How can a patient’s skin type impact laser treatment?

The skin type of a patient significantly impacts laser treatment due to the varying energy absorption characteristics of different skin types. This absorption is influenced by the amount of melanin present in the skin. For example, individuals with darker skin have higher levels of melanin, which can absorb more laser energy. This means that an appropriate laser wavelength must be selected to ensure effective treatment while minimizing the risk of damage to the skin.

Understanding these energy absorption characteristics is crucial because if the laser's wavelength does not match the skin’s absorption profile, it could lead to ineffective treatment or increased risk of side effects, such as burns or hyperpigmentation. Hence, tailoring the laser parameters to the patient’s skin type is essential for achieving safe and effective results in laser therapy.