What can result from too long of a pulse duration during laser treatment?

In laser treatments, particularly for hair removal, the pulse duration is a critical factor. When the pulse duration is too long, it allows for excessive energy delivery to the skin. As a result, this can lead to overheating of the surrounding tissues, which may damage the hair follicle's ability to be effectively treated. In some cases, the prolonged exposure can cause adverse effects, such as burns or skin discoloration, and ultimately render the treatment ineffective.

An optimal pulse duration is necessary to ensure that the energy targets the hair follicle efficiently while minimizing damage to the surrounding tissues. If the pulse lasts too long, it surpasses the effective thermal relaxation time of the follicle, causing energy to dissipate and reducing the effectiveness of the laser treatment. This understanding highlights the importance of precisely calibrating treatment parameters to achieve desired outcomes effectively.