Which laser type has been noted for having the highest tissue penetration?

The Nd:YAG laser and certain diode lasers are recognized for their ability to achieve the highest tissue penetration among various laser types. This is primarily due to the longer wavelength of Nd:YAG lasers, typically around 1064 nm, which allows them to penetrate deeper into the tissue compared to other lasers that operate at shorter wavelengths. This deeper penetration is advantageous for procedures requiring access to deeper tissues, such as in certain surgical applications and treatment of vascular lesions.

In contrast, the Erbium laser operates at much shorter wavelengths (around 2940 nm), which primarily targets the water in tissues and is generally used for superficial ablation and skin resurfacing. The CO2 laser also has a longer wavelength (10,600 nm) but is absorbed more readily by water, limiting its penetration depth compared to Nd:YAG. While both Erbium and CO2 lasers serve essential roles in cosmetic and medical applications, they do not achieve the same depth of tissue penetration as Nd:YAG lasers.

Thus, the correct identification of the Nd:YAG and certain diode lasers emphasizes their significant capability for deep tissue penetration, making them suitable for a range of clinical treatments that require interaction with deeper layers, contrasting the capabilities of Erbium and CO2 lasers.