The word photothermolysis comes from three Greek root words --
"photo" meaning light, "thermo" meaning heat, and "lysis"
meaning destruction. Selective photothermolysis therefore refers
to the precise targeting of a structure or tissue using a
specific wavelength of light with the intention of absorbing
light into that target area alone. The energy directed into the
target area produces sufficient heat to damage the target while
allowing the surrounding area to remain relatively untouched. In
the world of plastic surgery, this term is applied to treatment
of the skin with lasers. The “target” of this type of laser is
determined by its color. For instance, when selective
photothermolysis is used in laser tattoo removal, the laser
targets specific colors. Therefore, different lasers (or
different settings on the same laser) are used to break up
different colors of ink. This explains why a pale-skinned
patient with a black tattoo will usually get the best and
fastest results. The laser attacks the dark ink and l