a type of laser associated with Cynosure?
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Which Fitzpatrick skin type can use the Elite Nd:YAG laser for treatments?
Which Fitzpatrick skin type can use the Elite Nd:YAG laser for treatments?
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What property describes the non-focused nature of IPL light?
What property describes the non-focused nature of IPL light?
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What does pulse duration (PW) refer to in laser treatments?
What does pulse duration (PW) refer to in laser treatments?
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How is energy fluence defined in laser treatments?
How is energy fluence defined in laser treatments?
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What will happen if the laser beam is reduced to a smaller spot size?
What will happen if the laser beam is reduced to a smaller spot size?
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Which of the following best describes the relationship between fluence and joules?
Which of the following best describes the relationship between fluence and joules?
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Which factor is NOT used in determining the fluence delivered to tissue?
Which factor is NOT used in determining the fluence delivered to tissue?
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What is the effect of utilizing a shorter pulse duration in laser applications?
What is the effect of utilizing a shorter pulse duration in laser applications?
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What unit is used to measure power in laser output terminology?
What unit is used to measure power in laser output terminology?
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Which of the following statements is true regarding photomechanical effects?
Which of the following statements is true regarding photomechanical effects?
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What precaution should be taken when operating a laser handpiece?
What precaution should be taken when operating a laser handpiece?
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What is the primary reason for controlling access to the laser area?
What is the primary reason for controlling access to the laser area?
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Which of the following is NOT considered a control measure for laser safety?
Which of the following is NOT considered a control measure for laser safety?
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What should be done if there are reflective surfaces in the laser area?
What should be done if there are reflective surfaces in the laser area?
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What should be indicated by the laser warning sign?
What should be indicated by the laser warning sign?
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Which situation might lead to unanticipated eye or skin exposure during laser operation?
Which situation might lead to unanticipated eye or skin exposure during laser operation?
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What is the recommended method for aiming a laser beam?
What is the recommended method for aiming a laser beam?
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What is the basic safety rule when working with lasers?
What is the basic safety rule when working with lasers?
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Study Notes
Laser/Light Science & Safety
- Laser is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation
- Laser light in an apparatus is either invisible or visible
- Amplification increases energy to a certain intensity
- Stimulated Emission is the molecular process of amplifying light within a laser
- Radiation is a broader term used to describe emission throughout the electromagnetic spectrum
- Light is composed of packets of energy called photons
- All light on Earth (except laser light) is produced by spontaneous emission of photons
- In 1914, Albert Einstein proposed the theory of Stimulated Emission of Radiation
- Stimulated emission generates high-intensity energy through an atomic process that releases identical, unidirectional photons
Learning Objectives
- Laser Science Overview
- Understanding Selective Photothermolysis
- Lasers vs. IPL
- Laser/Light Tissue Interactions
- Laser and IPL Safety Guidelines
What is a Laser?
- Laser is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation
- Describes what laser light does in the apparatus before release
- Laser light can be invisible or visible
- Amplification increases energy to a specific intensity
- Stimulated emission is the molecular process of light amplification
- Radiation is a broader term for emissions throughout the electromagnetic spectrum
The Product of a Laser is LIGHT
- Light is made of energy packets called photons
- All earthly light except for laser light results from spontaneous emission of photons
- In 1914, Albert Einstein proposed the theory of Stimulated Emission of Radiation
- Stimulated emission generates extremely high-intensity energy through atomic processes, releasing identical, unidirectional photons
Lasers
- The product of a laser is light
- Laser gain medium, excitation energy, rear mirror, front mirror/output coupler are components of a laser
- Input energy, power supply, laser medium, cooling supply, delivery system are components of a laser
All Lasers have a Medium
- The medium of a laser is named after it and is the energy source that creates the wavelength
- Solid lasers (Alexandrite 755nm, Diode 800-950nm, 1064nm Nd:YAG, 2940nm Er:YAG) are solid substances
- Liquid lasers (Pulsed Dye Laser 585nm-595nm)
- Gas lasers (532nm KTP, 10,600nm CO2)
Understanding Selective Photothermolysis
- Selective photothermolysis (Anderson & Parrish, 1983) selectively absorbs light of a specific wavelength by the target chromophore
- Exposure (pulsewidth) is limited to less than the thermal relaxation time of the chromophore
- Sufficient fluence (energy) reaches the chromophore to cause the desired effect
- Selective: The procedure "selects" an abnormal area to treat, contrasting with the surrounding tissue.
