Which factor also influences the depth of penetration of a laser?

The depth of penetration of a laser is significantly influenced by the spot size or handpiece size. When using a laser for therapeutic or cosmetic purposes, the area over which the laser light is delivered plays a crucial role in how effectively the energy penetrates the skin or tissue.

A larger spot size allows for a more extensive area to absorb the laser energy, which can lead to a more uniform treatment but may also dilute the energy density across a larger area, potentially reducing effectiveness compared to a smaller spot size. Conversely, a smaller spot size concentrates the energy in a tighter area, leading to a higher energy density, which can penetrate deeper within the tissue.

Understanding how spot size affects penetration helps practitioners optimize their laser treatments according to the specific goals, whether it's targeting deeper tissues or achieving broader skin surface effects. This factor is critical in treatment planning as it allows for tailoring the approach based on the desired depth of tissue interaction.