Which biological effect is most commonly used in soft tissue procedures?

The most commonly used biological effect in soft tissue procedures is photothermal interactions. This mechanism involves the absorption of light energy by tissue, which leads to a rise in temperature. As the temperature increases, it causes the tissue to coagulate, vaporize, or undergo thermal necrosis, depending on the energy level used.

In the context of soft tissue procedures, this effect is specifically beneficial for incision, coagulation, and tissue removal, as it allows for precise control over the thermal energy delivered to the tissue. This precision minimizes damage to surrounding areas, which is crucial for many surgical interventions, particularly in sensitive regions such as those found in cosmetic or dental applications.

Other interactions, such as photochemical and photodisruptive, also play roles in laser-tissue interactions, but they are less commonly employed in routine soft tissue procedures. Photochemical interactions involve changes at the molecular level and are more pertinent in situations like drug activation or specific biological targets. Photodisruptive interactions are related to very high-energy laser applications, often used in retinal procedures, where rapid decompression and bubbling occur leading to tissue disruption, which is not typically needed in soft tissue work. Fluorescent interactions, while relevant in some diagnostic applications, do not actively contribute to tissue alteration