To treat patients with dark skin effectively using Nd:YAG laser, which characteristics are preferred?

The preferred characteristics for effectively treating patients with dark skin using the Nd:YAG laser are longer wavelengths and longer pulse widths. This is primarily because darker skin contains more melanin, which can absorb laser energy at shorter wavelengths, potentially leading to skin damage or adverse effects.

Longer wavelengths, like those produced by the Nd:YAG laser, penetrate deeper into the skin while being less absorbed by melanin. This allows the laser energy to target deeper structures, such as hair follicles or vascular lesions, while minimizing the risk of damaging the superficial layers of skin.

Additionally, longer pulse widths help in providing a more controlled and gradual delivery of energy to the target tissues. This extended duration allows for better thermal relaxation time, reducing the chance of overheating surrounding tissues and facilitating a safer treatment for individuals with higher melanin content in their skin.

In summary, these characteristics of longer wavelengths and longer pulse widths are essential for effective and safe treatment outcomes in patients with darker skin tones, ensuring that the laser can be utilized effectively without causing significant adverse reactions.