The choice of marking pen is a critical safety protocol, not a preference. You must use a red marking pen because the 810nm wavelength used in diode lasers absorbs poorly into red pigment. Darker inks, like black or blue, absorb this energy rapidly, causing the ink to heat up and burn the skin surface.
Laser safety relies on selective absorption. By using red ink, you ensure the laser energy bypasses your guide lines and focuses solely on the hair follicle, preventing accidental surface burns.
The Mechanics of Laser Absorption
To understand why ink color matters, you must understand how the diode laser identifies its target.
Targeting Melanin, Not Ink
Diode lasers (specifically the 810nm wavelength) are engineered to seek out dark pigment, known as melanin. The laser delivers intense heat to the hair follicle based on this color contrast against the skin.
The Risk of "Artificial Chromophores"
A dark line drawn on the skin acts as an artificial target, or chromophore. As the device scans over a black or blue line, it dumps energy into the ink just as it would a hair follicle.
Why Red is the Safe Standard
Red pigment falls outside the primary absorption spectrum of the 810nm diode laser. Instead of absorbing the energy, the red ink allows the laser to pass over the markings without generating significant heat.
Risks of Improper Marking
While the solution is simple, the consequences of ignoring this protocol are severe.
Thermal Injury and Tracking
Using a dark pen results in linear burns that trace the exact pattern of your grid. This phenomenon, known as "tracking," causes immediate pain and can lead to blistering along the drawn lines.
Disrupted Workflow
If a practitioner realizes they have used a dark pen after starting, the treatment must be halted immediately. The ink must be thoroughly removed before the laser can safely pass over that area again, wasting valuable clinical time.
Ensuring Clinical Safety
Your goal is to map the treatment area without creating new hazards.
- If your primary focus is Patient Safety: Strictly use red marking pens to ensure the laser energy ignores your guide lines and targets only the hair.
- If your primary focus is Treatment Speed: Use the correct ink color to allow for continuous scanning without stopping to manage unexpected surface heat or pain.
Adhering to this simple protocol ensures that your grid lines remain a helpful guide rather than a source of injury.
Summary Table:
| Feature | Red Marking Pen | Dark Marking Pen (Black/Blue) |
|---|---|---|
| 810nm Absorption | Poor / Minimal | High / Rapid |
| Safety Profile | High: Bypasses ink to target follicle | Low: Creates artificial chromophores |
| Skin Impact | No heat generation on surface | Causes linear burns and "tracking" |
| Clinical Efficiency | Allows continuous scanning | Requires treatment halt for ink removal |
| Recommended Use | Mandatory for treatment planning | Strictly prohibited for laser areas |
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References
- Ivani Greppi. Diode laser hair removal of the black patient. DOI: 10.1002/lsm.1031
This article is also based on technical information from Belislaser Knowledge Base .
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