Laser Modalities & Applications Flashcards
7 cards from real CLT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Laser Modalities & Applications flashcards as text
Which laser wavelength is most selectively absorbed by oxyhemoglobin, making it ideal for treating vascular lesions?
Answer: 532 nm KTP
The 532 nm KTP laser targets oxyhemoglobin's absorption peak, making it highly effective for superficial vascular lesions such as telangiectasias.
A Fitzpatrick skin type V patient requires laser hair removal. Which device minimizes the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation?
Answer: 1064 nm Nd:YAG
The 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser penetrates deeper with less epidermal melanin absorption, making it the safest choice for darker skin types.
What is the primary chromophore targeted by the 2940 nm Er:YAG laser?
Answer: Water
The 2940 nm wavelength coincides with water's peak absorption, causing precise tissue ablation used in skin resurfacing procedures.
Pulsed dye laser (PDL) at 585–595 nm is the gold standard for treating which condition?
Answer: Port wine stains
PDL specifically targets oxyhemoglobin in dilated blood vessels, making it the most effective treatment for port wine stain birthmarks.
Which laser type uses a solid-state crystal medium doped with neodymium ions to produce its output?
Answer: Nd:YAG laser
The Nd:YAG laser uses a neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet crystal as its gain medium, producing 1064 nm radiation.
Fractional laser resurfacing differs from traditional ablative resurfacing primarily because it:
Answer: Creates microscopic treatment zones sparing surrounding tissue
Fractional lasers create columns of treated tissue (microthermal zones) surrounded by untreated skin, enabling faster healing with reduced downtime.
A 1320 nm Nd:YAG laser used for non-ablative skin rejuvenation primarily targets which dermal component?
Answer: Water in the dermis to stimulate collagen
The 1320 nm wavelength selectively heats dermal water, creating controlled thermal injury that stimulates neocollagenesis without ablating the epidermis.