Which method is commonly used in laser treatments to prevent thermal injury to surrounding tissues?

Photothermolysis is the correct method commonly utilized in laser treatments to minimize thermal injury to the surrounding tissues. This technique involves the selective absorption of light by specific target tissues, such as hair follicles or pigmented lesions, while allowing the surrounding tissues to remain relatively unharmed due to their different absorption characteristics.

In photothermolysis, the laser energy is precisely targeted to achieve sufficient thermal damage to the intended area without excessively heating the adjacent tissues. This selectivity is crucial in preventing unwanted side effects and promoting safety in laser procedures. By absorbing the laser energy efficiently, the target tissues undergo a rapid thermal effect that facilitates the desired outcome, while the nearby tissues are protected from excessive heat and injury.

Other methods listed, while they may play roles in specific contexts, do not focus specifically on the principle of selective targeting that photothermolysis embodies, making this option the most relevant and effective choice for preventing thermal injury during laser treatments.