- Photo: The laser emits light
- Thermo: The light generates heat.
- Lysis: Refers to the destruction of tissue.
- Selective photothermolysis uses light to heat and destroy tissue in a specific area of the body.
Electromagnetic Spectrum – Wavelengths
- Displays wavelengths for aesthetic lasers measured in nanometers
- Shows visible and invisible laser wavelengths
- Visible light wavelengths are those visible to the naked eye
- Shorter visible wavelengths are more hazardous to darker skin and produce more heat on the skin's surface
EMS: Electromagnetic Spectrum
- The diagram displays various wavelengths for aesthetic lasers, measured in nanometers.
- Nanometers are billionths of a meter
- The electromagnetic spectrum contains areas of laser wavelengths: visible and invisible
- Visible wavelengths are what the naked eye can see.
- Shorter visible wavelengths are more hazardous to darker skin and create more heat at the skin surface.
- The shorter the wavelength, the more dangerous it is for darker skin, and the more heat it produces on the skin's surface
Frequency & Wavelength
- Shows relationships between frequency, wavelength, and amplitude
- High frequency correlates with short wavelengths
- Low frequency correlates with long wavelengths
Wavelength Depth of Penetration with Comparable Spot Sizes Used
- Display wavelengths of various lasers, their depths of penetration in the skin, and comparable spot sizes
- Shows how spot size impacts laser penetration depth
Non-Ionizing VS Ionizing
- Non-ionizing radiation does not use ionizing radiation
- Ionizing radiation is less than 400nm, penetrates and enters DNA, RNA, and can cause cancer
- The medical aesthetic industry uses non-ionizing radiation (400nm to 10,600nm)
Understanding Pulsewidth
- Pulsewidth, Pulse Duration, and time in milliseconds are the same measurements
- Pulsewidth represents the length of time the laser or light is emitted
Characteristics of a Short Pulsewidth
- Delivers fluence/energy quickly
- Energy is absorbed more superficially
- More intense tissue reaction
- Less cooling time; used for smaller target treatment
Characteristics of a Long Pulsewidth
- Delivers fluence/energy over a longer period
- Energy penetrates deeper
- Allows for thermal relaxation time; used safely for skin types IV, V, VI; for larger deeper targets
- Requires more time to reach desired temperature
Short PW vs. Long PW - Simplified
- Short pulse (aggressive) compared to long pulse
Pulse Duration (Pulsewidth)
- Shows the relationship between pulse duration (millisecond and nanosecond to picosecond) and types of laser interactions
- Photothermal methods involve selective photothermolysis, thermal confinement, optimum heating, minimized collateral damage, laser parameters, wavelengths, and pulse duration less than relaxation time
- Photomechanical methods involve mechanical forces, target pressure, minimized collateral damage, laser parameters, wavelengths, and pulse duration consistent with acoustic propagation
Understanding Fluence
- Energy fluence is measured in joules (J) and determines the amount of laser energy delivered in a single pulse (measured in joules/cm²)
- Increases in fluence can be achieved by reducing the laser beam to a smaller spot size; however, this results in longer treatment times
- Effective treatment fluence decreases in smaller spot sizes
Understanding Fluence
- Heat and energy are measured as fluence or joules
- Fluence is adjusted based on the skin's clinical response to achieve desired results
- Joule represents the total energy emitted by a laser light
- Fluence is the energy over spot size (J/cm²)
Laser Output Terminology
- Power is measured in Watts
- Pulse duration is measured in seconds
- Energy is measured in joules
- Frequency is measured in Hertz
- Fluence is the amount of energy (J/cm²) applied to tissue per unit area
Lasers vs. Intense Pulsed Light
- Lasers produce a specific wavelength of light going in one direction, creating a single beam like a laser pointer
- IPL devices produce a wide range of wavelengths of light, producing a white flash, similar to a camera flash
Properties of a Laser
- Monochromatic, Coherent, Collimated
Properties of Pulsed Light
- Polychromatic, Incoherent/Divergent, Non-collimated/diffused
Lasers vs. Pulsed Light
- Displays a table contrasting properties of lasers and pulsed light - lasers - monochromatic, coherent, collimated - Pulsed light - polychromatic, incoherent/divergent, diffused
Cynosure Correlation to IPL Wavelengths
- Table showing Cynosure devices, IPL system types, purposes, wavelengths, and Fitzpatrick skin types
Cynosure Correlation to Laser Wavelengths
- Table showing Cynosure devices, laser system types, purposes, wavelengths, and Fitzpatrick skin types
Cynosure Correlation to Wavelengths
- Table showing Cynosure devices, laser types, purposes, wavelengths, and Fitzpatrick skin types
Lasers/Light Tissue Interactions
- When a laser or IPL is used on skin, reflection, absorption, transmission and scattering occur.
