Selective photothermolysis

The energy of the optical radiation is absorbed as specifically as possible by certain molecules (chromophores) in the respective target structures. The chromophores release the absorbed energy to the surrounding tissue in the form of heat. Local heating leads to destruction or functional impairment of the target structures.

Selective photothermolysis is used, among other things, for permanent hair removal (epilation) with lasers or IPL systems or the removal of tattoos and altered blood vessels. In epilation, the chromophore is the pigment melanin in the hair. In tattoos, the colour particles of the tattoo ink act as chromophores. In the removal of vascular lesions (e.g. spider veins), it is the blood pigment haemoglobin.