What does the term "chromophore" refer to in laser treatments?

In the context of laser treatments, "chromophore" refers to the part of a molecule that absorbs light. This is crucial because different chromophores absorb light at different wavelengths; for instance, hemoglobin in blood absorbs light in the blue and green spectrum, while melanin absorbs light across a range of wavelengths. When a laser is applied to the skin, the energy from the laser interacts with the chromophores in the target tissues, resulting in effects such as heat generation, which can be used for therapeutic or cosmetic purposes.

Understanding the role of chromophores helps practitioners select the appropriate wavelength of laser light to effectively target the desired tissue type. For instance, if the goal is to treat vascular lesions, a laser that targets hemoglobin chromophores would be selected. By focusing on the chromophore, practitioners can optimize treatments to achieve the best outcomes for their clients.