What must be minimized to ensure safety when using lasers that target Oxyhemoglobin and Melanin?

To ensure safety when using lasers that target oxyhemoglobin and melanin, it is crucial to minimize the energy output delivered by the laser. This is because excessive energy can result in unwanted thermal damage to surrounding tissues, leading to burns or other injuries.

When the energy output is controlled, the laser can effectively target the specific chromophores (oxyhemoglobin in blood vessels and melanin in the skin) without exceeding the thresholds that might cause collateral damage. This principle aligns with the therapeutic window concept, where sufficient energy is needed to achieve the desired effect, while also being low enough to maintain the safety of adjacent tissues.

In this context, pulse duration, spot size, and cooling time are essential factors to consider, but they are not the primary safety concerns related to direct energy delivery that affects thermal effects on skin and other tissues. Proper energy management is key to achieving effective treatment outcomes while maintaining patient safety.