In this episode, Mike and Lisa dive into the concept of fluence, a critical factor in laser treatments. They explain fluence as the concentration of energy delivered to the skin, emphasising its importance in achieving successful results for various procedures like hair removal, tattoo removal, and treating blood vessels. They also cover related terms such as pulse width and wavelength, using relatable analogies to simplify complex physics concepts.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Fluence refers to the concentration of energy delivered to the skin during laser treatments, measured in joules per square centimetre. It is crucial for achieving effective results in procedures targeting hair follicles, blood vessels, and pigmentation.

• There are minimum and maximum thresholds for fluence. If the fluence is below the minimum, little to no effect will occur. Conversely, exceeding the maximum fluence can cause unwanted damage to surrounding skin tissues.

• Pulse width (or pulse duration) is the length of time that energy is delivered to the skin. It does not directly correlate with the reaction time of the tissues, as the actual processing within the tissues can last longer than the pulse width itself.

• Wavelength indicates the colour of the light used in treatments, measured in nanometers. Precise measurements allow for clear communication about specific colours and their applications in laser technology.

• Useful penetration depth combines the wavelength with fluence. It is essential for ensuring that the energy reaches the target area effectively and retains enough fluence to produce the desired therapeutic effect, especially in treatments like tattoo removal.

BEST MOMENTS

"Fluence is basically your make or break for any of these treatments that we are doing. To me, fluence is king. That's the main driver of pretty much all these reactions."

"If you, the pulse width is basically like the little bus that brings the fluence. No, it's the bus journey. It's the duration of the bus journey."

"The pulse width is just a technical thing designed into the laser, but it doesn't actually translate into the cooking or the denaturation process, the chemical processes within the tissues."

"You could say, well, the penetration depth of that is three, four, five millimetres, but it's not going to do anything."

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ABOUT THE HOSTS

Mike began his career in medical lasers in 1986 with a physics degree and a post-grad in bioengineering. He helped develop the scar-free removal of tattoos using a Q-Switched Ruby Laser in Glasgow, and the world's first IPL system. Known well in the industry for his hard truths, no BS attitude and logical answers. As the author of three books, articles for medical journals, a well read blog, a Laser Protection Advisor and contributor to the BMLA, Mike is the Laser Guru.

Lisa's claim to laser fame is being Mike's daughter. Growing up with lasers and never avoiding a physics lesson from her Dad, it was natural to enter the industry. Leaving a corporate career with a baby to jump into self employed life came with challenges. Despite that Lisa has been well recognised for her teaching style, practical tips, bringing the compassion to the science, and laser mentoring.

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https://mikemurphyblog.com

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