What would most likely happen if pulse duration is too long during a laser procedure?

When the pulse duration during a laser procedure is too long, it increases the likelihood of causing unintended damage to surrounding tissues. This occurs because extended pulse durations allow more thermal energy to be absorbed not only by the target tissue but also by the adjacent areas. The longer the duration of the pulse, the more heat is generated in the surrounding tissues, potentially leading to burns, scars, or adverse healing responses.

Effective laser treatments rely on carefully controlled pulse durations to ensure that energy is concentrated in the target area while minimizing exposure to surrounding tissues. This principle underlies the importance of optimal pulse duration in laser procedures, which aims to maximize treatment benefits while mitigating risks.