- Absorption is the most important factor, directly related to the target chromophore and the spot size of delivery
Understanding Spot Size
- Larger spot sizes are used for deeper penetration into larger targets
- Smaller spot sizes are used for shallower conditions and smaller targets
Large Spot Size = Better Penetration
- Illustrates how larger spot sizes permit deeper penetration
Target Chromophores
- Absorption coefficient graph showing how different chromophores absorb various wavelengths
- Shows how different chromophores absorb various wavelengths
Target Chromophores
- Wavelengths absorb blood; melanin triggers rapid cell proliferation; melanin in tattoos is targeted; melanin in hair is targeted for hair reduction; wavelengths targeting water heat tissues, stimulating collagen and elastin growth, reducing scars and wrinkles
Unique Clinical Targets (Chromophore)
- Table showing clinical applications, target chromophores, and corresponding effects.
Laser/IPL Safety Guidelines
- Discusses the safety regulations for laser and IPL use
Regulatory Agencies
- Lists ANSI standards (Z136.1-2014, Z136.3-2011, Z136.8-2012) and FDA/CDRH, and OSHA citations of ANSI standards for laser safety
Laser Systems at Cynosure
- Lists various laser systems used at Cynosure, along with their respective wavelengths
IPL Systems
- IPL is not laser light; it uses multiple wavelengths; 500-1200nm range; safety glasses are required
Eye Hazards
- Brightness and directionality contribute to risks
- Beam concentration on the retina is significantly higher (up to 100 times) than normal light.
- Wavelength of light determines the eye part at risk
- Beam may be invisible.
- Aversion response (blinking) does not protect from invisible lasers.
- Class 4 lasers can damage the eye in less time than blinking
- Cornea, lens, and retina are susceptible eye structures
Laser Eye Safety Precautions
- Always knock before entering a laser area, and control access
- Output from Nd lasers and other IR lasers is invisible to the human eye
- Treat laser beams like guns; point them toward the floor, never at people or windows
Avoiding Eye Injuries
- Never look directly into a handpiece
- Practice caution near the eyes
- Use caution near the eyes during procedures
- Keep equipment in standby mode, only turn on when ready to treat
- Never direct a beam upwards from horizontal (aim beam at the floor); treat laser like a gun
- Contain laser beam in designated areas; use suitable curtains, shields, a closed door, and proper warnings.
- Be aware of reflective surfaces and avoid beams/reflections
Root Causes of Eye/Skin Exposure Incidents
- Misaligned optics, lack of eye protection, insufficient beam control, use of improper beam direction
Everyone must have Eye Protection
- Required for all personnel in laser areas
CONTROL MEASURES
- Engineering controls: protective housing, interlocks, enclosed beam path, signage, remote interlock connector, and key control
- Administrative controls: standard operative procedures, training, signs and labels, areas defined by hazard
- Personal protective equipment (PPE): laser safety eyewear and protective clothing (when appropriate)
LASER WARNING SIGNS
- Sign indicates that lasers are in use and that safety eyewear is required to enter areas
Safety Summary
- During treatment, the practitioner must control the environment
- Everyone in the room should wear correct safety eyewear
- Use appropriate signage
Questions?
- Open-ended question for potential Q&A
Thank You!
- Closing statement
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Description
Test your knowledge on the principles of laser treatments, including absorption functions, safety standards, and key characteristics of technologies like IPL. This quiz covers essential safety guidelines and principles related to the use of lasers in aesthetics and healthcare.