What effect does a longer laser pulse duration generally have on treatment?

A longer laser pulse duration allows for greater precision in targeting tissues because it enables the laser energy to be delivered more gradually and with controlled timing. This extended duration means that the tissue can absorb the energy over a longer period, which can help in minimizing damage to surrounding areas and enhancing the accuracy of the treatment. The heat generated is distributed over a longer time frame, which can be beneficial for applications that require precision, such as in the treatment of specific skin conditions or in surgical procedures where minimal collateral damage is desired.

While longer pulse durations can reduce the concentration of energy delivered over a short time, making treatments feel less aggressive and lowering the risk of thermal injury to adjacent tissues, they do not inherently deliver less heat than shorter pulses in all contexts. Instead, the modulation of pulse duration in laser treatments must be carefully calibrated to balance effectiveness with safety. This specific advantage of greater precision is crucial in medical and cosmetic laser applications, making it the best choice in this context.